Footwear | Evolving Consumer

Nike’s Free Minimal Approach

Nike doesn’t stop, and the shoe and apparel maker has apparently been keeping quite busy. The new Free Hyperfeel shoes are designed to mimic the working of the human foot. This was accomplished by using the pressure-mapping technology and high-speed film to analyze the foot in motion so that the Nike’s designers were able to provide padding and protection only where it is needed.

The end result is a shoe that features just seven components – so this is a truly minimal shoe in more ways than one. These new shoes will hit the road in September. Video after the jump

Topo is Off and Running

Earlier this year Tony Post, former CEO of Vibram, unveiled his new company, and now it seems that Topo is off and running. While Post helped get the barefoot running craze started it is clear that Topo will ensure that it goes the distance.

Among this year’s offerings are the M-RR (above), a barely-there 6.5 ounce running shoe. It is minimal in that it appears it doesn’t even have laces. Instead users can dial it in with the Boa Closure System for that snug fit that just feels nature.

Topo Official Website

Nike Looking Fly(knit)

Nike isn’t likely to be caught standing still. Not that a company really goes running, but with shoes like the Nike Free Flyknit motion is just something that might seem perpetual. This pair combines two running shoe technologies, the Flyknit and the Free, and the result promises to be something comfortable and lightweight.

The Flyknit Free offers a second-skin fit while the upper, midsole and outsole work to create a natural feel with every step. The upper features a polyester yarn that is woven with a proprietary knitting machine to create little to no waste, while further minimizing weight.

Nike Flyknit Free Official Website

Fashionable Boot

There has been a serious movement in recent months to provide more fashion-forward attire for urban commuters, with shoes and even clothing that is as friendly for the office as on the bike. However, most of the apparel and shoes have been aimed at the male rider, leaving the female somewhat on the side of the road.

DZR Shoes did offer up a very fashionable pair of full length synthetic leather boots that included a flexible clipless pedal shank. However, for reasons we don’t understand only 50 were produced for the whole world, so getting a pair could be a challenge.

DZR Zurich Official Website

KD VI is A-OK

Basketball shoes continue to evolve and Nike’s KD VI takes a radical turn from traditional high-topped shoes, instead offering a lighter weight with increased agility. These were designed with insight from Kevin Durant, who proclaimed that he wanted “people in the top of the arena to be able to see my shoe,” and with the bright yellow color there will no missing these.

These feature a low-profile with responsive cushioning, along with a Max Air unit for maximum impact protection on hard landings. The shoe feature offers a two-layer upper that is ultra-thin yet features Flywire technology to provide a secure fit, along with stability and support during quick cuts.

Shoe Deisgner Leo Change noted that these “always start with him (Durant)” but now these are ready for everyone else.

KD VI at the Nike Store

Shimano Feeling Blue

While every rider in the Tour de France may want to be in yellow, the Shimano limited edition R320 cycling shoe may have some feeling the need to be in blue. In fact, a group of selected Tour de France riders, including Edvald Boasson Hagen, Simon Gerrans and Marcel Kittel have been spinning through France in these special blue shoes. These offer the same features and technologies as the high end racing shoe R320, including Custom-Fit and Dynalast but has a special blue design.

These limited edition shoes are not only made for professional riders, but are also available for consumers. Shimano produced a limited number of shoes which are exclusively available in United States, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Spain, Slovakia, Poland and Israel. Race to the shop to pick up a pair.

Shimano Press Release: Shimano launches a limited edition R320 shoe during Tour de France

Nike Looks to Make Impact

The days of the heavy white golf shoe are clearly in the past. Nike golf has introduced its Free-Inspired TW’13 that provides freedom of movement with maximum ground feel. Available in August in both men’s and women’s versions these utilize the Nike Dynamic Fit system to help harness the foot to provide the support athletes demand, while also ensuring that athletes keep contact with the ground longer – which in turn helps harness the energy of the foot to the shoe and, therefore, the shoe to the ground

The TW’13 also offers a Nike Free-Inspired platform and waterproof mesh upper providing increased flexibility with breathability to keep feet cool, dry and comfortable. These are shoes that won’t just arrive this summer, they’ll make a serious impact on the game of golf.

Nike Golf Official Website

Made in America: Perfect Balance

Running shoe maker New Balance likes to keep things fresh by taking a step backwards. This is certainly the case with the New Balance 1300, a retro-looking running shoe that features premium leather, a mesh upper and a molded midsole. The company now employs more than 1,300 U.S. workers – and hence proudly proclaims that this line of “blast from the past” style running shoes is “Made in the USA.”

New Balance 1300 Official Website

Sock It To You

If your socks say something about your character you are in luck as the SockGuy is taking some of its best-selling sock designs and marketing them in six-packs. These will represent what is hot and what’s in stock – and more importantly ready to ship. With Lucky Black, Chains and Bevy among others you know your feet will be more than covered.

SockGuy Official Website

Boa Bites Into Triathlon Market

Boa Technologies has helped cyclists have a snug fit with shoes that is just right. This wire-based system works in place of laces, Velcro strips or ratchet closures. Companies such as Zoots and Speicalized have expanded into the market for triathlons as well.

For 2013 Boa will sponsor nine events including the Boulder, Colorado’s Ironman 70.3 in August and the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in October. In addition to these two Ironman events, Boa is sponsoring seven other Colorado triathlons.

At these various events, racers and competitors will have an opportunity to stop by Boa’s booth to trade their shoes for a new pair of Boa-powered footwear at pro deal prices. Used shoes will be donated to One World Running and Mountain2Mountain, two Colorado-based nonprofits.

Boa Technologies
[Via Bicycle Retailer: Boa enters tri market with shoes, race sponsorships]

Some Call it a Springblade

Adidas isn’t a company that sits on the wayside. It is one that is always in motion and with shoes like the Adidas Springblade runners will be too. These running shoes feature 16 downward-angled blades in the midsoles that react to your movement. These highly elastic blades instantaneously react to any environment, compressing and releasing energy to create an efficient push-off that provides spring-like motion under your feet. The Springblades will spring to life in August.

adidas Unleashes Explosive Energy with Springblade

Crazy Run

If you run like wild than perhaps the Adidas adipure Crazyquick is for you. This lightweight shoe features a textile upper with allover graphic print and synthetic overlays for added support. The shoes will grip the road thanks to the PUREMOTION midsole that mimics the natural stability of a bare foot, while a heel stabilizer will provide some cushioning. This shoes are for those who want to go for a short run or put in crazy miles.

Adidas adipure Crazyquick Official Website

Flat Running Shoes Still Cool for Novices

According to a new study from the Aarnus University of Denmark flat running shoes present no greater risk of injury even to those who pronate or supinate. The research suggests that novice runners should think about their overall training regime and consider old injuries instead.

This study tracked927 healthy runners – all who wore the same neutral running shoes – and found that 252 had sustained a running-related injury, while the risk regardless of pronation or supination, remained the same. The study did not however address whether supportive running shoes should be used following an injury.

[Via Gizmag: Flat running shoes fine for pronating novices, study finds]