Adidas Energy BOOST Launch

Yesterday, Adidas had a huge launch for its new proprietary BOOST foam. The brand states the BOOST compound has the “highest energy return in the running  industry,” and the perfect balance between cushioning and energy return in all temperatures. Erik Liedtke stated, “Energy Boost will reset the running industry and pave the way for all future performance footwear.” Temperature test taken to 104 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit, revealed BOOST to be 3X more temperature-resitant than standard EVA material. Check out the video from the Adidas Event in NYC here: http://youtu.be/w2WDVs-_fBo

Salomon Fellraiser Video - Outdoor Retailer 2013

Checkout this Runningshoes.com video on the Fall 2013 Salomon Fellraiser found at Outdoor Retailer 2013. The Fellraiser looks like the perfect option for trail runs and ultramarathons.

Saucony Kinvara 4 - May 2013 Release

Saucony’s Kinvara series has developed a cult like following amongst lightweight and minimal fans. In May 2013, the successful 4mm drop shoe will be receiving an update with the addition of the Kinvara 4. Not a huge change from the popular Kinvara 3, but look for an improved upper design and the addition of a PowerGrid heel insert. The stripped down upper, increases breathability and has a much softer feel during foot flexion. Updating to Saucony PowerGrid cushioning will give a smooth transition from heel to toe. Look for the Saucony Kinvara 4 in May 2013 for $100.

New Balance Trail 1010v2 - Fall 2013

 

Minimal platforms with a little more cushioning seemed to be dominating the updates for 2013. The New Balance Minimus line has been extremely successful and the NB 1010 Trail Shoe is no different. The Boston based brand will be updating to the Trail 1010v2 in Fall 2013. As described in the video below, the New Balance 1010v2 offers a lower (4mm drop) ride, an aggressive Vibram outsole and a protective impact plate. The updates are mostly seen in the upper with TPU film supports and a new tongue design. The New Balance 1010v2 trail running shoe will retail for $110.

Mizuno Wave Sayonara - July 2013 Release

Many Mizuno fans will be a little disappointed as the Mizuno Wave Precision 14 bites the dust. Fortunately, Mizuno will be replacing it with an amazing new design called the Mizuno Wave Sayonara. As one of the most anticipated shoes for Fall 13, the Wave Sayonara will be on the lightest trainers on the market at 8.1 oz. The midsole is comprised of Mizuno’s u4ic EVA which is 30% lighter than their AP+ compound. Wave plate is found in the heel for impact protection and a smooth ride. The innovative no-sew upper design uses printed overlays for a secure fit with minimal abrasion points. Check out the review above from the guys at Running Village. Release in July 2013, the Mizuno Wave Sayonara will retail for $120.

Asics GEL CUMULUS 15 - FALL 2013

The Asics Gel Cumulus series has been extremely successful for runners looking for a neutral ride and plenty of cushioning. Look for the update coming Fall 2013 in the form of the Asics Gel Cumulus 15. The successor to the Gel-Cumulus14, look for the 15 to offer a similar combination of light stability and cushioning for under to mild overpronators. Gel Cumulus 15 gains a technical update with an improved upper fit and cushioning. The Gel Cumulus 15 will be out in late 2013 and will retail for $115.

Altra Zero Drop 2013 - Lone Peak 1.5

Altra Zero Drop Footwear has done a tremendous job of giving a wide array of options for the minimalist minded runner. They recently announced an update to the Lone Peak model. As an aggressive trail runner, the Lone Peak 1.5 will offer a Zero heel-to-toe drop, rugged outsole and plenty of protective cushioning. Altra removed many of the overlays around the midfoot, making the Lone Peak 1.5 much more flexible, streamlined and lighter weight. At 9.9 ounces, the Lone Peak 1.5 is an entire ounce lighter than the previous model. This amazing new design will hit stores in April 2013 and retail for $115.       

Source: DrawtheLine

Merrell Spring 2013 Full Line

Check out the full line preview that Merrell has cooked up for 2013. Video courteous of the guys at Running Village.

New Saucony Kinvara TR2 - Fall 2013

Saucony will be updating the Trail model of the successful Kinvara series in the Fall of 2013. The flashy Kinvara TR2 looks to be built on a similar platform and featuers a carbon fiber rock plate in the midsole. The use of carbon fiber delivers improved flexibility and durability while keeping feet protected from sharp objects. Saucony has also improved the cushioning in the Kinvara TR2, upgrading from ProGrid to Saucony PowerGrid cushioning in the heel.  The SauconyKinvara TR2 will retail for $100 as should be out in late 2013.

Salomon Fellraiser - 2013

Salomon will be launching the Fellraiser in 2013.  Taking inspiration from its ultra light mountain runner, the S-LAB Fellcross, the Fellraiser is lower to the ground and much more flexible than previous Salomon models. Trail runners will love the spike like traction from the non-marking Contragrip outsole and the lightweight and fast-drying upper. Not sure on the heel-to-toe drop on the Fellraiser yet, but injected EVA midsole and use of Salomon’s lightweight muscle should lend towards quick transition from mid-foot to toe-off.  Weight is approximately 8.2 OZ

Mizuno Wave Creation 14 - Now Available

Checkout the video for the Mizuno Wave Creation 14 NOW AVAILABLE at Running Warehouse. Jason Lewis from Mizuno USA discuss the features and benefits of this highly anticipated update. Womens's color ca be found below. Weight: 11.9 OZ Stackheight: Heel (31 mm) Forefoot (20 mm)

Merrell Ascend Glove - July 2013

Running Warehouse recently dropped a big sneak Peek on a new “Barefoot Style” shoe that will be out later in 2013. Keeping true to the Merrell Barefoot Line, the Merrell Ascend Glove will be a zero-drop trail running shoe, yet provide more cushioning than the successful Trail Glove. Traversing technical trails in minimal footwear can be taxing on a runners foot and legs. The Ascend Glove from Merrell solves this problem by offering a 10.5 mm stack height and a protective Rock-plate that runs from the forefoot to the heel. The upper uses Merrell’s new MotionMesh, that has increased breathability and flexes freely with the foots natural movements. The Vibram outsole looks much more aggressive than previous models for increased traction on mountainside trails.  The Ascend Glove will be out in July 2013 and will retail for $120.

Asics Simon Bartold: "The Game Has Changed"

The Running Event held in Austin, TX was a great opportunity for many in the Running Industry to come together and discuss the future. 2013 has been off to a quick start with lots of new exciting products on the way. Above is a video courtesy of the guys over at Shoe Addicts. The clip is a great interview with ASICS consultant and biomechanics expert Simon Bartold. Dr.Bartold covers the impact of barefoot/minimalist movement on the running industry and the FluidAXIS technology behind the new ASICS running line.  
 

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.