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
Tag: Footwear
Smart Shoes Ready to Run
There are smartphones and smart watches, but now developers at the Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) are looking to create smarter shoes. The “EU Project RUNSAFER” concept utilizes specialized running shoe packed with a micro-controller, a radio frequency (RF) module, accelerometers, GPS sensors and a battery.
The system is designed to capture biomechanical signals from the body and transmits them via Bluetooth to the a runner’s smartphone, which then evaluates the data and offers feedback to the runner on how they can improve performance.
“Pulse-rate watches and chest straps record only vital signs like breathing and heart rat,” said Dr. Andreas Heinig, a scientist at IPMS. “In contrast, our running shoe medically evaluates and moni- tors training while jogging. It informs the runner for example of incorrect foot position, asym- metric loading, or warns of exhaustion or overload. There has never been a comparable device before.”
A prototype of the running shoe has already been developed, as has a mobile smartphone app. The researchers are now working on a smaller version of the microelectronics and sensors, which remains the bigger challenge, particularly since the system must be waterproof, light, and durable.
[Press Release: High-tech athletic shoe for pure running pleasure]
Design Tiger’s 2014 Shoes
Do you think you know what Tiger Woods should wear on the course next season? Actually Nike would like to know what you think, and has launched a promotion where golf fans can help create a customized pair of TW’14 shoes, while Woods will pick the winning pair!
Interbike 2013: Smells Like V-Spirit
At this week’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas Vittoria is introducing its V-Spirit high-performance lightweight shoe. This features a new micrometric cable closure system that perfectly adapts to the foot. It further utilizes a highly breathable upper mesh and the Pebax air system allows heel ventilation.
The V-Spirit also offers a CNS Carbon Heart sole. Spirit, sole and heart and all for the feet. What more could you want?
Arm Up the Feet
In medieval times armor was worn on the feet, and this meant metal coverings over shoes that featured riveted sections that were anything but comfortable.
Today the Under Armour Speedform running shoe isn’t mean to protect a warrior on the battlefield but rather to provide greater comfort and stability for those to in some miles on the road or trail. These feature a seamless interior along with ultrasonically welded components and form-fitting construction but not a rivet or stitch anywhere in sight. These feature moisture-wicking technology via the chafe-free 4D foam to provide a different kind of protection.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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]
Put a Tracker On It
There is the saying, “put a sock in it,” but the Sensoria Fitness Smart Sock Tracker lets you instead put a fitness monitor on your socks. This Smock Sock is designed to tell you your stride cadence and running form, and even monitors how your foot is landing. This device, which is now part of an Indiegogo project, is made up of a cloth-material Smart Sock that can be washed and dried like a normal sock, and a special anklet that magnetically snaps on the cuff of the sock. This Smart Sock can be paired with a mobile application and monitor your running and other fitness activity. Let’s just hope it is smart enough not to be lost in the dryer. Continue reading Put a Tracker On It
Golf Lite
Puma has introduced the Faas Lite Golf Shoes, which are lightweight and flexible, and promise to be comfortable round after round. These feature a waterproof microfiber leather upper that is equipped with stormCELL to keep feet protected from the elements. A lace closure ensures a snug fit, while the EverTrack carbon rubber forefoot and heal ensures you’ll be able to walk the course in confidence.