Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com March/April 2018 ~ Footwear Insight • 15 and less bulky, making you more agile when you're running, jumping, or cut- ting during a fitness routine," says Erika Derylo, category management special- ist for Merrell. The exec is getting more requests for "holistic approaches to footwear," meaning to train the whole, and not the parts, so shoes must be minimal and versatile. The Trail Glove 4 Knit is shaped liked a human foot and has near-ground construction, which is a win-win for agility during boot camps and circuit training. Both the Trail Glove 4 Knit and Bare Access Flex Knit (a cushioned trainer) incorporate 3D knit construction for a "one-with-your- foot fit," she says. Reebok is touting its Flexweave technology for quick-burst activities and drills. The Fast Flexweave shoe features a figure-8 construction allow- ing for zones throughout the shoe for front foot flexibility, midfoot stabiliza- tion and breathability. Puma's Ignite Flash features evoKNIT technology for form-fitting comfort during long train- ings. Ignite foam provides a lightweight, cushioned feel, while a molded rubber heel clip secures the heel. The Quest TR from 361 Degrees is positioned as a sneaker that can work for both a hard-hitting circuit session or a laid-back session on the elliptical. "We kept hearing, 'I love this shoe and "We kept hearing, 'I love this shoe and that shoe, but what I need is forefront cushioning for box jumps or some light running,' so we started with a consumer want and developed from there." Jim Monahan, 361 Degrees New Balance Fresh Foam Lazr Puma Ignite Flash Ryka Devotion XT 361 Degrees Quest TR Under Armour HOVR Sonic Beachbody Insanity Breeze Tiem Slipstream Merrell Trail Glove 4 Knit Reebok Fast Flexweave that shoe, but what I need is forefront cushioning for box jumps or some light running,' so we started with a consumer want and developed from there," notes Jim Monahan, president of 361 Degrees. The Quest TR is built to lock the wearer in from heel to midfoot, with added wiggle room in a more open toe box. The upper and laces are made with high abra- sion materials for added durability. 3. Cushion+Tech Under Armour's UA HOVR cushioning technology platform is being offered in the UA HOVR Sonic and Phantom styles. The new cushioning system fea- tures an Energy Web containing a mesh fabric that helps deliver responsive- ness and energy return, meaning that the shoe absorbs some of the impact that an athlete's body would normally feel. The result is less overall fatigue. The UA HOVR midsole is made of a proprietary foam compound created in partnership with Dow Chemical. The shoes are available in connected versions, which allow users to track performance stats. While technical is important – note New Balance's laser engraved Fresh Foam Lazr – NB Strategic Business Unit Manager Kevin Fitzpatrick notes that cushion is also increasingly important for everyday wear. "We are seeing a strong preference toward run-inspired silhouettes, as the consumer views running footwear as providing comfort, but they demand modern aesthetics and style that traditional running shoes haven't always offered," he explains. The Fresh Foam Cruz features a cush- ioned ride and all-day comfort for more casual wear. Combining a throwback feel and high performance, Ryka's 90's-inspired Devotion XT Mid is fit for high-impact classes with ultimate cushioning, flex- ibility and ease of movement. The midsole and outsole feature two layers of responsive cushioning with Re-Zorb and Re-Zorb Lite compounds, along with a Pivot Point on the outsole for smooth and easy movement. The website top-seller can be used for a wide range of workouts, including dance and group fitness classes. For Fall 2018, the Dynamic 3 training shoe will feature new comfort and flex technologies. A seamless heel collar wraps memory foam around the heel for extra cushioning and 3D printed overlays maximize a lightweight and flexible forefront. "Ryka is known for providing exceptional underfoot cush- ioning and our brand will continue to maximize on the comfort we offer our consumer," says Debra Krivelow, SVP and GM for Ryka. O

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