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.
Trail runners are excited about the
upcoming release of the Altra Superior. What makes the Altra Superior unique is
its removable rockplate insole. Runners who find themselves on rocky terrain will
benefits from the added protection, while mud single track runners can remove
the plate for increased flexibility. Midsole stack height is 19mm from heel-to-toe
and Altra uses stability cords across the instep for a secure fit. The durable
outsole is designed with descent traction on the lateral side, aggressive lugs
on the medial and forefoot for climbs. Climbs down are also made easier with a
built in heel brake in the back. Weighing 8.9 oz, look for the Altra Superior
this October 2012 for $95.
New Balance will be taking minimal one step further with the Minimus
Hi-Rez. This innovative design gives barefoot runners an ultra-minimal shoe experience.
New Balance is using a pixilated sole comprised of 42 unconnected rubber pods
that are welded into a soft, durable, synthetic fabric that acts as the
midsole. The result is an extremely lightweight (4.3 oz) and flexible shoe that
allows each pod to move independently with the foot. The New Balance Hi-Rez (Zero
Drop) can easily be rolled up into a ball and looks to be a great competitor with
Merrell’s Vapor Glove as we enter 2013. Look for the New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez
early next spring for $119.
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.
Running Warehouse recently posted the above video on Merrell’s Bare Access 2 that will
be available this Fall 2012. Jon, from Merrell, discusses the updates Merrell
has made to this minimalist road runner since the original Bare Access 1. The
Bare Access 2 offers runners a 00mm heel-to-toe drop and a 15mm stack height.
Merrell has updated the upper as well as the outsole giving runners a full
length Vibram outsole. The Bare Access 2 weighs in at 7oz and cost $90. Men’s
and Women’s styles can be seen below.
Available
in February 2013, Merrell will be pushing the limits with their super minimal
Vapor Glove. With a zero heel-to-toe drop and a mere 6mm of underfoot foot,
barefoot runners will maximize their ground feel. As seen in the image above,
the model is one of the most flexible barefoot shoes for 2013. Like the entire
Merrell Barefoot line, the Vapor Glove has a full Vibram rubber outsole and a
durable mesh upper. This barefoot runner retails for $80 and offers a wide
range of colors in Men’s and Women’s. See one users thoughts on the fit and
feel at Frunning.
Inov-8 will
be expanding its Trailroc series in Spring 2013 with the addition of the
Trailroc 150(see the Trialroc 235, 245 and 255 at iRunFar). The new Trailrock
150 is much lighter weight at 5.3 oz and extremely minimal. A zero-drop
differential will give users a barefoot running experience with maximum
traction. Inov-8 uses its Tri-C outsole, using three different rubber compounds
throughout the outsole. In areas that typically experience the most wear, larger
cleats and enhance rubber is used. The outer section of the outsole provides
hard rubber that gives stability; while a third soft and sticky rubber can be found
near the toe and inner arch. Anatomical fit and Met-Cradle lacing system is
used in the upper giving runners a secure glove like fit. Video: See Max Delacy of BarefootincNZ thoughts on the Trairoc 150.
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.
