Introducing new GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 shoe for the most comfortable ride on the market to date

Press release:

[1st Nov – Kobe, Japan] On November 1st, ASICS launches the 22nd iteration of its top-of-the-range, neutral long-distance running shoe, the GEL-NIMBUS™ 22. A trusted training partner for runners’ all of abilities for over 20 years, the shoe incorporates human-centric science and advanced technology to provide long-distance runners with superior cushioning for the most comfortable ride in the series to date.

Designed for neutral runners, the shoe features ASICS’ advanced cushioning technologies – FLYTEFOAM™ Propel and FLYTEFOAM™ – resulting in a lighter, spring like feel.

Named after the Latin term for the Nimbus cloud formation, the ASICS collection has become synonymous for comfort, with each new release featuring new and improved technology to increase the benefits for runners. As the 22nd iteration, the GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 shoe is incorporating a variety of new features including;

· Improved Cushioning: The GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 shoe adds soft and bouncy FLYTEFOAM™ Propel midsole compared to version 21, for improved softness underfoot [1] . The midsole has been reconfigured with soft, bouncy FLYTEFOAM™ Propel midsole material, now positioned closer to the ground. This allows the midsole to compress more when the foot first hits the ground for a more responsive feel. There is also a larger section of GEL™ technology cushioning that wraps all the way around the sole for improved rearfoot impact protection.

· Increased Breathability: The new monofilament mesh upper material is softer and provides more ventilation [2] .

· Enhanced Fit: The shoe geometry becomes slightly wider and higher in the toe box than GEL-NIMBUS™ 21 model, allowing the foot to spread naturally.

ASICS Professional distance runner, Diane Nukuri says: “What I like about GEL-NIMBUS series is they have good cushioning and feel light on my feet. In 2018, I injured my Achilles. As soon as I put on my GEL-NIMBUS, I didn’t feel the pain anymore which allowed me to get back into training and racing – and my Achilles hasn’t bothered me since. The support and cushioning that I get with the GEL-NIMBUS series means I don’t have to worry about my feet being sore.’

Women’s GEL-NIMBUS™ 22

Men’s GEL-NIMBUS™ 22

The GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 shoe will be available globally from November 1st at ASICS retail and online stores at 150 USD.

To learn more about ASICS, and the new GEL-NIMBUS ™ 22, please visit: asics.com or go to: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS™22

GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES:

UPPER:

· New monofilament mesh material allows the upper to maintain durability and provides ventilation and a softer feel.

MIDSOLE:

· FLYTEFOAM™ technology midsole material is lighter and more durable than traditional midsole foams. This is ASICS’ lightweight midsole material giving you a soft, supportive feel.

· FLYTEFOAM™ Propel technology delivers a bouncy, responsive feel underfoot.

· Forefoot and rearfoot GEL™ technology provides increased shock and impact absorption where you need it the most.

OUTSOLE:

· Gender specific GUIDANCE TRUSSTIC™ technology is found under the arch of the shoe. This thermoplastic piece provides stability, reduces weight, and helps extend the life of the shoe. For women this piece provides added support in the direction of forward motion. In the men’s model, this piece provides added support toward the inside of the arch.

· I.G.S™ (IMPACT GUIDANCE SYSTEM) design philosophy links components such as GEL™ technology cushioning, GUIDANCE LINE™ and TRUSSTIC™ technologies together to enhance the foot’s natural gait from foot strike to toe-off.

· Light AHAR™ sponge rubber featured on the outsole to reduce wear and enhances cushioning.

· Super AHAR™ heel plug in areas of heavy wear to extend the life of the shoe by using higher-abrasion rubber.

[1] Cushioning loading rate shows improvement of approximately 22% in GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 measured against GEL-NIMBUS™ 21. Research conducted by ASICS Institute of Sport Science.

[2] Evaluation of ventilation in air chamber mechanical testing shows improvements in lateral side and in media side of over 50% in GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 measured against GEL-NIMBUS™ 21. Research conducted by ASICS Institute of Sport Science.

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Getting tired just got harder: ASICS new GLIDERIDE™ shoe brings energy savings technology to more runners

Press release:

· ASICS increases the pace in pioneering new energy saving shoes with latest innovation: GLIDERIDE™ – scientifically proven to reduce energy loss1

· The latest introduction to ASICS’ energy saving family follows the sellout debut of the METARIDE™ shoe at the Tokyo marathon earlier this year.

· A leading team of experts put ASICS’ newest technology and theory in running performance to the test in an epic race with no finish line on the Bonneville Salt Flats

[SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 – KOBE, JAPAN] – Saving runners energy: ASICS has today revealed how the eagerly awaited GLIDERIDE™ has successfully adapted the GUIDESOLE™ technology, first introduced in the METARIDE™ concept, and placed it on the feet of more runners in a unique race featuring participants of different abilities from around the world.

AN ENERGY REVOLUTION

The human-centric GUIDESOLE™ technology is an ergonomic precision-shaped curved sole that reduces energy loss. It works by minimizing lower leg movement through the stride – giving a feeling of effortless coasting – to make it easier for runners to keep going for longer.

Increasing the accessibility of the GUIDESOLE™ technology was the inspiration behind the new shoe. Engineered by a team of scientific experts and designers at ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS), the development of GLIDERIDE™ was fast-tracked to get the new technology to more runners as quickly as possible. [1]

The result? The new GLIDERIDE™ has taken the category-leading GUIDESOLE™ technology a further step forward. Whilst providing maximum energy saving, it is lighter, with a less extreme curve and more cushioning than the concept shoe – increased comfort.

In tests, GLIDERIDE™ has been scientifically proven to:

· Reduce total energy loss at the ankle joint, where runners expend the most energy

· Improve cushioning for increased comfort

· Reduce weight while maintaining stability to provide both performance and protection

Kenichi Harano, Executive Officer and Senior General Manager at ISS, said: “The positive reception and speed at which runners adopted the new technology spurred us on to develop GLIDERIDE™ in record time. With no compromise on efficiency, it offers a cushier ride that we believe has the potentialto help runners of every level significantly improve performance to go further than they thought possible”.

GET AHEAD WITH THE CURVE

To demonstrate what energy saving really means for runners, ASICS put the theory to the test in a unique race on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah on 7 September 2019. The race, designed by an expert team of sports scientists, RUNKEEPER™ data analysts, elite coaches and engineers saw 30 runners of different abilities from around the world put the latest technology and theory in running performance to the test. Participants explored how energy saving technology can assist them in improving performance in the ultimate battle against themselves in a race without a finish line.

“We effectively took our research lab from Kobe to the Salt Flats to understand directly from runners how they can benefit from our energy saving technology in a real-life situation,” commented Harano. “What we learnt proves the importance of optimizing energy and will fuel our next generation technologies beyond footwear.”

Yasuhito Hirota, ASICS President and COO, said: “This latest innovation is a major milestone in achieving our goal to make our energy saving technology available to all runners. In Spring 2020, we will launch the next shoe in the family, EVORIDE™. And it doesn’t finish there. ASICS commitment to this new category extends beyond footwear with the planned introduction of further innovations to our in-store and on-line services”.

Follow ##ASICSEternalRun / #GLIDERIDE to join the conversation.

GLIDERIDE™ footwear will be available for men and women from ASICS retail and online stores as well as specialist running outlets globally from 27 September 2019. Visit www.ASICS.com for more information.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

GLIDERIDE™ features the following proprietary technologies:

1. GUIDESOLE™ TECHNOLOGY: curved midsole construction helps minimize movement in the area where most energy is expended; the ankle joint and allows runners to go further, easier and longer. The lower 5mm drop supports the unique rolling movement and feeling of effortless forward motion.

2. FYTEFOAM™ MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY: durable midsole providing cushioning and maintaining lightweight, with FLYTFOAM PROPEL™ underneath enhancing responsiveness.

3. REARFOOT GEL™ TECHNOLOGY: cushioning under the heel reduces shock when the foot meets the ground.

4. AHAR™ PLUS OUTSOLE: high abrasion rubber on the sole provides durability

5. ENGINEERED MESH UPPER: comfortable upper with reinforcements enhances support and breathability.

[1] The GLIDERIDE™ shoe is scientifically proven to reduce energy loss at the ankle joint. Research conducted by Progressive Sports Ltd based at Loughborough University UK, July 2019 tested against leading shoes in the performance running category.

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Speed Up with the Nike Zoom Series

Press Release:

Fast is the focus with these training and racing shoes that are designed to meet the needs of every runner — from world-class marathoners to those who just want to log I-feel-amazing miles on the weekends. With snappy full-length Nike Zoom Air or ultra-responsive Nike ZoomX foam underfoot, each shoe in the Zoom family offers a distinct experience.

Just in time for marathon season, the 2019 Nike Zoom Family continues in a flooded spectrum of neon pink (a hue of the debut neon green, created by Nike, sits directly across the color wheel from pink).

Find out which are right for you…

What is the Nike Zoom Series?

A classification of shoes that feature Nike’s fastest technology underfoot. Those are:

Nike Zoom Air: A cushioning system that uses pressurized air and tightly stretched fibers that are designed to absorb impact and then snap back for fast movement.

Nike ZoomX foam: The lightest, softest and most-responsive Nike foam is designed to maximize speed by delivering greater energy return.

Both technologies are designed for speed and agility and can help runners experience better responsiveness and control when on the move.

Train Fast

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg 36 M Sole

Men’s Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg 36 M Vertical

Men’s Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg 36 W Sole

Women’s Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg 36 W Vertical

Women’s Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Men’s Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Women’s Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Nike’s all-time best-selling running shoe is back with a big upper refresh: Engineered mesh with added perforations enhances breathability across high-heat areas such as the forefoot and arch. Exposed Flywire cables in the midfoot keep you secure as you pick up speed. The heel collar and tongue are slimmer, which means a more comfortable and conforming fit than before. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 maintains its full-length Zoom Air unit (introduced in the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35) encased by Cushlon foam in the midsole for a smooth, responsive, cushioned ride you can rely on day after day.

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg Turbo 2 M Sole

Men’s Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg Turbo 2 M Vertical

Men’s Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg Turbo 2 W Sole

Women’s Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Peg Turbo 2 W Vertical

Women’s Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Men’s Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Women’s Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

In its second iteration, the everyday-trainer-version of the Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% is updated with a lighter, sleeker upper, thanks mostly to a translucent material and lofted mesh. A midfoot band locks the foot on the footbed at high speeds.

Race Fast

Nike Zoom Fly 3

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Fly 3 M Sole

Men’s Nike Zoom Fly 3

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% Nike Zoom Fly 3 6

The carbon-fiber plate in the Nike Zoom Fly 3

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Fly 3 W Sole

Women’s Nike Zoom Fly 3

Men’s Nike Zoom Fly 3

The carbon-fiber plate in the Nike Zoom Fly 3

Women’s Nike Zoom Fly 3

Men’s Nike Zoom Fly 3

For the first time, the women’s Nike Zoom Fly 3 houses a slightly softer sockliner with a higher arch. Both versions of the Nike Zoom Fly update feature a transparent lighter upper with a new arch-band lacing system that offers a more adjustable fit. The soft and springy Nike React midsole provides highly responsive cushioning and houses a full-length carbon-fiber plate that delivers a propulsive sensation. The shoe’s offset is designed to minimize Achilles strain and its stack height offers impact protection mile after mile. The result — confirmed by lab tests — is one of the fastest, most-efficient shoes Nike makes.

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Next Vertcal

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

The carbon-fiber plate in the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

Nike News Zoom Family19 Ho19 Rn Zoom Next Sole

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

The carbon-fiber plate in the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

Elite athlete feedback played a huge role in revamping the already incredibly successful system that increases running economy. Plus, a new material construction, called Vaporweave, on the upper is lighter than Nike Flyknit, breathable and — critically — absorbs less water from sweat or rain, so it stays airy and dry over the course of a marathon.

Designers added 15 percent more Nike ZoomX foam (capable of providing up to 85 percent energy return) to the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% — but the shoe’s weight stays the same as the previous version. They also shaved 3mm from the offset (now 8mm), so you can expect to experience better stability and increased energy conservation before toe-off. (Still embedded within the foam is a full-length curved carbon fiber plate that increases stiffness to provide a sensation of propulsion). A new traction pattern improves forefoot grip so the shoe handles better in wet weather. Also on the outsole are new contoured treads with deep grooves that facilitate smoother movement during turns.

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Running the marathon barefoot

Abebe Bikila was a runner from Ethiopia who, running his first marathon won the Rome Olympics marathon on 10 September 1960 running barefoot without running shoes. He was a last minute addition to the Ethiopian team and the teams sponsor did not have enough time to organize running shoes for him and they had only two pairs left, of which neither was able to fitt him. He decided he would then run the race barefoot. At the subsequent Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, he again won the marathon, but did it this time wearing running shoes. He died in 1973 at the age of 41 from complications following a motor vehicle accident. Abebe Bikila is honored and revered in Ethiopia.

Abebe Bikila has a special place in the history of running, especially from those who advocate barefoot running as they hold him up as evidence that a marathon can be run barefoot. There was a fad a while back for doing away with running shoes and running barefoot. This was driven by a lot of websites, forums, books and social media commentary as something that was beneficial and better for runners. Lots of unsubstantiated claims was made for barefoot running, none of which stood up to subsequent scrutiny. This fad last a few years, probably peaking around 2013 with probably 25% of runners trying or dabbling it. The fad quickly dropped off when most who tried it got and injury or realized that it did not live up to all the claims that got made for it. It has now been relegated to the history books, with only a handful of hardcore barefoot runners still doing it.

There has been a lot of research done on barefoot running that those who like to support and advocate barefoot running offer as evidence that barefoot running was better than running in shoes. However, the research never showed that at all and was widely misinterpreted. All the research showed was that barefoot running was different to running in running shoes.

There were claims made that the first sub 2-hr marathon was going to be run barefoot. The folly of that claim is now obvious.

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Mizuno Introduces Brand New Floating Run Experience with New XPOP Technology

Press Release:

NORCROSS, Ga., June 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Mizuno, a global leader in running footwear and apparel, debuts a brand new floating run experience with new XPOP™ foam technology in its latest shoe introduction, the Wave Sky WAVEKNIT™ 3. With additional enhancements to the WAVEKNIT™ upper technology, the combination of XPOP and Mizuno Foam Wave provides incredible cushioning and an added floating feel for runners.

“The Wave Sky WAVEKNIT™ 3 is the show piece for Mizuno innovation with our latest technologies, Mizuno Foam Wave and XPOP, delivering the utmost in premium performance comfort,” said Chuck Couch, Mizuno USA Vice President, Running. “We challenged ourselves to enhance the already-comfortable WAVEKNIT™ technology released in 2018 by combining it with XPOP to deliver a shoe that allows natural movement, leverages both comfort and style, and provides the high-performance fit and quality expected in our footwear.”

Designed for the style-conscious, high mileage runners seeking extra comfort underfoot, Mizuno’s Wave Sky WAVEKNIT™ 3 packs a dual-combination of cushioning using Mizuno Foam Wave and XPOP to deliver an all-new floating experience, giving runners an extra bouncy feel from heel to toe. A WAVEKNIT™ upper construction allows for a stable hold, yet flexible fit that supports natural foot movement through its dynamic sock-like fit. Constructed without reinforcements in the midfoot, the wave vectors seen throughout the Wave Sky WAVEKNIT™ 3 work as hold areas, compensating for the stretch in other areas of the knit to maintain the proper support.

Available in men’s and women’s, the Wave Sky WAVEKNIT™ 3 retails for $160 at local running stores nationwide and MizunoUSA.com. Follow @MizunoRunningNorthAmerica to learn more about Mizuno and hear the latest running product, athlete and partnership updates.

About Mizuno USA:
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in greater Atlanta, Ga.

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Introducing AI vision technology assisted pronation assisted assessment service at ASICS owned stores

Press Release:

ASICS announces the development of a system that assesses runner pronation type using artificial intelligence (AI) vision technology, as well as the ASICS Institute of Sport Science’s wealth of data and expertise. The system has been added as a new feature to ASICS’ proprietary running form analysis app ASICS RUNNING ANALYZER. It will be available at ASICS owned stores around the world starting early June and will first appear at ASICS HARAJUKU FLAGSHIP in Tokyo, ASICS REGENT STREET FLAGSHIP in London, and ASICS 5th AVENUE FLAGSHIP in New York City. This is the unique system in the world that assesses runner pronation type using artificial intelligence (AI) vision technology within the stores.

Pronation is part of the natural movement of the human body and refers to the way your heel rolls inward for impact distribution upon landing. Understanding your pronation type can help you find an appropriate running shoe.

The new system assesses the runner’s type of pronation simply from a tablet recording of a runner’s running gait from the knee down, which is recorded from behind. The video is automatically uploaded to the cloud and analyzed using AI, which marks the positions of the knee, ankle, and heel and calculates the degree of inward motion when the heel strikes the ground to determine the runner’s type of pronation. At ASICS owned stores, the store staff will recommend the most appropriate ASICS shoe model for the runner using the result of the analysis.

ASICS owned stores currently offer ASICS FOOT ID™ system, which analyzes foot carriage during the running motion to suggest appropriate shoe models. This new system does not require special equipment like sensors and markers, and can determine pronation type even more easily.

It can be used at smaller retail outlets where the ASICS FOOT ID™ previously was not available, as well as at non-retail venues like running events, and will contribute to a more fulfilling sports experience for customers.

〇Classification of pronation type
Overpronation – Your foot lands on outside of heel, then (heel or foot) rolls inward excessively.

Neutral pronation – Your foot lands on outside of the heel, then heel rolls inward moderately.

Underpronation – Your foot lands on outside of the heel, then heel rolls rarely (slightly).

〇About ASICS RUNNING ANALYZER

ASICS RUNNING ANALYZER app analyzes and assesses running form based on a proprietary algorithm developed by the ASICS Institute of Sport Science using data and expertise accumulated by ASICS. The app automatically generates feedback on customer form trends and offers running recommendations based on the analysis results to improve form. The app also has a feature that compares two forms when different shoe models are worn.

ASICS is considering adapting the system in the future so that it can be used not only on tablets but also smartphones for even more convenience, and also offering some of services oriented toward companies.

One of the core strategies of ASICS’ medium-term management plan ASICS Growth Plan (AGP) 2020 is enriching sports lives through the use of digital technology, and the company is focusing on improving the sense of fulfillment customers get from sports by using digital power. ASICS will continue developing cutting edge services using digital technology to offer new value to our customers’ sports experience.

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The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Trail Returns

Press Release:

May 24, 2019 – With a fresh look and new performance features, the versatile crossover trainer is back for the first time since it was introduced in the 2000s.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail builds off the heritage of the favored Pegasus, offering the same shape, fit and feel of the road runner.

Unique to this model:

An entirely new mesh upper that vents during sweaty runs or puddle encounters.
Durable skins on high-wear areas such as the forefoot and heel protect from rubs with twigs and rocks.
The forefoot and heel also have separate Zoom Air units for responsiveness and stability on uneven paths.
The outsole is lined with enlarged lugs that have flat tops to provide better traction on wet or loose ground and offer an easy transition from trail to road.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail is available now for NikePlus members in Europe and will be available globally June 13.

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ASICS unveils GEL-KAYANO™ 26 and foot mapping data to demonstrate need for stability shoe

Press release:

[MAY 24-KOBE, JAPAN]– Marking the launch of the GEL-KAYANO™ 26 shoe, ASICS reveals that of approximately 90,000 [1] runners who participated in ASICS FOOT ID system, 43% have a degree of pronation and could be risking injury without a stability shoe.

Kenichi Harano, Executive Officer and Senior General Manager at ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS), said: “Every runner has different needs and understanding your pronation type is the first step to finding the right shoe. Pronation relates to the way a runner’s foot rolls inward on the impact of landing. By examining the foot striking patterns of runners, ASICS has established patterns associated with neutral, over and under pronator runners. ASICS FOOT ID™ system’s data allows us to advise runners on their shoe choice and particularly pronators who require extra protection.”

The GEL-KAYANO™ 26 shoe is the latest model in the flagship stability series which has been used by elite athletes and runners of varying levels for 26 years. Like every ASICS shoe, each iteration of the GEL-KAYANO™ series goes through an intensive testing and development cycle and is only released if the data proves it outperforms the predecessor. For the GEL-KAYANO™ 26 shoe, the improvement goal was on cushioning without any compromise to its iconic stability.

New and improved features:

An improved shear deformation design provides a more comfortable ride over any distance.
METACLUTCH™ technology improves the model’s heel holding.

Yuki Kawauchi, Japanese marathon runner and ASICS ambassador said:

“The GEL-KAYANO is the shoe I have trusted for over five years and has helped me steer clear of injuries I used to suffer as a junior athlete. Nowadays, the GEL-KAYANO series is what I use to improve my kicking power in training. Every runner has different needs, my advice is to take the time to try on and experience a range of shoes and find the ones best suited to your needs and running goals.”

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Step it up: Does running cadence matter? Not as much as previously thought

Press Release:

ANN ARBOR–Contrary to long-standing popular belief, running at a prescribed, one-size-fits-all “optimal” cadence doesn’t play as big a role in speed and efficiency as once thought.

Since the 1980s, when running coach Jack Daniels noted that the step rate for runners in the 1984 Olympics was about 180 per minute, it’s been widely touted as a means to reduce injury or improve speed, said Geoff Burns, an elite marathoner and University of Michigan doctoral student in kinesiology.

“It’s one of the few biomechanical measures we have that is a gross system-level output for running,” he said.

To find out what determines cadence and how much cadence really matters, Burns had the top 20 elite male and female runners record their cadence during the 100K International Association of Ultrarunners World Championship in 2016.

While the average number of steps per minute was 182, the number of steps per minute per mile varied enormously by individual.

“Some ran at 160 steps per minutes and others ran at 210 steps per minute, and it wasn’t related at all to how good they were or how fast they were,” Burns said. “Height influenced it a little bit, but even people who were the same height had an enormous amount of variability.”

The main takeaway for runners is that cadence is highly individual, and your body knows what’s optimal, said Burns, a third-year Ph.D. student in Professor Ronald Zernicke’s lab. This means runners shouldn’t necessarily try to manipulate cadence to reach the 180 steps, but rather, monitor cadence as their running progresses.

“It’s a barometer and not a governor,” he said. “There’s no magical number that’s dogmatically right for everybody.”

For years, many coaches and practitioners thought that cadence should remain constant as speed increases, which required longer steps. Burns says longer steps takes more energy, and his study found that cadence naturally increased four to five steps per minute per mile as runners ran faster.

Other findings surprised Burns, as well. First, step cadence was preserved through the race, even during the torturous “ultra shuffle” near the end–when racers shuffle across the finish line, barely lifting their feet.

Burns assumed that exhausted runners would take shorter, choppier steps. But surprisingly, when researchers controlled for speed, cadence stayed constant.

Another unexpected finding is that by the end of a race, cadence varied much less per minute, as if the fatigued runner’s body had locked into an optimal steps-per-minute turnover. It’s unclear why, Burns said, but this deserves further study.

An ultramarathon is anything longer than a traditional marathon of 26 miles. As a semi-pro ultramarathoner, Burns spends about two hours a day running and another two hours a day on conditioning–in addition to his doctoral work.

“It’s a really unique symbiotic relationship,” he said. “My running informs my research and helps me not just ask novel questions and gain insight and perspective into the craft, but also helps me refine how I prepare for races.”

Burns’ research appears in the February issue of Applied Physiology.

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ASICS Redefines the Long Run With the Launch of New Energy Saving Shoe – METARIDE™

Advanced GUIDESOLE™ technology introduces a unique sensation for runners that reduces energy loss at the ankle joint to boost running efficiency
Feb 27, 2019, 10:27 ET

TOKYO, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — ASICS today turned the world of running on its head as it revealed a completely new concept in run efficiency, METARIDE™. One of ASICS’ most important innovations in seven decades, and as part of ASICS’ ambition to help all runners to WIN THE LONG RUN1, the shoe was designed with one purpose in mind; to make running longer distances easier.

Developed over two years by a team of scientists and designers at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe, Japan, METARIDE™ is precision engineered to minimize movement in the area where most energy is expended; the ankle joint.

Scientifically proven to offer a total reduction of energy loss at the ankle joint by almost one fifth2, the difference could be seismic for long distance runners who want to achieve their full potential.

The key to creating the most efficient run possible was the discovery of new revolutionary GUIDESOLE™3 technology; a precision-shaped curved sole that works by shifting the body weight forward and propelling runners on to give the feeling of effortless motion.

The result? An energy-saving shoe that provides a new running sensation with the potential to significantly improve performance and protection to help runners of every level keep going longer than they thought possible.

Featuring multiple proprietary technologies in an all-new radical design, METARIDE™ successfully optimizes all three phases of the gait cycle to create a completely different kind of running shoe. In tests, METARIDE™ has been scientifically proven against conventional running shoes in the category to:

Reduce total energy loss at the ankle joint where most energy is expended
Improved static fit and grip to reduce ankle movement throughout the stride whilst also maintaining stability and durability4
Feel like a new running experience
Kenichi Harano, Executive Officer and Senior General Manager at ISS comments on how METARIDE™ breaks new ground in long distance running.

“The METARIDE™ concept and new GUIDESOLE™ technology are fundamentally different to any other shoe we’ve ever made or that’s on the market today. We looked at run efficiency in a uniquely ASICS way to provide a new ‘feel’ whilst maintaining our promise of performance and protection.”

Representing the pinnacle of ASICS innovation, the METARIDE™ is the first in ASICS’ new energy-saving franchise, which will make the same concept and technologies available to more runners at different price points. A takedown model is planned for release this autumn.

Yasuhito Hirota, ASICS President and COO said METARIDE™ demonstrates ASICS’ commitment to continue to accelerate how runners move through cutting-edge product and services.

“We believe this new technology has the potential to disrupt the world of long-distance running. Our athletes and runners have told us that METARIDE™ is already transforming how they train, race, run and recover. This is just the beginning of a new era for ASICS as we bring the best innovations to our fans while attracting a new generation of runners.”

Runners can put the new shoe to the test with the WIN THE LONG RUN™ program on the RUNKEEPER™ app. The feature includes a series of five guided runs to help runners incorporate more variety in their training, improve endurance and run more efficiently. The experience is designed to inspire participants to go beyond the finish line to meet their next milestone.

To download the RUNKEEPER™ app and get started visit Runkeeper.com

METARIDE™ will be available in limited quantities from ASICS retail and online stores and specialist run outlets globally from 28th February.

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Running Shoe Rx

The news

Introducing new GEL-NIMBUS™ 22 shoe for the most comfortable ride on the market to date

Getting tired just got harder: ASICS new GLIDERIDE™ shoe brings energy savings technology to more runners

Speed Up with the Nike Zoom Series

What is the Nike Zoom Series?

Train Fast

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

Race Fast

Nike Zoom Fly 3

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

Running the marathon barefoot

Mizuno Introduces Brand New Floating Run Experience with New XPOP Technology

Introducing AI vision technology assisted pronation assisted assessment service at ASICS owned stores

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Trail Returns

ASICS unveils GEL-KAYANO™ 26 and foot mapping data to demonstrate need for stability shoe

Step it up: Does running cadence matter? Not as much as previously thought

ASICS Redefines the Long Run With the Launch of New Energy Saving Shoe – METARIDE™