Category: Footwear

Adidas Sprints to Barefoot Training Shoe for the Gym

While we hope not to see a bear market on Wall Street, the barefoot training shoe market is off and running. Adidas announced this week the launch of its new adipure Trainer, the first barefoot training shoe designed specifically for the gym. This shoe promotes pure and natural movement that can help strengthen muscles, build balance and promote dexterity.

“A lot of engineering went into making your foot a high performance machine,” said Mark Verstegen, founder of Athletes’ Performance. “To achieve your full potential during a workout, focus on how your foot interacts with the ground in the same way you think about how your hand interacts with a ball or a bat. Using your foot’s natural power and movement will help you strengthen muscles you never knew you had in your feet, lower legs and throughout your core.” Video after the jump

Nike Steps Out with Nerf Edition Shoes

In November Nike plans to introduce the Nike Zoom KDIV Nerf Edition as part of the Kevin Durant line of Nike shoes. When Nike says Nerf, it means it. The shoes are identifiable by the use of Hasbro’s Nerf brand iconic graphics and bright colors. Black is the backdrop for a blue instep with a bright orange swish and sole detail. Highlights of green in the sole and trim top the shoes off in an eye-catching package.

Continue reading Nike Steps Out with Nerf Edition Shoes

Adidas Takes to the On-Field Tracking

In the old days “track and field” use to mean the sport, but today data tracking allows for better training and conditioning on-field and on-court. Adidas has unveiled its new miCoach SPEED_CELL, the first device to capture information from motion in every direction and measures key performance metrics including speed, distance and time during practice and competition.

The device, which sits inside a specially designed cavity in the outsole of the shoe, can work with a range of sports including soccer, football, basketball, tennis and running, allowing users to monitor, evaluate and increase their performance.

“Understanding individual performance data is one of the best ways to improve your game,” said Mark Verstegen, founder and president of Athletes’ Performance. “For the first time, amateur athletes can have access to the performance tracking and analysis technology available to professional athletes.” Continue reading Adidas Takes to the On-Field Tracking

Nike Soccer Shoe Laser Strike

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Nike just released its Nike T90 Laser IV soccer shoe. The “football” shoe is 20 percent lighter than the previous version. It features a streamlined silhouette that provides enhanced fit and lets wearers feel the ball. The forefoot area has a newly configured adaptive shield design that works with the foot’s natural motion to boost performance. Constructed from high performance synthetic leather, the upper provides a soft and close-to-the-foot fit. On the sole, a new stud design enhances speed and movement, without added weight or pressure.

To coincide with the launch, Nike Football created the T90 Strike Counter on Facebook. This app allows users to log their goals, and recreate the action in a 3D image. Report the spot on the pitch from where a goal was scored; where in the goal the ball went, and what part of the boot (shoe) was struck the ball. The data render a 3D image that can be shared with friends. Participants can also check out the 3D image and input from pro football players.

Nike T90 Laswer IV Football Shoe Official Website

Nike Presses Old Model Shoes Back Into Service

A handful of Nike’s most popular shoes are about to come out of retirement. The classic Air Force 1, Dunk and Air Max 90 models will be in stores for the holidays. But they won’t entirely be like the original sneakers.

Nike will use a thermo-molding technique called Vac Tech to press the materials of the shoes into form rather than the traditional stitching. The thermo-molding technique is a vacuum compression method that forms all the layers of the shoe together without seams or stitching on the upper portions.

Advantages to the Vac Tech method are weight and durability. The pressed layers make the shoe stand up against wear. The lack of stitched layers means threads won’t fray and layers of material won’t start to pull apart. The compressed fabric also lends itself to a lighter shoe.

A single piece of material, or several layers molded seamlessly together, can also make a more comfortable shoe. No seams means no bumps in the construction to rub against spots on your foot to cause irritation and possibly blisters.

Nike Official Website
[Via: Fast Company Nike’s New Thermo-Molded Sneakers Are Like Sculptures for Your Feet]

Nike Mixes Tech with LeBron 9 Cannon Shoes

Nike’s LeBron line has a new shoe. The Lebron 9 Cannon design “focus on functionality without sacrificing style,” according to the company. Nike claims this basketball shoe is the first to combine its Flywire and Hyperfuse technology. While this may be a closer integration, previous shoes including a prototype shoe developed for Tiger Woods this past spring. This may, however, be the first commercially released pair of shoes from Nike using both technologies.

Continue reading Nike Mixes Tech with LeBron 9 Cannon Shoes

EA and adidas Originals Promote the Run

While many video games these days are getting gamers off the couch, one game will likely get gamers dashing to get a pair of athletic fashion shoes. The upcoming racing game Need for Speed The Run, which will arrive this November for the Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, PC, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo 3DS will feature the iconic adidas Superstar shoes. Additionally the adidas branded apparel which will be available at all adidas Originals stores across the United States. Continue reading EA and adidas Originals Promote the Run

Hands On: Flash Shopping Site The Clymb

While some of you don’t need an introduction to flash shopping sites, I think it’s required here. Over the past few years flash shopping sites have emerged to bring the “sample sale” experience to online shoppers. They generally focus on an area of luxury goods such as fashion, home goods and home décor. Shoppers generally have to subscribe to be granted entry to the site, and get email notifications listing the sales each day. These sales, like sample sales, are for a limited time of about two or three days, and the site might host three or 12 sales from different designers or manufacturers on any given day. Continue reading Hands On: Flash Shopping Site The Clymb

EasyTone and Reebok’s Shapely Settlement With FTC

Reebok has reached a settlement with the FTC told to be worth $25 million in customer refunds concerning its EasyTone and RunTone Shoes. The FTC charges Reebok “deceptively advertised ‘toning shoes,’ which it claimed would provide extra tone and strength to the leg and buttock muscles.” As part of the settlement agreement Reebok will pay $25 million. The funds will go toward consumer refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class action lawsuit. Continue reading EasyTone and Reebok’s Shapely Settlement With FTC

Fitness Journal: Footbalance Custom Fitting Inserts

Over the years, my feet have sent me to the store, doctor and chiropractor to seek relief. I’ve bought insole inserts off the shelf from running and sporting goods stores. I’ve also had custom inserts and orthotics made for my feet to address specific problems. While they help, I’ve resolved that what I really need is a new pair of feet.

Short of getting a new pair of feet – science and technology just haven’t caught up to me yet — I go for shoes that offer support and add extra support by way of custom orthotics or other inserts.

At Interbike 2011 last week I had the opportunity to get a personalized pair of insoles from Footbalance. The Finnish-based company makes it possible to get custom inserts from a store rather than the costly orthotics you get at the doctor. A quick evaluation is all you need.

Video after the jump

Continue reading Fitness Journal: Footbalance Custom Fitting Inserts

Interbike 2011: Footbalance not Footloose

Kick off your Sunday shoes, it’s time to get footloose… but loose shoes or those with poor support and cushioning might make many an athlete feel like sitting it out rather than getting loose and active. However, Footbalance, an innovator in custom footbed technology is introducing its Performance model footbed at this week’s Interbike show in Las Vegas.

The device offers a thin support with a minimalistic feel for activities where speed and performance are crucial. The footbed is an insert that is ideal for tight, low volume or performance footwear such as cycling shoes, racing flats, soccer cleats and running spikes. It is made of D-200 silver ion, high abrasion, moisture wicking and anti-microbial material that also offers 100 percent custom-molded arch support, heel cup and cushioning. Continue reading Interbike 2011: Footbalance not Footloose

Interbike 2011: Darn Tough Vermont Heads to Vegas

From Vermont to Vegas, with the heat, the casinos and the sights we hope that the team from New England survives this week, but as their name suggests they aren’t just tough. In fact, they’re Darn Tough Vermont, and this is the company that offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee that means “no time limits, no restrictions, no tiny type.”

The company is making this its Interbike debut, and showing its Vermont-made, lifetime-guaranteed Merino wool and Coolmax socks. The company takes part in providing the highest density knitting (1441 stitches per square inch), and that is paired with fine-gauge Merino wool yarn (21.5 micron) to create a sock that “simply refuses to quit.”

The company doesn’t quit on its friends either. Last week, in response to the devastation that has affected Vermont communities in the wake of Hurricane Irene, which included Darn Tough Vermont’s own hometown of Northfield, the company pledged to make an initial donation of 2,000 pairs of socks to those in need across the state.

“Everyone is giving what they can during this challenging time for our state,” said Ric Cabot, owner of Darn Tough Vermont. “While food and water take precedent, a new pair of socks can go a long way for a family who has lost many necessities, or for someone who is standing all day in damp, humid conditions trying to rebuild their community. I know it’s just socks, but it’s what we do.”

This isn’t only darn tough, but it is a darn nice thing to do!

Darn Tough Vermont Official Website

Puretoes Leaves Digits Free for Activities

Participating in an exercise class barefoot is not always appealing. The floors are grimy. Your feet might not give you the traction you need, particularly if the room is cold. You may just feel more comfortable with your feet covered. That said, socks and other footwear are not compatible with disciplines such as yoga, palates, dance and some forms of martial arts. In these disciplines traction and balance are essential.

In steps Puretoes. These are foot coverings – Puretoes doesn’t identify itself as socks – with a grippy material on the sole and stops at the toes. The combination of the free toes and the grippy coating on the ball of the foot and the heel make it possible to do many poses and combinations called for in several disciplines. There are separate holes for the big toe and the rest of the toes, which helps keep the foot covering firmly on your foot. You still have the ability to spread your toes to balance for poses such as the tree pose. You can do a karate kick without worrying your stocking-feet will slide out from under you.

There are similar products on the market, including toeless socks from Stick-e, which also have grippy coating painted to the bottom. While those socks are knit and similar to regular socks, Puretoes are made from a material that appears to be a light neoprene with a brushed material on the inside to provide comfort.

Puretoes Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Puretoes ‘Not-a-Sock’ Foot Coverings]