Shoes | Evolving Consumer

Adidas Takes to the On-Field Tracking

In the old days “track and field” use to mean the sport, but today data tracking allows for better training and conditioning on-field and on-court. Adidas has unveiled its new miCoach SPEED_CELL, the first device to capture information from motion in every direction and measures key performance metrics including speed, distance and time during practice and competition.

The device, which sits inside a specially designed cavity in the outsole of the shoe, can work with a range of sports including soccer, football, basketball, tennis and running, allowing users to monitor, evaluate and increase their performance.

“Understanding individual performance data is one of the best ways to improve your game,” said Mark Verstegen, founder and president of Athletes’ Performance. “For the first time, amateur athletes can have access to the performance tracking and analysis technology available to professional athletes.” Continue reading Adidas Takes to the On-Field Tracking

EA and adidas Originals Promote the Run

While many video games these days are getting gamers off the couch, one game will likely get gamers dashing to get a pair of athletic fashion shoes. The upcoming racing game Need for Speed The Run, which will arrive this November for the Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, PC, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo 3DS will feature the iconic adidas Superstar shoes. Additionally the adidas branded apparel which will be available at all adidas Originals stores across the United States. Continue reading EA and adidas Originals Promote the Run

Eurobike 2011 Recap

KineticShift wasn’t able to head to Europe this year, and while we’re about to shift into full gear for Interbike in Las Vegas next week a number of product announcements caught our eyes. We have compiled a round-up of the can’t miss products for 2012 and beyond. Continue reading Eurobike 2011 Recap

Nike Golf Goes for the Dunk

We normally think of Nike’s basketball shows when we think of “dunk,” but Nike Golf is unveiling its latest Nike Dunk (NG) Golf shoe, which will make the rounds on the PGA Tour this fall, and will be available to golfers starting in the New Year.

The shoes do have a link to the court, not the greens. The original Nike Dunk was created as a basketball shoe in 1985. After it was introduced to the world, the Nike Dunk started a commotion when basketball teams began wearing them to match their uniforms. The shoes caught on, and have and Dunks have become the prized shoes for sneakerheads as well as fashion statements for anyone looking to add vintage style to their shoe collection. Nike even kept original Nike Dunk shoes that were created 25 years ago, to ensure that the Nike Dunk NG feels just the same as the Dunks that people have grown to love. And as the shoes move from the courts to the fairways, Nike ensures that these will do so without compromising performance for golf. Continue reading Nike Golf Goes for the Dunk

New Running Shoes Go the Distance

The new BIOM running shoes from ECCO are designed with durable materials to last up to 1.5 times longer than EVA, which is currently used in many other shoes. As a result the BIOM can go the distance, and thanks to the innovation that utilizes biomechanics with the help of University of Cologne, these shoes might help you go the distance as well.

These shoes are inspired by barefoot runners, and ECCO worked on the concept for more than three years, scanning foot profiles of more than 2500 runners to create a replica of the human foot. To date the BIOM is the only shoe on the market that uses a “direct-injection process” to increase the durability of the shoe. Additionally the BIOM features a wide “toebox” design to ensure that the wearer’s toes can spread naturally making for a comfortable fit. The BIOM feature high-traction rubber outsold components to improve grip while making for a lightweight shoe.

Currently there are two models available with a third in development. The BIOM A is produced using traditional textile mesh that allows for greater ventilation and is thus a great “summer” shoes; while the BIOM B utilizes breakable yak leather that offers increased durability. We’ll be curious where the C model fits in, as it could go the distance and more.

BIOM Official Website

Columbia Drainmaker: The Shoe That Won’t Drown

You might be familiar with the Columbia Sportswear Company through the number of TV ads that they run touting their outdoor, cold weather jackets and extensive testing; but you might not be aware that they also make a number of products for the summertime outdoor enthusiast. Columbia has released a shoe to help the fisherman stay out of slick situations and drain quickly when their feet become submerged.

Inspired by observing fisherman in the Florida Keys wearing running shoes in and around the water, the designers at Columbia figured that they could come up with a better shoe. They created a hybrid shoe that combines the lightweight comfort of a running shoe with the quick-dry capabilities of a water shoe. The upper features breathable open cell mesh with a durable TPU toe cap, while the Techlite midsole has built-in drainage ports in the heel and forefoot to allow water to instantly escape. Wet/dry traction is assured by a siped, lugged outsole with Omni-Grip Wet Grip rubber for sure footing on slick surfaces.

Though the Drainmaker ($80 MSRP) is designed for fishermen and fisherwomen (yes, they are offered for both sexes); these shoes are based on the structure of a running shoe, offer lightweight construction and give more cushioning than a traditional water shoe. If your ‘catch of the day’ is to complete an event like the Tough Mudder, you may want to look at the Drainmaker from Columbia and add it to your arsenal.

The shoes feature an open cell sandwich mesh upper with translucent TPU toe cap, micro suede eyestay and Techlite heel, along with Techlite midsole that includes drainage ports in heel and forefoot, and siped, lugged outsole for extra traction made with Omni-Grip Wet Grip rubber. The shoes easily go from the wet to the dry and help your feet do the same.

Columbia Drainmaker Official Website

Made in America: New Balance Shoes

New Balance started producing shoes all the way back in 1906 to help relieve the foot pain of laborer’s and keep them working comfortably on their feet. Through out the years, they started producing athletic footwear with their first running shoes appearing in 1938. Since then, New Balance has been committed to innovating and evolving their footwear to meet the needs of the athletic community for over 70 years.

With the trend of all footwear and most everything else being produced overseas, New Balance started a campaign back in 1992 advertising that their shoes were still being made in the U.S.A. That commitment is still true today. New Balance relies on five different ‘associate’ manufacturers in New England to produce 25 percent of the shoes that they sell in the U.S. or approximately 7 million pair. They are the only manufacturer to still make athletic shoes in the United States. Continue reading Made in America: New Balance Shoes

Shoe Shopping Goes Virtual

Here is a strange twist on buying shoes. Imagine going to the store, but not being able to find just the right athletic shoe. If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably heard, “we have more shoes online.” Well, rather than head to a computer you can head to the wall – as in the adiVERSE Virtual Footwear Wall, which is produced by adidias and powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and features 3D images of the shoes.

Popular shoes feature videos, product specs, game stats and even twitter feeds. Would-be buyers can add product to a virtual cart and check out via the store’s iPad. If the shoe is in stock you can try it on and walk out with it, and if not have it ordered and delivered.

Of course if you can’t try on the shoes, it begs the question why you wouldn’t just check out shoes online, but it is an interesting twist on the shoe store. Think of this as the merging of brick and mortar store with an online shop.

Style, Streetwear and Skating – All With Shoes from Spartoo

Style and performance improvement. That’s exactly what this year’s line of streetwear shoes have in mind. Shoe retailer Spartoo is rolling out shoes fit for skating that offer style to boot. These include the DC shoes that reads the line between extreme sports and fashion waves. This season’s footwear goes back to the basics and classics with reliable shoes that look the part.

There is also the new collection of DVS shoes, which is often considered the essential skate shoes thanks to their shock absorbing technology. These shoes were conceived, tested, and approved by the entire DVS team to satisfy skaters looking for the best performance as well as all those who just love the style!

These are just two new offerings from Spartoo that offer good performance and style TOO!

Spartoo Skate Shoes Official Website

DVS Shoes

DC Shoes

Cycling Shoes For City Slickers

If you’ve ever commuted by bicycle in the big city you know there are a few issues to overcome. The first is making sure you actually make it to work safely, the next is making sure you’re not a huge sweaty mess when you arrive, and finally be dressed in the proper clothing for a day at the office.

The latter can be addressed by leaving a pair of shoes at the office and wearing cycling shoes for the commute – but what happens when you think you have shoes at the office and don’t? This happened to me personally once, and I spent the day wearing cycling shoes. While a good look on the bike, these don’t exactly work well the rest of the day. But Italian bike maker Cinelli and skateboard clothing company DVS are teaming up to create a urban cycling shoes reports our friends at BikeRadar.

The shoes are based on the DVS Luster skate trainer and will be available in two versions. One will be based on the Cinelli Pro Best of Italo 79 road bike, whilt he other will be based on the Vigorelli track racer. Either way the upcoming Luster Cinelli, which will arrive stateside in July (MSRP $68), will reportedly feature a high-abrasion rubber sole, full grain leather upper, stiffeners to aid efficient pedalling, reflective detailing, and a hidden tongue panel that also serves as a lace protector. These shoes look like they’ll be good for urban commuting, and look good off the bike.

[Via BikeRadar.com: Cinelli release urban cycling shoe]

Cinelli Official Website

DVS Official Website

Zigtech Completely Cricket

When you mention Cricket to most Americans, we think of the noisy insect – the one that was friends with the wooden kid that came to life – or we think of the British game where everyone wears the white pants and sweaters. What could possibly be high-tech about that, right?

Well, think again. Reebok has done many things for running, football and basketball, so why wouldn’t the company do something for the game of cricket. In fact, Reebok is actually one of the leading sportswear brands that, along with the International Cricket Council, has helped energize the game with some technical innovations for the team from India. This includes the futuristic Reebok ZigTech Bats, footwear and trainers. Just in time for the Cricket World Cup 2011 this year, Reebok has outfitted the Indian cricket team with “Zig-Sonic” equipped gear that helps reduce wear and tear in the leg muscles during training. Reebok’s ZigTech shoes have been called “engery drinks for your feet,” and now it seems like the drink is available in a curry flavor. This same zig is being incorporated into the “on field” shoes, which have also been designed to meet the needs of the individual player’s patterns and foot movements. The game has clearly come a long way from simple white sweaters and wooden bats.

Hands on First Look: Louis Garneau T-Flex 300 Cycling Shoes

Truth be told a lot of cycling shoes look about as stylish as bowling shoes – sorry bowling fans but in the fashion department you’re left at the discount bins. Fortunately, Louis Garneau has stepped forward with its line of cycling attire that includes footwear.

We just received the new T-Flex 300 shoes and nothing could make us more upset to see the snow and mud still covering the ground. These shoes are so pretty that we can’t imagine taking them out in these conditions – and that could be about the only bad thing we have to say about these shoes right now. In a few weeks when the conditions permit we’ll be sure to put these to a true test, but for now we’re impressed with the look and more importantly the feel of these shoes. Continue reading Hands on First Look: Louis Garneau T-Flex 300 Cycling Shoes

Baggy Shoes

We’ve seen a lot of products turned into other things, like the American Express Card dress worn at the Oscars a few years back – and we’ve heard about products using recycled plastics that can be turned into all sorts of things, including bike frames.

Now Civic Duty is doing its something unique. The company has introduced a new line of futuristic sneakers made from FedEx airmail envelopes, mounted to a recyclable rubber sole. The result is a shoe that is easy to stash in a carryon bag, yet is comfortable for hours of walking – best of all it is waterproof thanks to its Tyvek material so ideal for those trips during the rainy season.

The shoes, which are available for purchase now online, are the brain child of Steven Weinreb, Civic Duty founder and Chief Inspiration Officer. The shoe’s material promises to be both comfortable and breathable while being water resistant and highly durable. It should also be easily recyclable as well. Best of all it comes with a worn vintage look right out of the box.

Civic Duty Official Website