What’s Hot, What’s Next? Run retailers dish on their favorite new shoes and what’s next. / By Cregg Weinmann
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ilmmaker Spike Lee created a character for a film, Mars Blackmon, who famously said in a Nike TV commercial, “It’s gotta be the shoes!” This, of course, comes as no surprise to the shoe fitters, footwear buyers and store owners of running specialty. They cater every day to a throng of runners who recognize the benefits of running shoes and acknowledge the expertise of this group of specialized experts, ensuring that the best equipment is paired with each runner. Conversations with key retailers put the focus on brands and styles that provide the performance that all runners are looking for. So we asked three key questions about the new crop of shoes that the major running brands are rolling out. All of the usual players are present and accounted for, but there were surprises as well — one in particular is Karhu, which has an exclusive deal with Fleet Feet, making it an attractive option for those stores, and return business from those runners who have had success with the brand. Further, recovery has revealed itself to be a category of interest to today’s runners and the savvy owners, buyers, and sales people have focused on its benefits to keep runners running. What are three new shoes that you are excited about? John Rogers, Fleet Feet Maine, Portland, ME In no particular order... • Brooks Glycerin 20 with the midsole integration of DNA Loft v 3 technology, elevates the Glycerin further from the 20
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Diadora’s Equipe Atomo is Made in Italy and is on more than one retailer’s radar for 2022-23.
Ghost and performs really well. • On Running Cloud Monster elevates the CloudTec platform and should position On Running to make some noise in the Oversize Max Cushioning category. • Diadora Equipe Atomo, Made In Italy versus Asia, puts a premium price on the Max cushion category, but the shoe performs well with Diadora’s DD Anima Foam technology. I’m excited about these three shoes because they are all Max cushion shoes at 10 ounces or lighter and all have a smooth transition from initial ground contact to toe off. This should help the Max cushion category continue to grow, but with Max designed shoes that are quick, responsive and perform well. David ‘Boots’ Boutillier, Fleet Feet Rochester, Rochester, NY What excites me most will be whatever new shoe can arrive to my stores on time and complete. Saucony’s updated Endorphin line holds a lot of promise on what were already great models.
Kris Hartner, Naperville Running Company, Naperville, IL • Nike Next Nature — Using Zoom X foam and a high level of recycled content, without adding a price penalty. In fact it’s $20 less than the Peg Turbo, which is the slot it fills — impressive. • On Cloud Monster — We’ve been waiting (actually begging) for a Max cushion shoe from On and we think this could be the ticket. Such a strong and hot brand, with great fit, we just need a bottom unit that matches up with what our customers want most — plush, responsive cushioning. Kyle Brady, Footwear Buyer, Naperville Running Company • Brooks Glycerin 20 — Adding Nitroinfused foam that was used in the bottom unit of the Aurora is a great addition. • New Balance 880 and 1080 — Highly anticipated updates to two of our top-selling styles. The staff is excited for the freshening. • ASICS Cumulus 24 — Adding
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