AT HLETIC P R E V IE W: FA L L 2 01 3
COMMUTING:
Pedal Pushers
Cycling continues to be one of the most popular recreational activities in the U.S., but riding for transportation has also become a viable, growing market that is being spurred by rising energy costs and increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly practices and healthy lifestyles. The expansion of the commuter-specific segment bodes well for athletic footwear makers as consumers increasingly seek out shoes that will perform both on and off the bike. “Bicycles are a growth industry and will stay that way, and this is opening up new niches,” says Charles Cole, founder and president of Five Ten. “The category has every demographic working for it.” For Cole, the challenge was to create a shoe that is as good for pedaling as for walking. For Fall ’13, the Aescent Elements shoe features a new rubber compound called Stealth M16 that provides enormous shock absorption, sticks to pedals, and is comfortable and flexible enough for walking. The shoe also has a breathable, winterized upper that beads water and dries quickly.
Five Ten
GOLF:
Street Time
In keeping with the current trends of lightweight performance, comfort and versatility, golf footwear makers are diving into the burgeoning casual golf niche. Ecco, which created the hybrid golf footwear category when it rolled out its Golf Street collection a few seasons back, continues to innovate and is offering the men’s collection in sport, luxe, textile, camel and premier categories. The Men’s Golf Street Sport shoe includes street-inspired upper patterns made from Hydromax treated leather for weather protection, breathable Aero linings, and a patented outsole design that provides traction and stability on and off the course. For women, Ecco’s new Golf Street Life model will be available in regular shoe and bootie silhouettes. The women’s Golf Street Life Bootie boasts high-fashion Hydromax treated leather uppers with patent and glitter finishes, moisturewicking Second Skin breathable linings, and a
GET PUMPED
patented Ecco Street outsole. Also eager to enter the golf category is Vibram FiveFingers. The brand’s mission is to offer players a more natural footwear alternative that will provide superior ground feedback. “There’s a reason golf pros practice barefoot,” states Mike Gionfriddo, CEO of Vibram USA. “That connection to the earth improves stance and stability which can ultimately improve your game.” The highlight of the line is the Speed XC Lite, available in men’s and women’s versions, that offers a lightweight breathable mesh upper, an EVA midsole and a cleated Vibram performance rubber outsole. •
Ecco
TRU SHOW Feb. 10-11 San Francisco | CA
FASHIONABLE IS NOW COMFORTABLE
FN PLATFORM Feb. 19-21 Las Vegas | NV
New for Fall 2013:
ATL SHOE MARKET Feb. 23-25 Atlanta | GA
Style Blueberry from our L’Artiste Collection.
NORTHEAST SHOE EXPO
Featuring:
Feb. 24-26 Manchester | NH Booths 209-211
Hand-painted Leather Uppers, Padded Insoles & Polyurethane/Rubber
WINDY CITY SHOE SHOW
Outsoles
Feb. 27-28 Schaumburg | IL
NORTHWEST MARKET March 2-4 Portland | OR
facebook.com/SpringStepShoes youtube.com/SpringFootwear 800.962.0030 | www.springfootwear.com
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Blueberry
1/21/13 10:40 AM