RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE Q2 2012
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White Horse Leads Micah True From The Wilderness By Brian Metzler Published Apr. 2, 2012
The body of ultrarunner Micah True, aka "Caballo Blanco", was found in New Mexico on Saturday night. Photo: Facebook
The Saucony Peregrine trail running shoes True was wearing when his body was found. Friends of the ultrarunner flew in from all over the country to assist in the search for his body. In the end, it was perhaps only fitting that a white horse led Micah True, the man known as “Caballo Blanco,” out of the remote New Mexico wilderness where he perished. Nicknamed “Caballo Blanco,” or White Horse, the 58-year-old True became a reluctant celebrity in 2009 after he was featured in the best-selling non-fiction book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. True’s body was found early Saturday evening in the mountainous Gila National Forest in southwest New Mexico near the Arizona border. He had left the Wilderness Lodge and Hot Springs alone on March 27 to embark on what was expected to be a 12-mile trail run–but he never returned. The cause of True’s death is still unknown, but an autopsy is expected to be conducted this week. RELATED: Micah True Found Dead In New Mexico
True was heading back to the U.S. after spending the winter in his adopted winter hometown of Urique, Mexico. After learning of the plight of the Tarahumara Indians in the 1990s, True took it upon himself to try to help them embrace their ancient running roots while also trying to find ways to help their impoverished society. He eventually built a small adobe house in Urique, spending winters there and summers in Boulder, Colo. The owner of the Wilderness Lodge and Hot Springs notified authorities last Wednesday that True hadn’t returned from his run, at which point New Mexico State Police launched what would become a massive search that included dozens of people on foot and several people on horseback, plus airplane and helicopter surveillance. That search party became bigger in the ensuing days as ultrarunners from Florida, Georgia, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, New York and Canada arrived to lend a hand. That group included ultrarunners Scott Jurek, Ray Molina, Kyle Skaggs and Patrick Sweeney, among others, as well as author Christopher McDougall, ultrarunning photographer Luis Escobar and Hollywood actor/director Peter Sarsgaard, who had gotten to know True while working on the movie adaptation of the book. “When the call went out that Micah was missing, people started heading to the airport immediately and booking their reservations on the way,” said Scott Leese, True’s agent, a veteran search and rescue volunteer who was also on the scene. “Many of the people who had been freed by Micah’s message wanted to see if they could help.” Skaggs, who works on an organic farm about an hour away, had run the same trails with True in the past and led Jurek, Sarsgaard and McDougall on a 20-mile loop on the northern park of the wilderness area, searching every drainage, gulley and gorge along the way. They returned without success at 5:45 p.m. Saturday night only to hear the announcement 10 minutes later that True’s body had been found in an area further south. “I was sure that we were going to find him,” said McDougall, who was in Los Angeles Thursday when he got a call from True’s girlfriend, Maria Walton. McDougall and Escobar drove through the night and arrived at the search command post at first light and joined the search. “I figured he was in trouble, but he was as tough as a piece of leather and didn’t think there was anything that could take him out,” McDougall said. “There was a moment of shock when we heard the news, but it might have been much better than the alternative of him being alive and in trouble and we weren’t getting to him to help him.” It was Molina, a longtime friend and running partner, who eventually discovered True’s body at the edge of a creek about 5.5 miles from the trailhead. Initial reports said that there had been no sign of injuries, but True’s agent Scott Leese, who was also part of the search party, said Sunday night that True’s body had scrapes and abrasions that indicated he might have fallen. “He had some abrasions on his body that were more than just minor scrapes,” Leese said. “It appeared that one of this fingers might have been broken and there were palm-sized scrapes on his legs.” When it was determined that True had been wearing a pair of Saucony Peregrine trail running shoes, Leese contacted Saucony’s Sharon Barbano, who emailed a photo of the outsole tread pattern of the shoe back to Leese, who then printed out copies of the outsole for searchers at the command post. The initial search teams were out on the trail for more than 6 hours on Friday before one group found a single track of running shoe footprints. They followed those footprints for 45 minutes on a series of trails and eventually found them under water on the edge of a creek. It wasn’t too long afterward that Molina and two running friends came to an opening and saw True’s body leaning in what appeared to be a resting position against an angular slope of the creek bank. His feet were in the water, one shoe on and one shoe floating at the edge of the water, with a half-empty water bottle at his side.
“They screamed ‘Caballo! Caballo!’ when the first saw his body, thinking that he was alive but just not hearing them,” Leese said. “But then they realized he had already passed.” Molina, who, like True, also lives part-time in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico, and a few others who had been close to True stayed with his body through the night because search and rescue teams weren’t going to be able to extract the body until Sunday. After investigators arrived to take photos of the scene on Sunday morning, True’s body was hand-carried out of the most rugged terrain in a metal stretcher-like basket by search and rescue personnel. (Leese and Walton were among those who ran out to the site on Sunday.) But eventually the ground team was relieved by a horse team, and, interestingly, the horse that led True’s body out of the wilderness was a white horse. “As soon as that horse arrived back at the trailhead and his hooves touched the ground, there was a huge gust of wind that carried through the canyon and upward into the sky,” Leese said. “It was a pretty amazing moment.” True had just put on the 10th edition of his 50-mile Copper Canyon Run that benefits the Tarahumara people, whom he first befriended at the 1993 and 1994 Leadville 100 trail races in Colorado. This year’s Copper Canyon race was the largest yet, drawing several hundred people to the small town of Urique. True’s dog, Guadajuko, had been running with him earlier last week but was not with True when he went missing. Apparently, True had left him behind at the lodge because Guadajuko had an injured paw, Leese said. When True’s body arrived back at the trailhead, Leese and Walton held Guadajuko aloft so as to have one final connection with his master. After a state medical examiner conducted a brief field test, True’s body was taken by hearse to the state medical examiner’s office in Albuquerque about 5 hours away. An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Monday and then his body will be released to the family. A report is expected to be made public within three days. “We don’t know what happened,” Leese said late Sunday. “We don’t know if he was hurt. We’ll just have to wait and see what the autopsy says.”
Friday, April 06, 2012 A comparo Saucony Kinvara 1 vs Saucony Kinvara 2 After slightly over 30km of running in the new Kinvara 2, I think its time to compare how it fares with its predecessor. Like the other shoes in its range, it comes in multiple color but here in Singapore, only 3 colour versions are available, the black/green, white/blue and white black. Originally, I wanted the orange/black/yellow and so went online to get it but it was out of stock and so I settled for the black/green which cost about $40.00 cheaper than if purchase from the local stores. Design wise, much has changed. The pattern on the body itself for example. In the Kinvara 2, the design lines are more fluid and classy. The silver and black luminous strips are pasted/sewed on unlike those in the 1 which are mere printed patterns.
On the top upper, nothing much seems to have change except that there is now a front eyelet for the shoe lace where the logo is.
On the inner side, almost everything is the same except for the heel strip.
So physical appearance wise, they are almost identical.except the fabric used for both shoes seems different. A bit more stiff in the 2 compared to the 1. Is that just a perception? Maybe so but it certainty seems to feel different. The sole also looks exactly the same. In fact, other than the color scheme, nothing else has changed.
At the back, other than the different in design, there is one significant difference- the inclusion of a thicker heel collar. Probably mean to reduce abrasion for those who prefer to go sockless. For the same reason, the heel counter is significantly lower.
Ok enough of the physical differences. How does it feel on the road? In my review of the Kinvara, I rated it very highly. Read the review here The 2 is still the same. I guess the people at Saucony is simply not prepared to fix what ain't broken. So seriously I have nothing much to add other than to repeat its a great shoe. And I am considering getting a 3rd pair in my fave colour which is now in stock. Or should I wait for the Kinvara 3?
SPECIAL RUNNING ISSUE
VOLUME 4, NUMBER 14 APRIL 9, 2012
INSIDE:
Dick’s makes a strategic investment in JJB that could give it control. John Horan’s Deep Intelligence examines Dick’s intentions with JJB Sports. Finish Line details its strategic thinking to hit $2 billion in sales. Nike launches its new NFL line with higher prices and more tech. Fila operating profit gains in 2011.
As pressure, excitement and hype builds around the Boston Marathon and Summer Olympics, running brands are making a dash for profits and glory. Look inside to find product launches, marketing plans, athlete sponsorships and corporate strategies from each of the industry’s core running manufacturers. Coverage begins on page 34. Fleet Feet operation is sold to management group. March retail sales are strong but tough comps loom. Participation grows in outdoor, fitness activities. Eastern Mountain Sports Leftlane Sports Recreational Co-op, Inc. U.S. golf rounds Zumiez Collective Brands Exceed Co. Mammut Sports Group Nike Puma North America Rawlings Under Armour Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Public Bikes Vibram. Correction: Puma.
Saucony athlete and hurdler Queen Harrison was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, and in 2010 became the first woman to win NCAA titles in the 100mH and 400mH in the same year. Her current goal is to compete in both events at the Summer Olympic Games in London. Photo courtesy of Saucony.
INDUSTRY NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR RETAILERS From the Editorial Team of Sporting Goods Intelligence
SPECIAL RUNNING REPORT
SAUCONY At about this time last year, Saucony kicked off its “Find Your Strong” multi-media global brand campaign that continues to inspire consumers to find their personal “strong” through running. This week, the company is introducing the next phase of the initiative, the Find Your Strong Project, a yearlong program that focuses on building an online community around the Saucony brand. Fast Track: “The Find Your Strong” campaign is very inspirational and consumers really connected with the brand and the message,” said Chris Lindner, Saucony’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Now we want to start a dialog with our customers.” As part of the effort, Saucony is launching 12-week online digital experience that contains 12 weekly challenges, the first of which invites consumers to “upload an image of your ‘strong’ face,” explained Lindner. “The idea is to let consumers post images, share running inspirations and places to run, and we’ll then infuse this mosaic of ‘strong’ with documentaries and will profile consumers, athletes and places that inspire us.” He added, “This is more the start of a dialog with consumers rather than the end of a launch.” Key Athletes To Watch: Among Saucony’s most promising track & field athletes are sprinter Wallace Spearmon, marathoner Magdalena Lewy-Boulet, 5,000m runner Molly Huddle, and hurdler Queen Harrison. Marketing Plans: To help support the rollout of the Kinvara 3 shoe, Saucony has developed online digital, print, media and retail POS initiatives and has gone ahead with early seeding of the shoe. Launch efforts also include handing out
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APRIL 9, 2012
Key Products: The all-new Kinvara 3 minimal running shoe weighs in at just 7.7 ounces (men’s size 9). The upper incorporates FlexFilm technology, a lightweight, dynamic flexible film welded onto the breathable mesh upper that secures and stabilizes the foot while reducing layers to the shoe. The model also has a reengineered outsole design that increases durability and promotes a smooth transition, and includes a beveled heel to better facilitate a natural rolling movement from heel to toe. The shoe will hit retail on April 26 and will also be available at the Boston Marathon Expo.
SPECIAL RUNNING REPORT
special wristbands with a one-time-use USB port to retail floor staff. When plugged in, the bracelet opens a browser to a secret micro-site where the user can learn about the shoe’s technical features and then get a pair to try. Saucony will also unveil a revamped website in May.
The Kinvara 3 (SRP $100) has a 4mm heel-to-toe offset designed to facilitate a more powerful running stride. Other benefits include FlexFilm technology in the upper for lightweight stability, Memory Foam heel pods, and a high-abrasion EVA exposed foam midsole.
APRIL 9, 2012
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Saucony’s breakthrough minimalist model undergoes a reboot that incorporates seamless upper construction, newly-configured outsole design, and all of the lightweight support that made the shoe a hit in its last two incarnations. The “Best Debut” winner from Runner’s World boasts a new and intuitive design while retaining all of the features that made the Kinvara 1 and 2 huge successes in the minimalist market. At its core, the shoe’s vital stats remain the same: the Kinvara 3 hits the scales at a svelte 7.7 ounces, retaining the same weight as the past two versions. Additionally, the heel-to-toe drop remains at 4 millimeters. The profile of the shoe is essentially reminiscent of the currently-available model, differing slightly in the heel profile and the lacing design (the lowest eyelet has been removed). With the latest version of the Kinvara, Saucony strove to make minor adjustments to the metrics runners judge the most while improving the construction and feel of the shoe in its upper and outsole. The most noticeable changes are seen straight away, as the upper now incorporates Saucony’s FlexFilm technology—a lightweight plastic-based overlay that eliminates the need for stitching. The technology comes over from the company’s lightweight racing flats, and claims to create a comfortable and secure fit. For a shoe which is already known for having a silk-soft upper, the new design feels even smoother and more comfortable than its predecessors. Saucony boasts on its website that “sockless runners will be happy with the Kinvara 3,” and we’re inclined to agree. Outside of the redesigned upper, the Kinvara 3 features revamped outsole which incorporates the nononsense construction of the 2 and 3 with minor adjustments in the heel and midfoot. The heel design has transitioned into a decoupled and beveled design, aiming to assist runners have a smooth transition on landing and push-off. Additionally, the outsole features reinforced rubber lugs in the shoes’ mostcommon wear spots. Located on the lateral and media edges of the outsole, the Kinvara 3’s outsole has XT-900 foam which helps support midfoot running. Having reinforced rubber in these trouble spots will be a welcome change for Kinvara enthusiasts, and newcoming midfoot runners as well. All in all, our first look at the Kinvara 3 is incredibly promised. As we come close to the early May release of the model, stay tuned to RunningShoesGuru for a full review.
Huddle starts Olympic push with dominant victory 8:07 PM, Apr. 21, 2012 |
Molly Huddle wins the 5,000 meters in 15 minutes, 15.91 seconds at the Mt. SAC Relays on Friday night in Walnut Calif. / US PRESSWIRE
WALNUT, Calif. -- Molly Huddle's dash for the Olympics began in strong fashion Friday night at the Mt. SAC Relays at Mt. San Antonio College. The Elmira native repeated as champion in the women's 5,000-meter run, pulling away over the final 400 meters to outdistance the rest of the field by more than four seconds. The 2002 graduate of Elmira Notre Dame High School won in 15 minutes, 15.91 seconds, with Eloise Wellings second out of the 27 runners in 15:20.67. Abbey D'Agostino finished third in 15:23.35. "I'm not very good at leading when no one's around me, so it was good to practice that," Huddle told Flotrack.org after the race. Huddle, 27, took the lead about six minutes into the race and remained in front of the lead pack before kicking into high gear during the final lap. "We've been doing some things in practice where I knew I could do that, having some of the guys help me out and stuff," said Huddle, who competes for Saucony and lives and trains in Providence, R.I. "They were very nice to help me. "That got my confidence up. Over the winter I was working out alone and you never know where you are really when you're at the track alone. It was a good last few weeks of training." Jennifer Simpson, the runner-up to Huddle last year, was entered in the race but did not run. Huddle won last year's race in 15:10.63. She holds the American record in the 5,000 with a 14:44.76 two years ago in Brussels, Belgium.
This was the first outdoor race of the year for Huddle, who was bothered by a foot injury late last season after winning the 5,000 at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. In February, she finished second at the USA Cross Country Championships in St. Louis, losing out to Sara Hall in a photo finish. Hall finished 18th in Friday's race. Huddle's tentative schedule includes a 1,500 at a meet in New England in May and the 3,000 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore., in June. She will attempt to qualify for the London Olympi
SAUCONY® HURRICANE 14 NAMED “BEST UPDATE” BY RUNNER’S WORLD by Trifuel on April 23, 2012 Brand’s Acclaimed Geometry of Strong Collection Now Honored With Dual Awards From Worldwide Authority on Running Including “Editor’s Choice” LEXINGTON, MA (April 23, 2012) – As Saucony continues to deliver the most innovative performance footwear in the marketplace, the brand today announced that the Hurricane 14, its go-to stability running shoe, has been named “Best Update” by Runner’s World, the worldwide authority on running. Showcasing the brand’s unprecedented Geometry of Strong product platform, which reduces the heel-to-toe offset from the average 12mm to 8mm, the Hurricane 14 was recognized by the publication in the magazine’s Summer Shoe Guide for “the significant improvements made to an exisiting model.” With this recognition, the brand’s groundbreaking Geometry of Strong collection has now been honored by Runner’s World with two prestigious awards during the past four months. The Guide 5 was named “Editor’s Choice” in the publication’s 2012 Spring Shoe Guide. “When a shoe has been around long enough to boast a double-digit version, any updates are usually minor tweaks,” said the Runner’s World review of the Hurricane 14. “Naturally, you don't want to turn away the faithful. But Saucony boldly overhauled the Hurricane. The 14 is 1.2 ounces lighter than its predecessor, is more flexible, offers more cushioning and is more stable. And Saucony lowered the heel-to-toe drop. Such dramatic changes could have gone horribly wrong, but Saucony came out with a winner, and wear-testers loved the update,” said Runner’s World. "This award proves that our continued commitment to innovation is respected throughout the industry and validates our decision to literally challenge the foundation of running footwear by reengineering the lasts of our traditional running shoes from a 12mm to 8mm offset,” said Pat O'Malley, senior vice president of global footwear for Saucony. “The response from runners and retailers for the Geometry of Strong collection has been phenomenal, further establishing Saucony as the leader in performance running innovation.” The Hurricane 14 features three of the brand’s most advanced technologies: POWERGRID™, IBR+ Outsole™ and SAUC-FIT™. The Hurricane 14’s revolutionary heel-to-toe offset positions the foot during impact in a way that creates a greater range of motion for the GastrocnemiusSoleus-Achilles tendon system, allowing for a more powerful running stride. POWERGRID, a combination of Saucony’s award-winning GRID® technology and the brand’s new proprietary POWERfoam™, provides the Hurricane 14 with optimal cushioning and responsiveness with every stride while reducing layers to the midsole. The new Hurricane is lighter, more flexible and provides increased cushioning thanks to its IBR+ Outsole, Saucony’s new injection-blown rubber compound that’s 33 percent lighter in weight than traditional blown
rubber and proven to absorb twice as much energy than traditional blown rubber. Securing the foot to the midsole platform is Saucony’s unique SAUC-FIT™ technology, an advanced fit system in the upper that also keeps the heel secure and comfortable. Besides the Hurricane 14 and Guide 5, the Geometry of Strong collection also includes the Triumph 9, the brand’s premier neutral cushioned training shoe. The Hurricane 14, available at participating running specialty retailers, comes in men’s sizes 713, 14 and 15 and women’s sizes 5-12. The Hurricane 14 is available in widths. The suggested retail price of the Hurricane 14 is $140.00. To read the entire Runner’s World 2012 Summer Shoe Guide, check out the June issue of Runner’s World on sale at newsstands May 1, or visit www.runnersworld.com. About Saucony, Inc.: Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. is a leading global running lifestyle brand that fuses performance, innovation and style to create compelling footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. Founded in 1898, Saucony continues to inspire runners everywhere with its award winning innovations, including: ProGrid™, PowerGrid™, FlexFilm™, ViZiPRO™ and AMP PRO2™ apparel. At Saucony, a good day is when we get to run. A great day is when we inspire someone else to run. For more information, go to www.saucony.com. About Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its 4,160-store retail chain, with its brands Airwalk®, Dexter® and Champion® and designer collections by fashion designers Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Isabel Toledo and Silvia Tcherassi; Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group, focused on lifestyle and performance branded footwear and high-quality children's footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite®, Keds®, Sperry TopSider® Robeez®, and Saucony®, among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk®, Above The Rim®, Vision Street Wear®, STRIKEFORCE™, Clinch Gear™, Sims®, Lamar® and LTD®, World Snowboarding Championships™ and Hind®. Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at www.collectivebrands.com.
Packer Shoes x Saucony Grid 9000 ‘Trail Pack’ – Release Info By Aaron Kr. · Published Apr 24th, 2012
Industry's Most Highly Anticipated Shoe Of The Season Hits Retail Today Supported By Brand's Most Aggressive Launch Effort To Date LEXINGTON, MA (April 26, 2012) -- Today Saucony unveils the all-new Kinvara 3, the industry's most highly anticipated shoe of the season and the third update to the brand's award-winning natural motion running shoe, at select specialty running retailers everywhere. The launch of the revolutionary Kinvara 3, with unprecedented FlexFilm(TM) technology, will be supported by the brand's overarching message--Find Your Strong---a call by the Saucony brand to consumers to find their personal "strong" through running. The Kinvara 3 marketing roll-out, the brand's largest launch effort to date, features a broad-based social media outreach, strategic online partnerships and an immersive award-winning website, saucony.com/kinvara3, dedicated to the new lightweight trainer. "Of all the shoes released by Saucony, runners and retailers are especially excited by the new Kinvara 3," said Chris Lindner, chief marketing officer for Saucony. "The Kinvara was among the first natural motion running shoes available in the marketplace and positioned Saucony as an industry leader in the category. The Kinvara 3, an even better technical running shoe than its predecessors, delivers more than a great shoe: It inspires an incredible running experience. People just can't wait to get it on and go. The Kinvara 3 launch campaign, our most aggressive to date, reflects that same spirit with the use of vibrant colors, cool graphics and cutting edge technology." Starting today, a rich online media campaign introduces the Kinvara 3 to runners globally with a highenergy 45-second spot that inspires viewers to get out and run. Other launch elements include print partnerships, in-store experience kits and custom key account programs. The progressively designed Kinvara 3 website has been selected by two international website award programs, Favourite Website Awards and Awwward, for innovative web design excellence and outstanding achievement in creativity, content and usability. An aggressive early release program that included an exclusive microsite for retailers and product seeding to key influencers and bloggers generated advanced buzz and enthusiasm for today's Kinvara 3 launch. The Kinvara 3: So Much Technology, So Little Shoe The Kinvara 3, weighing only 7.7 ounces (based on a men's size 9), is a performance training shoe with a 4mm heel-to-toe offset that positions the runner's foot during impact in a way that creates a greater range of motion than traditional running shoes (with a 12mm heel-to-toe offset) for the Gastrocnemius-SoleusAchilles tendon system, allowing for a more powerful running stride. Saucony has taken the Kinvara 3 to a whole new level with a precision engineered upper that is lighter and more flexible thanks to FlexFilm(TM) technology, a lightweight, highly dynamic flexible film welded onto the breathable mesh upper that secures and stabilizes the foot while reducing layers to the shoe. Memory Foam heel pods in the collar ensure an ultra-secure ride. Saucony's high abrasion EVA exposed foam midsole allows for lightweight protection underfoot, while maximizing rebound and flexibility. XT-900 carbon rubber pods were strategically placed on areas of the Kinvara 3's outsole for enhanced durability without adding weight. The reengineered outsole includes a beveled heel to better facilitate a natural rolling movement from heel to toe.
Kinvara TR and Kinvara Apparel Line The Kinvara TR, a low profile trail running shoe that fuses the award-winning fit and technologies of its namesake with off-road traction, protection and durability is scheduled to launch July 1, 2012. To complete the collection, the Kinvara apparel line, also debuting July 1, borrows the design principles of the Kinvara 3 footwear line to create a brilliantly hued collection with superior fit, comfort and performance. The Kinvara apparel collection features FlexFilm(TM) aesthetics, superior moisture wicking fabrics and innovative performance features. The line includes shorts, tights, shirts, sportops and jackets. Availability The Kinvara 3 is available at select specialty run retailers in men's sizes 7-13, 14 and 15, and women's sizes 5-12. The suggested retail price of the Kinvara 3 is $100. To find a retailer near you, call 800-365-4933 or visit Saucony.com. About the Award-Winning Kinvara The Saucony Kinvara, launched in early 2010, has been recognized with numerous industry awards including: "Best Debut" (Runner's World magazine, Summer 2010); "Gear of the Year" (Outside magazine, Fall/Winter 2010); "Best Shoe in the Performance Category" (The Running Network, Fall 2010); and "Best Debut" (Endurance Sports Media Group, Fall 2010), among others.
LEXINGTON, MA (April 26, 2012) – Today Saucony unveils the all-new Kinvara 3, the industry’s most highly anticipated shoe of the season and the third update to the brand’s award-winning natural motion running shoe, at select specialty running retailers everywhere. The launch of the revolutionary Kinvara 3, with unprecedented FlexFilm™ technology, will be supported by the brand’s overarching message—Find Your Strong—a call by the Saucony brand to consumers to find their personal “strong” through running. The Kinvara 3 marketing roll-out, the brand’s largest launch effort to date, features a broad-based social media outreach, strategic online partnerships and an immersive award-winning website, saucony.com/kinvara3, dedicated to the new lightweight trainer. “Of all the shoes released by Saucony, runners and retailers are especially excited by the new Kinvara 3,” said Chris Lindner, chief marketing officer for Saucony. “The Kinvara was among the first natural motion running shoes available in the marketplace and positioned Saucony as an industry leader in the category. The Kinvara 3, an even better technical running shoe than its predecessors, delivers more than a great shoe: It inspires an incredible running experience. People just can’t wait to get it on and go. The Kinvara 3 launch campaign, our most aggressive to date, reflects that same spirit with the use of vibrant colors, cool graphics and cutting edge technology.” Starting today, a rich online media campaign introduces the Kinvara 3 to runners globally with a high-energy 45-second spot that inspires viewers to get out and run. Other launch elements include print partnerships, in-store experience kits and custom key account programs. The progressively designed Kinvara 3 website has been selected by two international website award programs, Favourite Website Awards and Awwward, for innovative web design excellence and outstanding achievement in creativity, content and usability. An aggressive early release program that included an exclusive microsite for retailers and product seeding to key influencers and bloggers generated advanced buzz and enthusiasm for today’s Kinvara 3 launch. The Kinvara 3: So Much Technology, So Little Shoe The Kinvara 3, weighing only 7.7 ounces (based on a men’s size 9), is a performance training shoe with a 4mm heel-to-toe offset that positions the runner’s foot during impact in a way that creates a greater range of motion than traditional running shoes (with a 12mm heel-to-toe offset) for the Gastrocnemius-SoleusAchilles tendon system, allowing for a more powerful running stride. Saucony has taken the Kinvara 3 to a whole new level with a precision engineered upper that is lighter and more flexible thanks to FlexFilm™ technology, a lightweight, highly dynamic flexible film welded onto the breathable mesh upper that secures and stabilizes the foot while reducing layers to the shoe. Memory Foam heel pods in the collar ensure an ultra-secure ride.
Saucony’s high abrasion EVA exposed foam midsole allows for lightweight protection underfoot, while maximizing rebound and flexibility. XT-900 carbon rubber pods were strategically placed on areas of the Kinvara 3’s outsole for enhanced durability without adding weight. The reengineered outsole includes a beveled heel to better facilitate a natural rolling movement from heel to toe. Kinvara TR and Kinvara Apparel Line The Kinvara TR, a low profile trail running shoe that fuses the award-winning fit and technologies of its namesake with off-road traction, protection and durability is scheduled to launch July 1, 2012. To complete the collection, the Kinvara apparel line, also debuting July 1, borrows the design principles of the Kinvara 3 footwear line to create a brilliantly hued collection with superior fit, comfort and performance. The Kinvara apparel collection features FlexFilm™ aesthetics, superior moisture wicking fabrics and innovative performance features. The line includes shorts, tights, shirts, sportops and jackets. Availability The Kinvara 3 is available at select specialty run retailers in men’s sizes 7-13, 14 and 15, and women’s sizes 5-12. The suggested retail price of the Kinvara 3 is $100. To find a retailer near you, call 800-365-4933 or visit www.saucony.com.
Running Season 2012: Top 3 New Running Shoes for Men and Women By Daniel O'Rourke | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 48 minutes ago
As all of you runners out there know, the 2012 running season is upon us. The most important thing to a runner is his or her feet and legs. The proper care of those two parts of your body all starts with the right shoes. In this article, we will take a look at the top 3 new men's shoes and top 3 new women's running shoes on the market right now. Top 3 Men's Running Shoes: #1 Asics Gel-Nimbus 14 T241N Men's After in-depth Internet research, phone interviews with shoe stores that specialize in running shoes, interviews with other runners, and, my personal opinion, these are the #1 best running shoes out there. At $140, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 14 is a newer, sleeker, lighter running shoe, with abundant cushioning and stability. They are also very breathable and good for almost every type of foot and runner profile. The only downside to these shoes is the price, and they are not good for people who are flat-footed or have sever pronation. #2 Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 12 The Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 12 is the 12th incarnation of this shoe, and it only gets better each time around. The legendary fit of this shoe is even better in this model, with increased breathability, a friction-resistance heel, and crash plate to give you a better overall run with a shoe that lasts longer. At $110, this shoe is both a good price and durable. On the flip side, they do provide much cushioning and are a little stiff. #3 Saucony Men's Kinvara 3 This running shoe is ultra-light, sleek, and built with soles that give your calves more range of motion to improve your stride. These shoes are the epitome of the minimalist model, but it is important for any consumer to note that the Saucony Men's Kinvara 3 shoe is a size bigger than other shoes in its class. Another special note, the Saucony website for this shoe is interactive and amazing. I highly recommend it. At $100, the Kinvara 3 is the most affordable and light weight quality running shoe out there. The only negative to these shoes are they do not last long and the durability is not the best. Top 3 Women's Running Shoes: #1 Nike Air Max+ 2012 Women's Running Shoe
With as much cushioning as a lady could ask for, you'll be running on air in these shoes. If that isn't reason enough to go out and get a pair, the Women's Nike Air Max+ is a durable shoe, combined with breathability and constructed to eliminate seams, minimizing the pieces of the shoe to provide an amazing feel and fit for your feet. This shoe is sure to put a spring in your step. At $170, this shoe is higher end, but you get what you pay for, which is the best female running shoe out there. Other than the price, it is hard to find a negative review of this shoe. The only downside to them is spending the money and then having them become damaged. #2 Women's Adidas Adistar Ride 4W Though this women's running shoe has come in at number two, it provides a fit that is second to none. This shoe is durable and was created for the serious runner, featuring technology that lets this shoe actually adapt to the ground to provide a very comfortable run. With maximum breathability and stability, the Adidas Adistar Ride 4W keeps your feet anatomically correct while running, and is a great choice. You can pick up a pair of these for $145. These are not the most attractive shoes and will not appeal to a women's sense of style, but they are built to last. #3 New Balance NB Minimus MR00 You can where these shoes without socks, ladies! Enough said, but I will elaborate. The NB Minimus MR00 is designed for maximum comfort and is ultra-light weight. This shoe is a minimalist model, and is said to be like running barefoot, according to consumer reviews. While it is a minimalist shoe, you will also be paying a minimalist price for it and get a pair for $109. These shoes are not designed to last long, however, and if you do not have good form or pronation, they will be hard on your feet and legs. I am a runner myself and am participating in the Bloomsday run on Sunday May 13th, 2012. I am also registered in the Run for the Son event and the St. Joe River Marathon which was created and is chaired by my good friend, former trainer, fellow fire fighter, and avid runner, Jesse Baker. I support Mr. Baker's non-profit St. Joe River Marathon every year by bringing publicity to it and participating in it.
Gear Review: Saucony Kinvara Third Edition