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S wiss apparel and gear brand X-Bionic is launching in the North American market with offerings that include a high-end trail run shoe "system." Founded in 2000 by Professor Bodo Lambertz, X-Bionic is part of the X-Technology Group. The launch into North America includes the brand's first-ever footwear offering, the TerraSkin trail system. A "skin to trail" sock and shoe system, the concept is designed to provide op- timal cushioning while redefining control, particularly on the downhill. The shoe was designed to fully integrate between the XSKIN sock and the shoe upper for synergy and skin to ground connection. The TerraSkin trail system in- cludes air cool strip 3D foam mesh and air conditioning channels for ventilation, achilles tendon protector 3D heel cage for protection, SkinKnit wrapping for control, Speedframe technology for stability, Spinweave technology for grip and traction, and Power-Lite carbon for reactivity and control. The elite level X00/C (MSRP $300) is built for medium to long distance, complete with compatible X-Socks. The brand's North American leadership includes Kris Kuster, formerly of Nitro Snowboard and Mammut Sports Group, and World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympian Heidi Voelker. In announcing its launch to the market, the brand leaders say they are leaning into "superior quality and cutting-edge technology." Kuster heads up the company as North American President and co-owner. e North American HQ is located in Denver, CO. e sales team is led by industry vets Marty Carrigan and Dave Rosenberger who have built and represented premium European brands in the U.S. and Canada for over 30 years. X-Bionic aims to establish itself in key and specialty retailers including general sport, with an emphasis on run and snow. "Entering the North American market enables us to connect with a community that shares our commitment to innovation, passion and quality," said Kuster. "Our mission is to empower athletes of all levels with top-tier performance wear, and we're thrilled to bring our X-Bionic vision to life in the U.S. and the Americas as a whole." The product line also includes snowsports and winter running apparel and gear crafted with moisture-wicking fabrics, ergo- nomic designs, and durable materials that withstand the rigors of intense workouts. n X-BIONIC LAUNCHES IN NORTH AMERICA STARTING LINE / NEWS & ANALYSIS 10 runstyle Fall 2024 runstylemag.com The TerraSkin trail system shoe and sock from X-Bionic.

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