Footwear | Evolving Consumer

The Maximum Shoes

We’ve seen much made in the way of the minimalist shoes, but this fall there is a lot of traction being made on the other end of the spectrum with “maximum-size” shoes. Leading the pack of running shoes is the New Balance Fresh Foam, which offers a fresh take on shoes that can provide support as well as absorb shock.

This shoe features a sole that is 16mm in the heel and 12mm at the forefoot, and this might offer a feeling of running on air. The shoe also features a unique diamond-shape pattern in the foam that New Balance claims further adds stability while keeping the cushioning plush. The New Balance Fresh Foam was introduced this summer at the Outdoor Retailer Show and should be hitting the road soon.

New Balance Official Website

Stable Boost

Adidas has announced that its adistar Boost is now available and ready to pound the pavement. This is the first stability shoe featuring BOOST, adidas’ revolutionary cushioning technology and the highest energy return in the industry. It features a seamless Techfit upper helps hold the foot securely in place, and help runners go the distance.

Adidas Official Website

Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

American-made Swiftwick compression socks will be at next month’s Interbike trade show. The company will look to show off its SUSTAIN sock line, which is made from post-industrial recycled nylon. The SUSTAIN line, which runs $12 to $17, offers compression and moisture-wicking capabilities, without the use of chemicals. Continue reading Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

Pathfinding Shoe

The Vibram Smart Concept Sole could help you find your way after dark. Introduced at the recent Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City these shoes feature a remote controlled LED lighting system that allows the soles of the shoe to illuminate the ground.

The concept was inspired by the need of military, law enforcement and firefighting personnel but it could be ideal for those who look to run after the sun goes down – or before it comes up. The shoes’ LEDs offer three brightness settings, and even a flashing red LED tail light so runners can be seen as well as see where they are going.

Vibram Official Website
[Via GizMag: Vibram Smart Concept Sole gives footwear headlights]

Dive Fins

Ted Ciamillo knows a thing or two about cycling, but he also has a passion for the water. He has designed a special water propulsion system that basically puts flippers on the feet! The 2014 Lunocet is the next best thing to turning into a mermaid, and can help humans swim better underwater.

The unique part of the Lunocet flipper is that it attaches to the human foot via cycling shoes – which are already pretty aerodynamic. Now the idea of wearing expensive shoes might seem odd, but then again the Lunocet will set you back nearly $600. But can you really put a price on being able to swim more like a fish?

Ciamillo 2014 Lunocet Official Website

Fast Footed

With Labor Day just around the corner we have to accept that winter isn’t too far off, but that doesn’t mean the riding has to end.45NRTH has introduced its new Fasterkatt she for winter cycling. While looking like a serious boot it is offers water resistance, moisture regulation, and comfort in the 25 to 45 degree range. These cycling shoes offer a waterproof membrane and rubberized textile shell that extends above the ankle, while a proprietary insole is built with arch support and uses heat-reflective aluminum with wool felt to keep feet warm.

The Fasterkatt is reportedly the first cycling shoe to utilize microglass outsole rubber technology to enhance surface traction while walking or running on slippery surfaces. The bottom of the shoe is even sealed to prevent moisture from coming in through the cleat slots. The shoes will get ready for cold weather riding beginning in October.

45NRTH Official Website

Shoes to Shelter

You can walk to the camp site, or you can decide that you’ve reached it when you are wearing the Walking Shelter shoes. Australian design collective Sibling has devised these new shoes that transform from shoes to a tent in just minutes.

In truth this is currently just a prototype and it is as much a shapeless bag as an actual tent, but does make us wonder about the possibilities of “wearing” our shelter when off hiking.

Sibling Walking Shelter Official Website

Run Me a River

If you enjoy whitewater chances are you know your feet are going to get wet. KEEN has addressed that issue with its new Class 6 sandal that features a PU upper that is designed to a 360dgree cage for the foot. Introduced earlier this month at the Outdoor Retailer Show this shoe is designed to allow water out, while the EVA footbed and bungee lace system ensure a solid fit and stability on wet surfaces.

KEEN Official Website

High Energy

Sir Issac Newton didn’t really consider the role of energy in this theory of gravity, but he’d likely still appreciate that Newton Running Shoes is inspired by his research. Understanding all of Newton’s (the brilliant man) concepts can be difficult for novices, but so can running with a pair of Newton shoes. The Newton Energy NR Guidance Trainer is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from conventional running shoes to the Newton way. These shoes will be ready to hit the road later this month.

Newton Energy NR Guidance Trainer Official Website

The No-so Evil Empire

Roland Reagan dubbed the Soviet Union (rightly we think) the “Evil Empire,” and of course the Star Wars gave the idea of “empire” a bad name as well. But cycling shoe maker Giro sees the moniker a bit differently and has introduced the Empire MTB shoe, which features a camouflage color scheme.

The shoes are designed for off-road but do seem inspired by road shoes, and thus are according to the company a perfect match for fall riding, and could be great for gravel rides, cyclocross and commuting. Only 50 pairs of the these are being sold through Facebook page, but another 350 pairs will be offered to Giro athletes and at retail worldwide.

Don’t underestimate the power of Empire!

Giro Official Website

Track it to You

We’ve seen some smart looking socks, but the Sensoria Fitness Smart Socks are downright brilliant. These were developed by Washington-based Heapsylon and feature electronic magnetic anklet that tracks activity and communicates data to external devices such as a smart phone. The app meanwhile works as a virtual coach, whilst the activity tracker analyzes where runners land on their feet, how they stride, and can even help them reach their goals while lessening injuries.

The makers of the socks are looking to get off and running through and Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign – which as of this week they’ve already met. Apparently a lot of people think Smart Socks are a “smart” idea. Video after the jump

The Real MC

This MC doesn’t need a DJ. The MC-X ski boot from Apex will let skiers move to their own beat, and these are designed to let you head anywhere on the mountain you want to go. These 2014 books feature high performance nano fiber modular open chassis designed for the most aggressive freeride and all mountain skier and a support boot for natural foot positioning and walkability.

The boots offer a heat moldable inner liner, tunable A-Flex suspension, Boa Focus speed lacing closure system, cuff alignment and micro adjustable buckles for optimal customization With the addition of a Vibram sole these will let you hit the slopes and even head to the back country. Continue reading The Real MC

Up a Creek

If you’re going to be doing any running along a river bed don’t be caught without the Creek Bed Wolverine Multi-sport shoe. It can handle its fair share of mud and water as it features a quick dry breathable mesh upper and C3 footbed that can provide traction even in wet conditions. These shoes can channel water out while fresh air circulates back in.

Creek Bed Wolverine Multi-Sport Shoe Official Website