Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com November/December 2017 ~ Footwear Insight • 21 Photo Frank James FITNESS JUST THE RIGHT 'HIIT' THERE'S A FITNESS TERM GAINING STEAM: "HIIT." HIGH INTENSITY Interval Training, also known as HIIT, is not necessarily new, but is grow- ing in mainstream popularity and awareness. HIIT workouts often include as many short bursts of high-intensity exercising as possible (each burst followed by a brief low-intensity activity). You can do a HIIT workout in under a half hour and can do it with almost any type of activity, including running, swimming and cycling, as well as strength training with exercises like burpees, squats and push-ups. "These fast-paced workouts make them different from other more traditional classes," says NJ Falk, managing partner, Athletic Propulsion Labs, whose APL footwear has carved out a strong niche in the fitness market. "It's important to do the right moves at your own pace to avoid injury. It's all about burning maximum calories in a short period of time but listen to your body. Modify your routine as needed, concentrate on proper form and only gradually increase your workout when you are ready for the next level. Lightweight flex- ible footwear assists in reducing workout fatigue." Ideal footwear for a HIIT workout will offer more support and stability than a traditional running shoe. "HIIT differs from running in that it is meant to condense and intensify your workout," says Jonathan McLean, marketing coordinator at Inov-8. "Usually it consists of jumping, agility work, sprinting and even some weight lifting. Because of this, a traditional running shoe will not provide the right type of support and stability to perform these movements." Lateral support, protection, cushioning, durability and breathability are all key for HIIT footwear. "It will vary depending on what form of HIIT workout," says Fiona Adams, EVP and creative director product for Global Brand Partners, which holds the license for Beachbody footwear, launching this Spring. "In both anaerobic or aerobic programmes, the upper and outsole of the shoe should have extra reinforcement and protection in the forefoot area to hold the ball of the foot securely in place. Similarly, the shoe must have a firm heel counter and an added mid or rear foot overlay to ensure the back part of the foot has a locked down feel. For cardio-based HIIT workouts, the midsole and outsole must offer maximum cushioning especially in the forefoot for optimum comfort and protection during high impact movement." On these pages: some "high intensity" offerings to watch for. — By Cara Griffin Made for the female foot by the wom- en's-specific Ryka brand. MSRP $80. Why it's right for HIIT: The brand's podular outsole network gets a training makeover in the Devotion XT with the inclusion of a pivot point making this a go-to shoe for rotational movements. Each pod reacts independently, giving a "customized" movement reaction. Features a RE-ZORB midsole drop in, and RE-ZORB LITE exposed midsole for cushioning under the ball of the foot and heel. Rubber in key traction areas. New women's training shoe from NB. Hitting retail in January. MSRP $99.95. Why it's right for HIIT: Using data de- rived from high-intensity workouts, this shoe is designed specifically for the fe- male athlete. The upper is entirely foam- molded, providing both comfort and support. Strategically placed perforations offer ventilation and a dual-compound midsole delivers a cushioned feel. RYKA / DEVOTION XT NEW BALANCE / FRESHFOAM CRUSH

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