Running Shoes | Evolving Consumer

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.

Under Armour Speedform Running Shoe Official Website

Newton Goes the Distance

Minimalist shoe maker Newton looks to have its Newton Running Elite team put in some serious miles to demonstrate that the company’s Distance Elite shoe is ready for the loneliness of the long distance running. It features race-specific fit and a streamlined midsole, creating a lightweight, highly responsive shoe that tips the scales at 7.2 ounces for men, 6.2 ounces for women.

It features highly breathable, fast-drying mesh upper that employs minimal stitching, an asymmetrical lacing system and welded support strapping over the midfoot. The Distance Elite further offers the same outsole/midsole package as the Distance Light Weight Trainer, which has a 2mm drop from heel to toe, as well as Newton Running’s dynamic four-lug cushioning to protect the runner from impact.

Runners won’t have to wait long to try out this minimal long distance shoe. The Distance Elite will arrive in stores on November 1 for $155.

Newton Running 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

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]

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.

Nike Flyknit Free 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

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]

Nike’s Urban Camo

Camouflage isn’t just for hunters and Special Forces these days. The camo prints have long since become fashionable and the Nike Lunar 5 EXT Camo running shoes do make a statement. These also feature laser cut ventilation, Flywire technology and Lunarlon Sole unit for superior comfort while running in the urban jungle. There is even a subtle gray soosh!

Nike Official Website

Shoes Leave Carbon Footprint!

While we always encourage walking when possible, according to an MIT study a typical pair running shoes actually generates 30 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to keeping a 100-watt bulb lit for one week!

The study noted, “The researchers found that more than two-thirds of a running shoe’s carbon impact can come from manufacturing processes, with a smaller percentage arising from acquiring or extracting raw materials. This breakdown is expected for more complex products such as electronics, where the energy that goes into manufacturing fine, integrated circuits can outweigh the energy expended in processing raw materials. But for ‘less-advanced’ products — particularly those that don’t require electronic components — the opposite is often the case.”

[Via MIT News: Footwear’s (carbon) footprint]

Toxic Shoes

The Micro G Toxic Six Running Shoes from Under Armour look like they could have an infectious disease, but if you can get past the look these might be what the kids call “sick” in other was. These minimalist shoes offer an ultra-flexible, anatomical Micro G midsole that allows the wearer’s foot to move naturally, while the glove-like upper provides a snug fit. The shoes offer molded MPZ panels that provide additional support, while the asymmetrical lacing system reduces pressure on the top of the foot. All this could make the Micro G Toxic Six one infectious shoe.

Under Armour Micro G Toxic Six Running Shoes Official Website