Shoe Industry Innovation

The shoe industry is to be commended for trying new ideas. It’s only as they push each other to new levels of innovation that we’ll see shoes develop to where they are really the best they can be. Running shoes are changing. Here are three examples:
     The Adidas 1 1.1 has a microprocessor in the shoe’s arch that measures heel compression. This information is translated into cushioning changes based on the running surface, and the runner’s weight and size, pace, and foot strike.  The theory behind the shoe is that when someone has optimal cushioning, they can perform better and longer.
     The Reebok Pump 2.0 Wrapshear Cushion Running Shoe offers a unique laceless Pump automatic custom fit system. Controlled by a smart valve, the bladder inflates and releases, with each step, based on the needs of each individual’s foot and activity. The theory is that shoe provides runners with a customized fit for all foot shapes by surrounding the athlete’s foot with an automatic form-fitting air chamber.
     The Inov-8 trail running shoes are made for trails. The shoes are light-weight, quick-drying, with a unique lacing system to lock the heel in place, a rounded toe box, side webbing support for increased torque sensitivity, a low Achilles notch, a midsole stiffening shank to allow the metatarsals to move independently, and an anti-clogging outersole. The Inov-8 theory incorporates the natural biomechanical function of the foot needed to traverse undulating terrains into the design of their shoes, making the shoe feel like an extension of your foot—as though you are running bare foot.
     The best way to stay informed of changes in shoe product lines is to read the magazines of your sport (Trail Runner, Running Times, Runner’s World, Backpacker, Ultrarunning, etc.) and do Google searches.