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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
