Running | 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

Nike Apparel Takes Flight

Nike has revealed its new Aeroloft apparel technology, which is designed to help keep runners warm without overheating. This will debut in the Aeroloft 800 vest, and will address the issue of movement-activated ventilation hat is aided by laser-cut, strategically placed perforations. Engineers at Nike reportedly also analyzed the side of the baffles as well as placement and the amount of fill used to ensure it handles the task at hand. Continue reading Nike Apparel Takes Flight

Weekend Reading List (07.20.2013): Head Studies, Board Builder, Kit or Gear?

Head Studies

From The Chronicle of Higher Education: A Brain Gone Bad
Researchers clear the fog of chronic head trauma

The first thing Patient 53 saw as he walked in was a red football helmet. A groan rattled through his vending-machine-sized frame. “The last thing I want to see,” he said, “is a football helmet..” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.20.2013): Head Studies, Board Builder, Kit or Gear?

Weekend Reading List (07.13.2013): Tour Tech, Run the Tour, Kinetic Chain, TT at the Tour

Tour Tech

From Gizmodo: 100 Years of Tour de France Bikes Map the Evolution of Cycling
There are few professional sports as closely bound to technology as cycling. A bike isn’t just equipment, as skiis or a tennis racket might be—it’s a partner in a symbiotic relationship between the machine and athlete. And it’s remarkable to see how drastically certain parts of that machine have changed in the last century, while others have stayed largely the same. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.13.2013): Tour Tech, Run the Tour, Kinetic Chain, TT at the Tour

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

Strava Gets Real

When out and about it is important to keep it real, and Strava announced this week that it is doing just that with its Real-Time Segments, which provider runners and cyclists live performance updates during their segment effort. This adds another layer of motivation to Strava Premium, where athletes can see exactly where they stack up on a certain segment the instant they complete it.

These instant segment times can be sent right to the phone, so instead of waiting until the activity is finished, runners and cyclists can see the results as they happen. Continue reading Strava Gets Real

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]

Weekend Reading List (07.06.2013): Knee’d To Heal, Wear IT, AAA Bike Service

Knee’d To Heal

From Runner’s World: The Body Shop: Band Aid
Use these six simple moves to help cure and prevent knee pain Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.06.2013): Knee’d To Heal, Wear IT, AAA Bike Service

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

TomTom Off and Running

Back in April TomTom announced its line of GPS sports watches and, and now these is ready for the wrist. The TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport offer extra-large displays, full-screen graphical training tools and one-button control for ease of use.

These both offer up to 10-hours of battery life and are waterproof to 50 meters. These also feature a scratch- and impact-resistant glass display that can handle some rugged workouts. The multi-sport model also adds an altimeter, swim motion sensor and bike mount along with bike cadence sensor. The TomTom Runner is $169.99 and the TomTom Multi-Sport is $199.99 and both are available now. Videos after the jump

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