We continue with Part 2 of our coverage of the Summer Outdoor Retailer 2013 trade show in Salt Lake City…
Topo Athletic
Topo is introducing two new shoes that is somewhat of a departure from split toe design – they feature a more traditional athletic shoe look. These shoes have an internal split toe to appeal to athletes who like the function, but not the look.
The ST (Speed Trainer) is zero drop, has a protective cover to keep you drier and shielded from debris while creating the appearance that it is a mild-mannered closed-toe shoe. The MT (Mountain Trainer) is zero drop, has an anatomical last, combined with a rugged outsole trail shoe.
New Balance
New Balance is introducing what it is calling ‘a breakthrough design’ for runners with the Fresh Foam 980. New Balance believes that the Fresh Foam 980 will offer a revolutionary approach to neutral running by combining ultra-plush cushioning with a 4mm drop to offer a super soft, bouncy ride that protects runners without sacrificing speed.
Brooks Running
Brooks is updating their Pure Project collection with some new features in the Pure Cadence 3, Pure Connect 3 and Pure Flow 3.
- sculpted medial midfoot and integrated new, wider Nav Band for a streamlined fit
- repositioned Toe Flex to empower the first two toes as a unit
- reversed the direction of the tongue wrap to flow across the foot naturally
- beveled IDEAL Heel on the lateral side to better your forward foot strike
Brooks also announced the Transcend, delivering the ultimate smooth ride: cushioned, effortless, plush and completely tuned to you. The Transcend is a traditional ‘support’ shoe and complements the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. I’m not a big fan but there seem to be a large following for lightweight cushioned shoes…
