Vibram has made a name for itself in the minimalist shoe market, and at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show it proved that barefoot-style running can be a year around thing. The company introduced the toe-segmented Bikila EVO WP, which is made for running through snow and on icy surfaces. It features a special rubber compound on the soles to provide a “snow tire” type of grip. The shoes won’t be ready for this brutal winter however.
Category: Footwear
Adidas Breaks down the ZX Flux Shoe
Adidas is showing its ZX8000, part of its adidas Originals ZX family of shoes. The new model draws on a great deal of technology that enhances performance, while it still has a street casual look, and a statement at that. Continue reading Adidas Breaks down the ZX Flux Shoe
BUG-like Grip
One good thing about winter is that runners don’t have to deal with a lot of bugs, and while insects generally can’t get a grip on ice the ANIMA2 BUGrip shoes offer sure footing in most winter conditions. Made by Icebug of Gothenburg, Sweden these feature 19 sharp studs that are embedded into the shoe’s rubber sole.
These 1mm long studes can dig in to provide traction when there is snow and ice on the ground and provide decent traction. These aren’t fully waterproof but they provide enough water resistance to keep the feet dry in icy and snowy conditions. While not ideal for concrete or indoor use these will help runners get through the long winter ahead.
No Fake ID Here
Last fall Nike asked consumers and golf fans to create a customized design for the Tiger Woods 14 golf shoes and we have a winter. The customization from the NikeiD is the real deal, and the Nike TW’14 has been unveiled.
The winning shoe was designed by Dane Thompson (@DaneJThompson), a big golf fan from Iowa. He create a patriotic theme for what he deemed will be a big year for Tiger, and Thompson designed the shoe with a white leather upper, blue midsole, and red Nike Swoosh, Nike Flywire and lace highlights. The shoe’s inspiration was to support team USA in the upcoming Olympics and the 2014 Ryder Cup, as well as to support Tiger in red, white, and blue at the 2014 US Open. Aside from the pride of designing Tiger’s favorite customized Nike TW’14 shoe, Thompson will have his design worn by Tiger on Tour in the early part of the 2014 season. Also, Thompson will receive a pair of the Nike TW’14 he designed.
Rock on With the Crampon
While we hope the worst of winter is behind us, we know there are still two full months to go, and if you’re tired of hitting the treadmill and want to get out for a run you’ll likely end up face down or worse on an icy road. However, Hillsound’s Trails Campron Ultra could just provide the grip runners might need this winter. This is like putting snow chains on tires but for the feet. It features 18 spikes under each foot, providing serious grip on ice and snow.
PGA 2014 Merchandise Show: OGIO’s New Shoe
This week at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando OGIO is expanding its line of golf apparel with the introduction of its highly-anticipated footwear. Available in four models the line includes the Race, City Spiked, City Turf and Sport shoes, which each have unique design elements to address golfers’ needs.
The company noted that it looks to deliver three crucial features including style, comfort and performance. The design of each shoe is made to stabilize a golfer’s swing platform and improve balance to enhance the game. The shoes are constructed from high quality materials for comfort and durability, and OGIO’s golf shoes promise the most comfortable “out of the box” golf experience, while withstanding the toughest conditions in all types of climates. Continue reading PGA 2014 Merchandise Show: OGIO’s New Shoe
Razor Blade
This month Adidas launched its Springblade Razor, the next generation of “explosive energy under your feet.” These new running shoes, which are now available for pre-order, are the the first shoes to feature blade technology to help propel you forward.
The Springblade Razors feature a unique web design over sock-like Techfit technology that helps lock your feet in place and enhances breathability. The shoe’s 16 individually tuned blades instantaneously react to any environment, compressing and releasing energy. The shoes are also available in four colorways for men, including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Tech Grey Metallic/ Light Scarlet, Metallic Silver/Black/Light Scarlet and Light Scarlett/Black/Metallic Silver, and three colorways for women including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Black/Vivid Berry and Bahia Pink/Metallic Silver/Black.
Nike’s Winter Lunar Landing
Winter doesn’t look close to over and whether heading to winding down any time soon, and regardless of your activity having the right boots will help you not only endure it but you might even enjoy it. The modular Nike LunarTerra Arktos delivers a wholly invincible approach to winter according to the company. It provides the lightweight comfort of a sneaker and the durable, insulated protection of a boot, and features dynamic Nike Flywire and Hyperfuse construction, which makes for an adaptive fit.
The Nike Vac Tech molding reduces seams and, therefore, potential leaks so your feet will stay warm and dry. The midsole features Nike Lunarlon technology, which minimizes weight and maximizes comfort and mobility, whereas the outsole is crafted from a zoned sticky and hard rubber that enhances stability and agility on varied terrain/
Since getting out of the boots could become necessary when heading indoors, these feature a nickel-plated zipper with an easy-to-grab leather pull guarantees effortless release while a removable bootie helps keep the foot warm and dry—and serves as a satellite slipper.
Nike Press Release: Urban Utilitiy: The Nike Aeroloft 800 Summit Jacket and Nike LunarTerra Arktos
SHOT Show: Ground Pounders
We know Reebok for it fitness and running shoes, but at SHOT Show this week the company proved again that it can stand up to the most rugged terrain there is. The company looked to break ground this week with a new line of military style boots. The official Reebok licensee, Warson Brands, know for occupational and duty brands that include Rockport, Florsheim, and Iron Age, is showcasing the entire Reebok duty uniform line of footwear for men and women at the show, along with prototypes of new products in development .
“The Reebok brand is being well received in the military and tactical markets,” says Warson Brands CEO Jim Maritz. “As one of the top athletic and fitness brands in the world, Reebok is a strong brand for “athletes in uniform,” professionals who rely on footwear that is not only comfortable, but also suits their active performance oriented lifestyle.”
At SHOT Show the company is showing three lines of Reebok military boots, available now, including the Rapid Response RB series (left), which was proven in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Rapid Response RB series features an aggressive mountain trail rubber outsole and is loaded with features such as removable athletic cushion insole, shock eliminator heel cushion, nylon mesh lining, and offers side zip and waterproof options. It is available colors: desert tan, black, and sage green.
The Reebok Dauntless Series (center), a new line of all terrain hot weather boots that are lightweight and flexible, and built on a TPU bruise plate for superior stability in rugged terrain, extra rebound with every step, and bruise protection on any surface. Side air and drain ports and AEGIS Shield™ anti-microbial lining ensure dry feet in both arid and wet conditions. Available colors: desert tan (8” & 6”), black (also available in waterproof and seamless construction, 8” & 6”), and sage green (8” only).
The Reebok Fusion Max Series (right) features Reebok’s TCTTotal Cushioning Technology – a full 1-1/2 inches of cushioning and impact resistance in the heel, and ½” in the forepart, five layers of cushioning and shock absorption for remarkable comfort. Available colors: desert tan and sage green. Made in the USA and Berry Amendment compliant.
CES: Log Jam
This week at CES a lot of attendees will be forced to do a lot of walking. That’s a good thing as a quick glance around the show suggests a bit of indulging from the holidays and a bit more than a bit of bulging. Walking is a rather simple way to stay healthy, but knowing if you walked enough can be a problem. This is where the FootLoggers insoles come into play. These utilize a three-axis accelerometer along with eight pressure points to determine distance walks. Knowing is the first step in setting goals that will get wearers on their way to better fitness.
Nike’s Lunar Empire
John Carter may have met a princess on Mars, but Nike is looking to rule the moon – or at least the golf course with its new Nike Lunar Empress women’s golf shoes. These don’t feature any rocket boosters, but to feature innovative technology including Nike Lunarlon, Dynamic Flywire and Integrated Traction meaning they’ll offer the benefits of natural motion, cushioned comfort, control and breathability combined in a waterproof shoe.
“We’ve loaded up the new Lunar Empress with performance features designed to benefit golfers of all levels who want a flexible yet supportive shoe with amazing comfort,” says Lee Walker, Nike Golf Global Footwear Marketing Director. “It’s been fun working with golfers during product testing for the Lunar Empress and seeing their reactions to the shoe – how excited they are to welcome the fresh, sporty design to their ensemble and also their surprise at just how light it is.”
The shoe is so light, at just 7.4 ounces per shoe, that it might make wearers think they’re walking in lower gravity. Each step will also be softened as these offer responsive, full-length Lunarlon cushioning that runs from heel to toe.
Nike Makes Lunar Landing With Golf Shoe
Nike Golf has entered the lunar orbit with the Nike Lunar Clayton, a shoe that is designed to celebrate the heritage and history of the sport of golf while providing athletes with superior comfort, supportive fit and an aesthetic appeal suitable for wear bothon and off the course.
Ready for launch in January, it takes its inspiration not from the night sky but from handmade, Italian leather shoes, while still ensuring that it provided the Nike Lunarlon technology for maximum responsive cushioning. The shoe even features a leather welt, so often utilized in traditional methods of making shoes, to join the upper to the outsole while protecting it from the elements.
The result is a shoe that promises to feel good on the course and look just as good in the clubhouse.
Holiday Gift Guide: These Waterproof Socks Fit
Showers Pass has a new line of waterproof yet breathable socks for runners, cyclists, skiers and anyone else who might risk some cold, wet feet. The new Crosspoint WP socks offer moisture control while still feeling a regular old pair of socks.
These feature three-layer bonded construction that includes an Artex waterproof-breathable membrane that is sandwiched between the knit outer layer and moisture-wicking Coolmax FX nylon lining, while some Spandex ensures a snug fit even after multiple washings.