Inov-8 Road - Xtreme - Spring 2013

Fresh out of Outdoor Retailer 2012 is a sneak peak of Inov-8’s upcoming road running category. The Road – Xtreme line bridges the gap between the Road-X line (traditional raised heel and high wearing outsole) and the barefoot/minimalist Bare-X line. The Road – Xtreme models will be built with men’s and women’s specific models, unlike other styles in the Inov-8 line. These road specific shoes will be much lighter as they use a road grade Fusion EVA and sticky rubber pods in strategic high wear areas. Styles will vary in heel-toe differential throughout the three styles. Seen on the far right, the zero – drop version of the Road – Xtreme is now the lightest road shoe in the Inov-8 line, with the Men’s weighing 4.9 oz and the women’s version at 4.2 oz. A great addition for road runners and Crossfit enthusiasts, look for the Inov-8 Road – Xtreme line in Spring 2013.

Source: ToeSalad

Karhu Flow Light - Spring 2013

Finland’s legendary running brand, Karhu will be launching the Flow Light in 2013. The Karhu continues to highlight its Folcrum Technology which allows runners to perform efficiently. Folcrum encourages a midfoot landing that reduces vertical oscillation and increases energy transfer forward. Add in a platform that is lower to the ground and Karhu has the makings of a great minimal running shoe. The upper of the Karhu Flow Light is also minimalistic with limited stitching and a sock like liner. Look for the Karhu Flow Light in Spring 2013.   

 

Saucony Kinvara 3 - Expert Reviews

Saucony’s successful Kinvara series has reached it 3^rd iteration with the Saucony Kinvara 3. Many fans for the Kinvara 2 are extremely excited about the updates that Saucony has made to the minimal road running shoe. Changes to the upper include Saucony’s move from a two layer mesh to a single layer. This 1 layer mesh is much more durable with the addition of Saucony’s Flex Film. This heat welded material helps give the breathable mesh stricter and durability, while flexing with the foot’s natural movements. Runners will also be pleased to find added rubber in key hot spots where the previous model saw early wear. Check out multiple reviews of the Kinvara 3 below:

Blog Review	Thoughts	Conclusion
Average Guy Hits the Road	“The outsole and midsole are similar, but tweaked for durability and ride. The looks? Amazing.”	“To me, it is a workaday hero without any real downsides.”
Running Shoe Guru	“A shoe that looks this good, and runs this smooth, could convert even the most stalwart fan of the last version to lace up a new pair.”	“If you’ve been looking to try out the Kinvara, or have been looking for a good shoe to transition to minimalist running, there’s no better time than now.”
Run Blogger	“The other noticeable difference in the Kinvara 3 is that the forefoot feels a bit springier.”	“It’s a solid update, and the Kinvara remains my distance shoe of choice!”

Altra Instinct 1.5 - New Fall 2012

The award-winning Instinct from Altra Zero Drop Footwear will be seeing an upgrade this fall. Altra Instinct 1.5 continues the marriage between zero drop minimalism with support and cushioning. A wide toe box throughout the forefoot allows for natural foot splay, while the Zero Drop Platform allows runners to maintain proper running technique. The midsole of the Instict 1.5 contains 12mm of dual layer EVA with A-Bound cushioning on top. The road running outsole is designed with a 4.5 mm Footpod rubber and harriers will find an improved upper mesh. Additionally, the Instinct 1.5 will offer a full length seamless inner lining with wicking properties. Altra Instinct 1.5 weighs 8.9 oz and can be found this fall Fall for $94.

Salomon S-Lab Sense - Color Update

With years of innovation and the guidance Ultra Marathoner and 2011 Western States Champion Killian Jornet, Salomon released the minimal S-Lab Sense in 2012. As Killian continues to dominate the Ultra distances, Salomon will be introducing a color update for Spring 2013. The technical aspects of the S-Lab Sense remain the same, weighing 7.4 oz and 4mm heel-to-toe drop. $180  

Source: Alpenglow Sports

La Sportiva Helios - Spring 2013

The Helios from La Sportiva is another minimalist trail runner releasing in Spring 2013.Weight has been significantly reduced thanks to a deconstructed upper design that utilizes minimal overlays, a “sock like” liner and increased breathability. Weighing 16.2 oz, the Helios has a 4mm heel-to-toe differential and uses La Sportiva’s MorphoDynamic technology throughout the midsole. Found in many other models, MorphoDynoamic allows the shoe to adapt to varying roughness of terrain and increases traction. Added protection can be found in the midfoot from a 2mm anti-shock plate. Look for the La Sportiva Helios in 2013.  

Pearl Izumi Project EMotion

Pearl Izumi Project EMotion: Chapter 1 from Genesis Inc. on Vimeo.

Pearl Izumi will be unveiling it Project E:Motion line this coming season. The new collection will offer minimal shoes that give runners a smooth ride and quick transition. Pearl be joining the minimal shoe movement with a line dedicated to smooth quick transition. Watch at Pearl Izumi designers discuss how they came up with the concept behind the E:Motion line.

New Balance Minimus 10v2 - Spring 2013

Updating its successful Minimus running collection, the New Balance Minimus 10v2 will be hitting stores in 2013. Minimus 10v2 offers a 4mm drop and is designed for road runners looking for a balance between ground feel and protection. Changes from the original Minimus include a redesigned upper, new Vibram Road Lite outsole, New Balance’s RevLite cushioning foam and increased flexibility. Much like the Minimus Zero, the 10v2 will feature a mono-tongue construction that securely wraps athlete’s instep. This finely tuned revamp has also been lowered by 2mm, bring road runners closer to the ground. The Minimus 10v2 will launch in March 2013 for $109.95.  

U.K. Brand: Anatom Footwear Minimalist Running Shoe

U.K. hiking company Anatom Footwear will be joining the ever expanding minimalist running shoe market. Anatom’s 2013 minimalist running shoe will be a transitional shoe for “barefoot” runners, offering a 5mm heel-to-toe drop (9mm/4mm). Like most minimal products, runners will find a snug fit in the heel and a roomy toe box. The unnamed style has a removable footbed and EVA for some underfoot cushion. Mesh gives plenty of breathability throughout the upper, while the outsole is a high grade grippy rubber. What are your thoughts on Anatom's running shoe?

Montrail FluidFlex

Montrail’s Fluidflex ($90) will be release in January 2013 according to Running Warehouse. This flexible, yet beefy trail runner offers a FluidFoam midsole with a minimal 4mm offset. The full-length compression-molded foam (11mm forefoot and 15mm heel) is engineered with flex grooves for natural motion. The upper looks very clean with minimal overlays. The Fluidflex is part of Montrail’s new Fluid line which also includes the FluidFeel (a hypbird shoe focused on road duty) and the FluidBalance (a stability road/trail shoe).      

Mizuno Zero Drop Running Shoes

As the minimalist running trend continue to move mainstream, Mizuno decided to join the running shoe niche of zero drop and cushioning we these two styles. Offered in both men’s and women’s, the Wave Evo Levitas and Wave Evo Cursoris will be at a running store near you in 2013. The more minimal Wave Evo Levitas ($110) has a stack height of 15 mm in both the heel and forefoot and weighs 6.5 ounces. Wave Evo Cursoris ($120) will provide runners with 18mm of heel-to-toe cushion and weigh in at 7.5 ounces. These styles were first dropped at Running Warehouse and like the guys over at RW, I too believe Zero Drop more cushion will be a huge theme for 2013. We can already see the same from brands like New Balance, Merrell, Saucony, Skechers, Brooks and Altra.   

Adidas adiPure Running Collection

It seems that all the major brands are stepping into the minimalist running party (Ok maybe not Asics). Over the past week we have seen both Adidas and Mizuno announce the addition of “barefoot like” footwear (of the non-toed variety. Adidas’s Adipure line will feature three shoes offering various drops for your minimal needs. The adiPure Motion ($110) has an 11mm drop and seems to be the entry point for runners into the adiPure Collection. A step down to 7mm drop can be found with the adiPure Gazelle ($100) and the most minimal is the slip on adiPure Adapt ($90) which weighs in at 4.5 ounces. All styles feature minimal use of rubber on the outsole and Adidas’ TECHFIT upper, a stretchy mesh that provides a sock-like fit and a polyurethane patter for structure and flexibility.