Merrell Bare Access 2 - Now Available

Merrell is in the process of updating some of its Barefoot Line for 2013. The Bare Access 2 is the newest addition and can be found on Merrell.com. This zero-drop shoe offers a full Vibram outsole and 8mm of EVA cushioning. The zero drop platforms allows for a natural ride, while the 13.5 mm stack height provides ideal cushioning for longer distance runs. Like all the Merrell Barefoot Line, the Bare Access 2 is seamless on the inside and made with breathable mesh. (Weight: 7oz)

Salomon XR Mission - 2013 Colors

Since its introduction in 2012, Salomon’s XR Mission has quickly become a go-to shoe for lightweight, neutral trail runners. The upper highlights Salomon’s sensiFlex system which allows for expanding and contraction of the forefoot along with a tough TPU cap for toe protection. The responsive midsole is great for Trail and Road and uses a two composition EVA deemed Salomon Light Weight Muscle. The XR Missions outsole is also designed to take you from road to trail. Contragrip rubber and multidirectional lugs allow for aggressive trail descents or pavement climbs.  Weighing 11.5 oz, XR Mission is a versatile Road/Trail running shoe with plenty of protection (Heel-to-Toe Drop: 20mm-9mm). Salomon will update the colors in Spring 2013. The Men’s 2013 XR Mission can be seen above and below:

Vibram Five Fingers goes Fleece - October 2012

Vibram continues to push the limits of toe shoes with the addition of these cold weather Five Fingers. Over the last few years, many runners have enjoyed the comfort of barefoot running experience without sacrificing the barefoot part. As cold weather creeps upon runners, Vibram Five Fingers will offer fleece lining into the all-terrain Lontra for Fall/Winter 2012. Look for these fleece lined toe shoes to be released in mid October.  

Source: Counterkicks

Nike Flyknit Takes Round 1 V.S. Adidas Primeknit

The battle of the woven upper idea is in full force. Following the Summer Olympic debuted of Nike’ Flyknit and Adidas’ Primeknit, many wondered which of these footwear companies got to the knitted upper first. Earlier this week, Nike announced they’ve won a temporary injunction in a German Court for Adidas to stop both Primeknit production and distribution. This temporary injunction doesn’t settle the matter but does reveal the legal point of view in the who-did-it-first battle. Nike’s full statement can be seen below:

We are pleased the District Court in Nuremberg has granted our application for an interim injunction against adidas for patent infringement by the “adizero primeknit” shoe released in July, 2012. As a result, adidas has been ordered to stop the manufacture and distribution of the shoe in Germany.

Nike has a strong heritage of innovation and leadership in footwear design and development. Our patents are the foundation of that leadership and we protect them vigorously. In this case, the injunction helps protect the innovative NikeFlyknit footwear technology Nike introduced in February, 2012.

We look forward to presenting our case for a permanent injunction to the court.

Source: Counterkicks

Asics GEL - Noosa Tri 8 - December 2012 Release

Asics will be updating the GEL-Noosa Tri series in December with a lighter ride and similar psychedelic look. Cutting off almost a full ounce over last year’s model, Asics has found a way to bring a faster run with the same Tri features. A perforate sockliner and open mesh upper optimize breathability and drainage. The GEL-Noosa Tri 8 offers optional elastic lace and improved heel and tongue grips to a smooth transition from bike to run. Asics Propulsion Trusstic system makes transition from midstance to toe-off quick and efficient. Asics GEL Cushoing System is found in the heel and forefoot giving runners a soft ride on a minimal platform. The GEL-Noosa Tri 8 weighs 9.7 oz in Men’s (pictured below) and 8.1 oz in Women’s (pictured above). You can find the Noosa Tri 8 brightening up the shoe wall this holiday season for $130.00.

Source: Feetelite

Brooks PureConnect 2 - Sneak Peak 2013

RunningShoes.com was able to get a sneak peek at the Brooks Pure Connect 2. As a minimal runner, the Pure Connect offers a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, neutral running gate and is ultra lightweight. Fans of the original Pure Project can expect a similar ride, as the midsole and outsole remain unchanged. Brooks has done some retooling of the upper, with a breathable mesh, extra support around the NAV-Band and moving Brooks signature logo. Brooks will release the Pure Connect 2 on January 1^st 2013.  

New Balance 1290 Made in America - 2013

Made in America has become a rarity, especially when I comes to the athletic footwear and apparel industry. Fortunately, companies like New Balance are still making a concerted effort to keep production on their home soil. New Balance is proud to say that the upcoming 1290 is 100% Made in the USA. The 1290 is a great neutral trainer for your daily mileage. New Balance is able to achieve this lightweight design through their innovative REVlite midsole. REVlite provides premium responsiveness and durability with a 30% lighter weight foam. ABZORB cushioning is found in the midfoot for maximum cushioning in the highest impact area of footstrike. The New Balance 1290 uses a no-sew upper construction that reduces friction and abrasive seams. Weighing 7.5 oz, the 1290 looks to be an amazing lightweight ride for $125.

 

Asics GT - 2000 GORE TEX - Spring 2013

High performance running shoes designed for nasty weather can be hard to come by. With the addition of GORE-TEX to some of Asics running shoes, no weather will keep you from your daily run. The Asics GT-2000 GTX features the same supportive platform found in the popular GT-2000. Ideal for mild to overpronators, Asics Impact Guidance System employs linked component to enhance the foots natural gait form heel to toe-off. Asics Gel Cushioning is found in the forefoot and rearfoot for superior cushion and the Solyte midsole material features lighter weight construction with enhanced durability. The GORE-TEX upper provides a waterproof and breathable upper designed to protect the foot during extreme weather conditions. Look for the Asics GT-200 G-TX in February 2013 and will retail for $129.99.

Source: FeetElite

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

New Balance Minimus Updates - Spring 2013

RunningShoes.com gives us a look into the New Balance Minimus lineup for 2013. New Balance makes some minor updates to their successful MT10/WT10 minimal trail runner. While the Minimus Road gets a significant rework with many of its design elements stemming from its trail running counterpart. Look for the release of the MT10v2 and MR10v2 in early Spring 2013.

Newton Running - "60 Days of Better" Campaign

The month of September brings the launch of NewtonRunning’s “60 Days of Better” campaign. Customers purchasing Newton Running shoes from any of its 650 retailers around the world between Sept 1^st and October 31^st have up to 60 days from the date of purchase to return the shoes if they are not completely satisfied. Newton Running continues to gain momentum amongst runners for their form changing benefits. Newton’s patented Action/Reaction technology is a dynamic, trampoline-like cushioning system that protects the body from impact. The shoes are built on a near level-to-the-ground platform that supports a natural running position and encourage a quick cadence. Take a 60 Day trail run from your local running shop and see if Newton can make your run more enjoyable.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13 - January 2013

The Brooks Adrenaline will see an update in 2013. A go-to trainer for thousands of runners, the Brooks Adrenaline provides the perfect mix of stability and cushioning for daily training. Look for a similar feel to the Adrenaline GTS 12 as the successful midsole will remain unchanged. Improvements can be found in the outsole with the addition of Brooks Omega Flex Grooves. This outsole design improves flexibility and increased gait efficiency. Minor changes to the upper include 3 elastic eyelets on the lateral side and redesigned placement of elastic eyelets on the medial side. These updates allow for a snug glove like fit across the middle of the foot. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13 will arrive at your local running shop in January 2013 and retail for $110.

Asics GEL - Noosa Fast - Spring 2013

Asics GEL-Noosa Fast Due 1/1/2013

The crazy colors of Asics GEL- Noosa series has been lightings up shoe shelves at retail. Asics will continue this trend with the addition of the Asics GEL- Noosa Fast in January of 2013. Ideal for triathletes during transitions, the GEL- Noosa Fast features a quick elastic lacing system, grips on extended heel and tongue tabs and seamless construction for sockless wear. A firm Solyte midsole offers a 6mm heel-to-toe differential encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike. The addition of Magic Sole construction maximizes breathability and allows for drainage capabilities. Asics GEL- Noosa Fast uses a minimal DuraSponge Outsole which provides enhanced cushioning and traction in high abrasion areas.  Look for the GEL-Noosa Fast in 2013 for $99. The women's style can be seen above and the men's below:

Source: FeetElite

Saucony Virrata - Spring 2013

RunningShoes.com was able to speak with Saucony’s Vice President of Footwear at Outdoor Retailer 2012. Dan explains Saucony’s new zero drop Virrata and how it fits into Saucony’s ever evolving minimalist footwear offering. The Virrata looks to be a great medley of minimalism and cushioning with 188mm of EVA from heel to toe. Bootie construction in the upper means runners can go sockless and weighing 6.5 oz will feel featherweight on the foot. Look for the Saucony Virrata in February 2013 for $90.  

Pearl Izumi Project Emtion N1 Trail - Spring 2013

Pear Izumi’s Project E: Motion will feature Road, Trail and Tri shoes designed for efficient and fluid running. E Motion is inspired by Efficiency and Designed for Motion (EM) and is designed for quick transition while running. This week we will focus on the trail specific model. The neutral EM N1 Trail is oriented to the trail running with its aggressive, multidirectional outsole. The dynamic heel to toe drop design offers 1mm at initial contact and 4.5 mm at mid stance. The forefoot includes a protective rock plate during rocky descents. Pearl Izumi uses its seamless upper design throughout this entire line. The EM N1 Trail weighs 9.6 oz and will be available Spring 2013.

Source: SamWineBaum

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!”

New Balance MT1201 - Running Warehouse Sneak Peak

Following their recent sponsorship of the Leadville 100, New Balance has designed a shoe specifically for the mountainous trails runners will face during one of the toughest Ultra Marathons in the world. The 1210 will offer all the bells and whistles an Ultra Runner could ask for. An aggressive Vibram outsole uses multiple directional lugs that is designed to provide traction on a range of terrain. Cushioning and support can be found in New Balance’s N2 midsole and a medial post for added stability during the fatigued stages of the race. New Balance’s shinning point, comes with the near seamless upper and liner. The liner uses an extremely soft material (synthetic suede) that limits blistering and holds the foot securely. The stack height was measured at 22mm in the forefoot and 30 mm in the heel (8mm offset) according to Running Warehouse. The men’s weighs in at 10.3 oz while the women’s is 8.1 oz. Look for the MT1210 / WT1210 from New Balance in January 2013.   

Source: RunningWarehouse

Altra Superior - October 2012 Launch

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.

 

Source: Sam Winebaum 

Deckers Corp. Investment in Hoka One One

Maximalist running brand Hoka One One will be getting a significant boost in the running market over the next year. Last week Deckers Outdoor Corp. (owner of brands like Teva, Sanuk and Ugg) made a significant investment in the Ultra running brand. “The partnership is very exciting for both Deckers and Hoka One One. Deckers is now engaged in the running shoe market through an innovative product and Hoka One One is getting the boost we need to drive growth and continuous innovation.” said Jean-Luc Diard, co-founder of Hoka One One. While most of the industry is focusing on minimalism and less cushioning, Hoka One One has used its niche design in the opposite direction. The brand has seen huge success on the Ultramarathon front, recording more than 30 podium finishing on five continents in the past 18 months.

Source: PitchEngine

Asics DS Trainer 18 - Spring 2013

The Asics DS Trainer will see an update in January 2013 with its 18 iteration. Redesigns will occur in the midsole, as Asics implements its Dynamic Duomax System, enhancing stability and support with reduced weight. Also shedding weight is the seamless upper design that hugs the foot securely. The DS Trainer will also offer Asics Heel Clutching System that locks in the heel for an improved fit. A WET Grip outsole, consisting of organic and non-organic compounds, helps with traction on wet surfaces. Weighing in at 7.6 oz, look for the Asics DS Trainer January 2013 for $115.   

 

 

Source: Feetelite

New Balance Hi-Rez - Spring 2013

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.
  

Source: GearJunkie

Nike Flyknit Track Spike - London Olympics Launch

It’s hard not to miss the bright colored spikes that are tearing up the Olympic Stadium in London. In the image above, 7 runners alone are wearing the highlighter yellow spikes. Nike’s Flyknit Track Spike helped both Mo Farah and Galen Rupp finish the 10k in first and second respectively. Using the same upper as the Nike Flyknit Racer, the spiked option offers runners a narrower fit specifically designed for track performance, as well as dynamic flywire structured zones. The seamless knitted upper is extremely breathable and makes this spike super lightweight (3.9 oz). The Flyknit spike features an engineered Pebax plate with four removable pins and a sharkskin heel pad for enhanced grip and traction.    

Mizuno Wave Musha 5 - Spring 2013

The guys over at RunningWarehouse recently posted a sneak peak of the Mizuno Wave Musha 5. Fans of the Musha 4 will be pleased to find the midsole component unchanged and still uses Mizuno’s Wave technology. Mizuno has decided to go with a much more streamlined upper design with this 5th iteration. Stripping away the number of overlays gives users a sock like fit and reduced weight. The Wave Musha 5 weighs in at 7.4 oz, making it almost a full ounce then the previous model. Look for the Mizuno Wave Musha 5 in January 2013 for $90.   

Source: RunningWarehouse

Salomon Sense Mantra - Spring 2013

Salomon will be releasing what looks to be a consumer friendly version of the S-Lab Sense. The Salomon Sense Mantra offers trail runners a minimal 6mm heel-to-toe drop yet also provides the “high mileage” benefits of cushioning and protection. Runners will find a flexible forefoot that allows for a mid-foot and forefoot strike. The Sense Mantra also utilizes Salomon’s EndoFit construction which is an internal “sleeve like” system that hugs the foot and is virtually seamless. Both men’s and women’s versions will be available Spring 2013 for $120.

Source: UtahOutside