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.