2016 Gear Trends

2016 Gear Trends

RaceME spoke with John Rogers, owner of Fleet Feet Sports Maine Running in Portland Maine, about the trends we can expect to see in running gear this year.

WHAT NEW SHOE TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING FOR 2016?

The biggest trends emerging in footwear are the evolution of “Geometric” Design, new midsole materials and seamless upper designs.  Stability features are now part of the design platforms vs. traditional denser materials placed in the medial areas of midsoles. Geometric designs with such products as Hoka One One Bondi, New Balance 980 and 1080 Fresh Foam models and Adidas Boost.  These shoes feature new foam technology designed for greater cushioning properties and better adaptation and guidance through the gait cycle, as well as variable midsole stack heights and drops. Additionally, new welding techniques and fabrics are allowing brands to incorporate more seamless uppers that traditionally utilize more pieces and stitching.  The seamless uppers create greater comfort and less irritation for runners.

WHAT NEW GEAR AND TECHNOLOGY TRENDS DO YOU SEE IN THE ITEMS YOU SELL?

There is a greater emphasis on injury prevention and recovery then ever before at Run Specialty. New brands such as Addaday, Moji, Pro-Tec and Trigger Point are scientifically designing sticks, foam rollers, bodywork balls, and flexible massage devices, which incorporate varied surface textures, materials and shapes to release muscle and tendon adhesions, and realign joints. Many of these products are self massage tools and mimic the techniques used by physical therapists to speed recovery, break down muscle and tendon scarring and help runners relieve IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, hamstring strains, shin splints, low back tightness and glute pain. These advances are truly helping runners recover at greater speed, prevent injury, and run pain free.

Fleet Feet Sports Maine Running is located at 309 Marginal Way in Portland & 89 Main Street in Brunswick