Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/918219
82 runninginsight.com ©2017 Formula4media LLC. says Colin Ingram, Senior Product Manager at New Balance. Ingram points out how the right upper complements the sensation of the sole: a plush upper can enhance a soft sole, for example, while it might ruin the fast feel of a racing flat. "We're trying to get more to the full, organic softness or firmness, holistically across the shoe," Ingram says. As designers discuss models in their line, one notices a u-curve of desired support along the "more shoe" to "less shoe" axis. Heavier shoes, designed for runners who have excess foot movement, need a more controlling upper. Lighter, less structured shoes tend to have uppers that allow the foot to move more—until you cross into racing shoes, where you again find more controlling uppers with tight, non-stretchy fabrics designed to eliminate slip and transfer all power to forward momentum. White points out that this variation not only ref lects desired feel but the reality of forces being created by different soles. "The more f lexible the sole is, the more it moves with your foot, and the less structure you need in the upper to hold your foot on," he says. Their highly-f lexible Everun sole, for example, compresses and conforms on landing, rather than torqueing, and the sole stays with the foot during the toe off, which allows for f lexible, free upper designs. Trail shoe uppers have the same design challenges as road models, with the added complication of needing to hold the foot on the sole despite lateral forces from uneven terrain and sharp changes in direction. Plus, trail uppers need to protect feet from a greater array of elements and physical dangers. Innovations include the introduction of Kevlar fibers into upper weaves for durability, and a new waterproof Gore membrane technology that is bonded to the shoe's upper so TOPO RUNVENTURE 2 Designed to allow your foot and an- kle their full range of motion on the trail rather than attempt to restrict and control, Topo's upper foregoes the typical rigid heel counter for a soft, stretchy heel that hugs the shoe to the foot with a contoured fit and a small foam Achilles wrap.