By Defying Expectations, Nike NEXT% Moves Athletes Forward

Press Release:

Call it the ultimate test run: When Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna this past October, he was wearing a prototype of the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%. 

“For runners, records like the four-minute mile and two-hour marathon are barometers of progress. These are barriers that have tested human potential. When someone like Eliud breaks them, our collective belief about what’s possible changes,” says Tony Bignell, VP, Footwear Innovation. “Barriers are inspiring to innovators. Like athletes, when a barrier is in front of us, we are challenged to think differently and push game-changing progress in footwear design.”

The NEXT% platform is the ultimate expression of Nike’s ambition to engineer footwear with measurable performance benefit. NEXT% is all about creating more efficient intersections between the body and technology to enable athletes to shatter personal boundaries — and sometimes, as our athletes have shown, break records. It is the ultimate meeting of sports science and purposeful design.NEXT% 2

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% evolves the learnings of the Vaporfly franchise, adding Zoom Air Pods in the forefoot, more ZoomX Foam in the heel and a lighter Atomknit upper.

“The groundbreaking research that led to the original Vaporfly unlocked an entirely new way of thinking about marathon shoes,” says Carrie Dimoff, an elite marathoner and member of Nike’s Advanced Innovation Team. “Once we understood the plate and foam as a system, we started thinking about ways to make the system even more effective. That’s when we struck upon the idea of adding Nike Air to store and return even more of a runner’s energy and provide even more cushioning.”  

Breaking down the Nike NEXT% system

Nike NEXT% is a footwear innovation system engineered to give athletes a measurable benefit. Informed by sport science and verified by the Nike Sport Research Lab, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% features three critical components, working together to help runners on race day:Alphafly NEXT% 5

Full-length Carbon Fiber Plate: Provides stability and a smooth transition; increases stiffness in the forefoot to provide a sensation of propulsionAlphafly NEXT% 3

Nike ZoomX Cushioning: Lightweight, provides optimal energy return, minimizes energy lossAlphafly NEXT% 1

Nike Zoom Air Pods: Added cushioning, increased energy return

Nike’s newest race-day shoe, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% features two new Nike Zoom Air pods, more ZoomX foam and a single carbon fiber plate (all updates from its predecessor, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%), and an ultra-breathable, lightweight Flyknit upper – all adding up to improved cushioning and running economy.

The shoe is part of a suite of products releasing in summer 2020, including the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% and Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FlyEase, complementary training shoes that translate the principles of the Alphafly to rigorous daily use, and track spikes (the Nike Air Zoom Victory) that extend the NEXT% design ethos to new disciplines.

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Designed for higher mileage and more frequent daily use, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% was created as a training complement to the Alphafly NEXT%.

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Designed for higher mileage and more frequent daily use, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FE was created as a training complement to the Alphafly NEXT%.

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Designed for higher mileage and more frequent daily use, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% was created as a training complement to the Alphafly NEXT%.

NEXT% 4

Designed for higher mileage and more frequent daily use, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FE was created as a training complement to the Alphafly NEXT%.

NEXT% 3

Designed for higher mileage and more frequent daily use, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% was created as a training complement to the Alphafly NEXT%.

NEXT% 4

Designed for higher mileage and more frequent daily use, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FE was created as a training complement to the Alphafly NEXT%.

For the Tempo NEXT%, the NEXT% system is specifically tuned to training. The plate shifts from carbon to a composite — softer for added comfort over higher mileage — but still serves to provide stability and transition throughout a runner’s full stride. ZoomX, prized for its energy return and responsiveness, sits above the plate at mid and forefoot. For maximum impact protection and durability, Nike React Foam is used at the heel. The same Nike Zoom Air pods featured in the new Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% are also placed in the Tempo’s forefoot to offer responsive cushioning and a sensation of propulsion. 

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% and Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FlyEase give athletes of today an opportunity to stamp their mark and motivate athletes (and designers) of tomorrow to set even greater goals.

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World Athletics modifies rules governing competition shoes for elite athletes

Media Release:

World Athletics has today amended its rules governing competition shoes to provide greater clarity to athletes and shoe manufacturers around the world and to protect the integrity of the sport.

The rule amendments (link) that the World Athletics Council has this week approved were recommended by its Assistance Review Group, an internal working group containing technical, scientific and legal experts as well as athlete representatives.

From 30 April 2020, any shoe must have been available for purchase by any athlete on the open retail market (online or in store) for a period of four months before it can be used in competition.

If a shoe is not openly available to all then it will be deemed a prototype and use of it in competition will not be permitted. Subject to compliance with the rules, any shoe that is available to all, but is customised for aesthetic reasons, or for medical reasons to suit the characteristics of a particular athlete’s foot, will be allowed.

Where World Athletics has reason to believe that a type of shoe or specific technology may not be compliant with the rules or the spirit of the rules, it may submit the shoe or technology for study and may prohibit the use of the shoe or technology while it is under examination.

Further, with immediate effect there will be an indefinite moratorium on any shoe (whether with or without spikes) that does not meet the following requirements:

  • The sole must be no thicker than 40mm.
  • The shoe must not contain more than one rigid embedded plate or blade (of any material) that runs either the full length or only part of the length of the shoe. The plate may be in more than one part but those parts must be located sequentially in one plane (not stacked or in parallel) and must not overlap.
  • For a shoe with spikes, an additional plate (to the plate mentioned above) or other mechanism is permitted, but only for the purpose of attaching the spikes to the sole, and the sole must be no thicker than 30mm.


The competition referee will have the power to request that an athlete immediately provide their shoes for inspection at the conclusion of a race if the referee has a reasonable suspicion that the shoes worn by an athlete do not comply with the rules.

The Assistance Review Group has concluded that there is independent research that indicates that the new technology incorporated in the soles of road and spiked shoes may provide a performance advantage and there is sufficient evidence to raise concerns that the integrity of the sport might be threatened by the recent developments in shoe technology.

It has therefore recommended that further research be undertaken to establish the true impact of this technology and that a new working group, comprising biomechanics specialists and other qualified experts, be formed to oversee this research, and to assess any new shoes that enter the market, where required. Shoe manufacturers will be invited to be part of this assessment process.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: “It is not our job to regulate the entire sports shoe market but it is our duty to preserve the integrity of elite competition by ensuring that the shoes worn by elite athletes in competition do not offer any unfair assistance or advantage. As we enter the Olympic year, we don’t believe we can rule out shoes that have been generally available for a considerable period of time, but we can draw a line by prohibiting the use of shoes that go further than what is currently on the market while we investigate further.

“I believe these new rules strike the right balance by offering certainty to athletes and manufacturers as they prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, while addressing the concerns that have been raised about shoe technology. If further evidence becomes available that indicates we need to tighten up these rules, we reserve the right to do that to protect our sport.”

“I would like to thank the Assistance Review Group, chaired by International Technical Official Brian Roe, for its diligent examination of this issue and sound guidance.”

World Athletics will now establish an expert working group to guide future research into shoe technology (and consider any regulatory implications that that research might have), and to assess new shoes that emerge on the market. This group will report to the Competitions Commission, and ultimately to the Council.

World Athletics remains open to continued dialogue with shoe manufacturers and other interested stakeholders regarding the amended rules and their impact as well as the broader question of how to balance shoe technology and innovation with World Athletics’ legitimate interest in preserving integrity in its sport.

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Adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN Designed For Running Remedy And Re-Energizing A Personal Best Mindset

Press Release:

focusbreathein

Today, adidas reveals FOCUSBREATHEIN – a new running shoe that offers smooth movement and provides lightweight comfort and performance for those who use running as a way to re-energize and establish their personal best mindset. Ready. Set. Glow!

Inspired by the restorative effects of exercise on a person’s wellbeing, adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN combines a translucent upper with a BOUNCELITE EVA midsole, blending iconic adidas performance DNA with modern underfoot comfort. adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN is created for runners looking to reap the holistic benefits of being able to fully reset and rejuvenate when it comes to their all-important workout time.

The design inspiration behind adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN centers on a ‘glowing from within’ concept, with a range of transparent, soft textures utilized in the shoe’s design – both in the upper material and in the distinctive outsole – to create a glowing effect that mirrors the positive benefits of exercise on a person’s own internal energy and aura.

adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN has been specially developed to offer unrivaled natural comfort, with lightweight compounds used to offer a featherlight, aerodynamic performance. The inclusion of a progressive tongue and upper construction ensures the wearer can enjoy fluid, boundless movement when running in the shoe.

The key technical features of adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN are as follows:

FIT – 3D molded heel construction offers lightweight comfort and support, while the inclusion of a progressive and breathable upper with padded tongue ensures a full range of movement and minimal distraction

FEEL – BOUNCELITE midsole technology offers lightweight energy return performance

FLUID MOVEMENT – The outsole centers on an undulated wave design, combining macro undulations with micro textures, to ensure the shoe offers a consistently smooth performance with a quiet and cushioned transition

The three colorways of adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN all take inspiration from the ‘chakras’ – the points in the body through which energies flow – as a further celebration of these different types of energy and the qualities they inspire. These include:

  • Root Chakra Red, which is linked to life force and stability
  • Solar Plexus Yellow, which is linked to happiness and optimism
  • Third Eye Blue, which is linked to intuition and peace of mind

Matthew Van Wyen at adidas said: “Talking to runners around the world, we understand the impact running has on improving people’s personal best mindset and taking them away from the stresses of the everyday. Taking cues from the restorative and rejuvenating effects of exercise, adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN will enable the wearer to forget about everything else going on around them and zone in on themselves during their run and workout, through the lightweight comfort and no-distraction fit”.

adidas FOCUSBREATHEINwill be available to buy instore and online at adidas.com, the adidas app and select retailers from January 30, 2020, alongside an accompanying running apparel range.

As part of the adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN campaign, adidas has captured the stories of a number of female runners, whose motivation for running reflects the inspiration behind the new shoe.

adidas will also be marking the launch of adidas FOCUSBREATHEIN with digital runs also available for runners to try via the adidas Running app.

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Do running shoes prevent running injury?

There is no clear answer to this. They may help prevent injury or they may not. Check out this PodChatLive video in which the hosts discussed this issue with Michael Nitschke who is a runner, coach and a Podiatrist.

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If you purchased New Balance “Made in USA” labeled shoes, a proposed class action settlement may affect your rights. Read this notice carefully because it explains decisions and actions you must take now

Press release:

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The following statement is being issued by Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns LLP and The Wand Law Firm, P.C. regarding the New Balance “Made in USA” Class Action Settlement.

Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Case No. 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB. SUMMARY CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT NOTICE. A federal court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

ARE YOU AFFECTED?
You may be a class member if you purchased at least one pair of eligible New Balance shoe models labeled as “Made in USA” from December 27, 2012 through January 24, 2019 in California. A list of eligible shoe models can be found at www.shoesettlement.com.

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Running research: Heel-toe or toe-heel?

Press Release:

New research from La Trobe University suggests there is no evidence that changing a runner’s strike pattern will help prevent injuries or give them a speed boost.

In a bid to avoid shin splints, sore knees and other injuries, many runners have adopted a toe-to-heel trend, running on the balls of their feet. This is often encouraged by coaches and health professionals.

However, in research out this week in Sports Medicine, La Trobe injury researcher and physiotherapist Dr Christian Barton found there is no evidence to suggest running on the front of your feet reduces injury risk or improves performance.

“We analysed 53 studies which looked at the impact of forefoot, rearfoot and flatfoot running patterns on injury, running economy and running biomechanics,” senior author of the study, Dr Barton said

“Our comprehensive review suggests that telling someone to run on the ball of their foot instead of their heel may make them less efficient, at least in the short term. Additionally, there is no evidence either way on whether running on the balls of your feet reduces injury.”

Dr Barton said switching your running style shifts the body’s loads but doesn’t make them disappear.

“Running toe-heel might help injuries at the knee, where loads are reduced. However, it may cause injuries to the feet and ankle, where loads are increased,” Dr Barton said.

“Put simply, when it comes to running style: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

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adidas Running Reveals the Ultra Boost 20, Celebrating Partnership with the ISS US National Lab

Press Release:

Today,adidasRunning reveals the adidas Ultraboost 20 in partnership with the International Space Station(ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, once again revolutionizing its iconic leading performance running shoe. Drawing parallels with the construction of a space shuttle in which every part has a unique purpose, each element in the adidas Ultraboost 20 has been maximized for a specific performance-driven function, allowing athletes to elevate their performance to new heights.Spacerace ULTRABOOST 20 SS20 Black Iridescent The new silhouette is the result of relentless stress testing in the lab, countless hours of research, and feedback from thousands of runners; the ultimate combination of comfort and responsiveness, designed to give runners the confidence to go beyond.THE DESIGN AESTHETIC OF THE NEW ADIDAS ULTRABOOST 20 TAKES INSPIRATION FROM OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ISS U.S. NATIONAL LAB AND, WITH MORE TO COME FROM THE PARTNERSHIP, WE PLAN ON TAKING BOOST TO EVEN GREATER HEIGHTS.adidas Ultraboost 20’s new and advanced Primeknit upper features Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) technology. The innovative technique lays down fibers to the millimeter, resulting in a high-performance, lightweight upper which is precisely stitched and constructed. From take-off to landing, runners can initiate control with a shoe that exactly calibrates foot support to fully unleash the explosive energy of boost. Meanwhile, the Boost midsole captures the energy in every stride and returns it at toe-off to propel runners forward, allowing them to take their run to the next level with out-of-this-world energy return. At the same time, the 3D Heel Frame – a stripped-back design which cradles the heel and locks it firmly in place – brings the perfect mix of adaptability and support.The adidas Ultraboost 20 features: 

  • Primeknit with TFP – An evolutionary upgrade to adidas Ultraboost 19, the Primeknit now features data-driven Tailored Fibre Placement technology, which lays down fibres to the millimeter to create an upper that delivers calibrated support and a flexible fit for each runner’s foot
  • Optimized Boost – the adidas Boost midsole captures the energy in every stride and returns it at toe-off to propel the runner forward, offering high energy return every step of the way
  • Stretchweb – The Stretchweb outsole works in harmony with the Boost midsole while Continental rubber gives maximum traction on all surfaces
  • Torsion Spring – A lightweight construction for enhanced support on landing and a snappy transition to propel runners forward

 Sam Handy, Vice President Design, adidas Running, said: “The revolutionary Ultraboost range has consistently pushed the boundaries of running shoe design since first launching, with each new release going one step further than its predecessors. In the adidas Ultraboost 20, we have lift-off again. The new silhouette has been carefully crafted to provide a high level of energy return for the wearer, combining our iconic Boost midsole with a Primeknit upper featuring Tailored Fiber Placement. This means the shoe responds to every step by propelling the runner forward. The design aesthetic of the new adidas Ultraboost 20 takes inspiration from our partnership with the ISS U.S. National Lab and, with more to come from the partnership, we plan on taking Boost to even greater heights.” Announced earlier in November 2019, as part of its open-source culture of collaboration, adidas has officially partnered with the ISS U.S. National Lab to innovate, learn, and share information with the vision of co-creating the future of sports performance. Beyond integrating aerospace grade technology with the adidas  Ultraboost 20 and as part of the ground-breaking long-term partnership, adidas will send Boost technology on a mission up to the ISS. In space, the scientists will study the Boost molding process without the distraction of Earth’s gravity, so adidas can unlock the future of boost. The objective is to leverage the findings at scale in Boost midsoles of the future. Adorned with an ISS U.S. National Laboratory space patch, the adidas Ultraboost 20 pays homage to this upcoming mission and as a symbol of the partners commitment to innovate. Through its partnership with the ISS, adidas has gained deep insight into how astronauts, prepare for the physical and mental strain of living in space. With these insights and in collaboration with EXOS – a world-leading human performance lab – adidas has created an exclusive workout program for runners worldwide to challenge themselves and experience what it takes to train like an astronaut.  The adidas Ultraboost 20 will drop in a number of limited-edition colorways in the lead-up to the official global launch on December 6, 2019.

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The Nike React Infinity Run Keeps You Running

Press Release:

Imagine a world where every runner gets faster. Pretty exciting. But also a hearty challenge, given the presumed hurdle of injury. But are injuries actually inevitable? The question spurred Nike to focus efforts on the potential of reducing runner injury, and its newest running shoe, the Nike React Infinity Run, is a step toward that objective.

When Nike debuted the Zoom Vaporfly 4% in 2017, racers cheered; the shoe was built for notching PRs and breaking limits — privileging running economy. The same year, Nike React, a proprietary foam offering game-changing cushioning and energy return debuted. In running, the technology answered for a near impossible desire: A feel that was soft, resilient, lightweight and durable.

The Nike React Infinity Run encompasses the best qualities of those two technologies — a fine-tuned blend of biomechanical efficiency and cushioning — for a breakthrough shoe that offers a more democratic solution to stability, and an advance from traditional motion-control designs.

The Infinity Run provides a soft, responsive platform and delivers it with a widened midsole. Similar to the geometry of the 4%, the Infinity has a rocker-like bottom that yields a more fluid transition from foot strike to toe off.

This inspired combination has an instant impact on a runner. Slip the shoe on, and it feels at once stable and energetic, the spring in the React foam ready to fuel miles. The Infinity’s rocker-geometry encourages a slight lean forward, moving a runner’s foot strike from heel to midfoot, or even forefoot; this creates a natural forward feel of propulsion. The wider platform, and the supportive foam that accompanies it, provides a reassuring feel — the shoe gently guides the foot in a smooth, straight line, reducing side-to-side wobbling and movement.

These attributes make the Nike React Infinity Run ideal for the kind of runs that don’t fall into the silo of interval or tempo, long run or race. This shoe matches best to base-run days, those middle-mileage, moderate efforts. In fact, an external study conducted in Vancouver, BC on 226 runners in the Nike React Infinity Run and the Nike Structure 22, a traditional motion control shoe, showed that runners in the Nike React Infinity had a 52 percent lower injury rate than in the motion control shoe, with wearers confirming that they felt less pain in their knees and feet. 

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Introducing the Nike Joyride Dual Run

Press Release:

November 14, 2019 – The latest silhouette to feature Nike Joyride technology, the Nike Joyride Dual Run is designed to help keep legs fresh for a range of runners — whether a first-time jogger or a veteran on a shake-out run.

Where the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit offers a full-length Joyride midsole, the new Nike Joyride Dual Run combines the benefits of Nike Joyride Beads with a more traditional running shoe feel. Featuring Nike Joyride beads in the heel and midfoot for better impact absorption and a more personal fit, the forefoot of the new Nike Joyride Dual Run is constructed of soft and responsive foam for a more traditional underfoot experience at toe-off.  

The Nike Joyride Dual Run drops November 14 for Nike Members. A global release follows December 2.

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Adidas 4D range expands with new reflective Alphaedge 4D running shoe

Press release:

adidas today announces that it expands the 4D range with a new reflective ALPHAEDGE 4D running shoe. The distinctive 3D printed design now features across the sportswear brand’s running, Stella McCartney, Originals and Statement product categories. ADIDAS 4D was first revealed as concept release from FUTURECRAFT – adidas’ innovation incubator – in 2017. The midsole is printed with light and oxygen using Carbon Digital Light Synthesis™ technology pioneered by Silicon Valley based company, Carbon.  The two companies came together to combine years of athlete data with the latest 3D printing technology which allows products to be created at considerable commercial scale. This technology enables huge benefits for both athletes and consumers so they will feel the future. Marco Kormann, Director Platform Innovation, adidas, said: 
“We are proud to have taken a FUTURECRAFT concept and scaled it up significantly across our business within two years. ADIDAS 4D marks a shift in the way we approach the design and creation of our products. With the support of our partner, Carbon, we have shown the possibilities of data-driven-design and digital manufacturing on a global scale. The next iteration of the technology will be to develop how it can be used to produce footwear that is tailored to specific sports, and even individual athletes.” ADIDAS 4D was created as a unique solution that can be precisely tuned to respond to the movement patterns, weight and gait of the user. This means that in the future adidas foresees designing the lattice in a way which suits the movements of a certain sport, as well as personalised based on the data of an individual. We’re just at the beginning, with ADIDAS 4D you will start to feel the future. The latest drop to feature ADIDAS 4D is an update from ALPHAEDGE 4D for FW19. The new reflective design on the upper makes this version of ALPHAEDGE stand out even more, especially for training in low light. The product features are as follows: ADIDAS 4D Carbon Digital Light Synthesis™ technology uses digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics and programmable liquid resins to print high-performance, durable polymeric products. The technology uses data to translate the needs of a performance category, and eventually individual athlete or consumer, with the required movement, cushioning and stability directly into a midsole. 
Primeknit upper, with FORGEDMESH A super-lightweight upper that features a reflective prime knit used on the full upper, for maximum reflectivity, encases your foot in a seamless sock-like fit providing the support and comfort needed during sharp lateral movements and tight turns. Each thread is individually constructed millimeter by millimeter with FORGEDMESH – a process using TPU-coated yarn, that maximizes performance when stitched at various angles and layers for ultimate strength in motion. Continental outsole The Continental rubber outsole draws on 140 years of Continental tire technology and research – with engineered traction zones to support deeper cuts and faster acceleration, regardless of surface terrain or weather. ALPHAEDGE 4D FW19, will be available globally across adidas.com, the adidas app and select retailers from 11th November 2019. For more information visit adidas.com. 

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