Marek Truumaa 🌎’s Post

Where are the running brands that speak to "experienced" runners? You wouldn't know it by looking at all the new "disruptor" brands entering the space, but running is not (only) a sport for young people. The largest percentage of runners running marathons are over 40. "Masters" running starts at age 35. Do we really need another running brand making black singlets for 20 year old tattooed hipsters? Opportunity, I believe, lies in not following trends, but doing the opposite. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gANyN3vz --- I’m the owner of The Directive Collective footwear design consultancy. We make great footwear, not just great sketches. #design #footwear #footweardesign

Running shoe jargon can be very confusing and befuddling. 'Carbon' this and 'drop' that. It's the one thing my runners ask me about the most. To help make things simpler I've written a guide on what to look out for when buying new running shoes. https://lnkd.in/edrJz9mg #running #runningshoes

BOA® Fit System Proven to Enhance Cycling Footwear Performance

Variable Responses to Super Shoes Across Speeds and Individuals We frequently write (and talk) about how "shoes are tools." Different types of shoes will work for different people and our goal here is help teach people what may or may not work for them. Racing/Super shoes are a unique type of tool meant for racing and running faster. Not everyone needs these to race, but those seeking higher performances are often drawn to these. The typical super shoe is far different from the racing shoes of the past, which were minimal, low to the ground, as light as possible and often highly flexible. The lower cushioning of these shoes often scared people away. However, super racing shoes have brought a whole of fast highly cushioned racing shoes that have attracted a far greater number of runners. Like all shoes, some may work for people while others may not. The Hoka Rocket X 2 has a unique design with an aggressive spooned plate and a ride that is softer in the heel and firmer in the forefoot. This creates an even lower drop feel that initially one feels like they have to climb out of until the midsole breaks in. The slightly firmer ride makes it better for shorter distances if the average runner is interested, but it is quite stiff and aggressive. This is a shoe that everyone could wear, but may not be appropriate for everyone. Learn more about HOKA running shoes in our full guide here: https://lnkd.in/eTC2-9Bj #hoka #hokafans

Could Salomon be the first running shoe brand to dive into the "gravel" trend that’s been making waves in the cycling community? 🤔 🚲 In an exciting move, Salomon has introduced several "gravel shoes" including the DRX DEFY GRVL, a shoe with an outsole inspired by gravel biking. Designed to transition seamlessly between pavement and gravel, "this shoe opens up endless possibilities for runners". A gravel-specific running segment could be a major shift—though some might see it as a new angle in the hybrid running shoe market. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era in running footwear? Will other brands join in? https://lnkd.in/gnAu5FmG #Running #TrailRunning #Gravel #Salomon #FootwearDesign #Innovation

We’re lower than every week out from the 2023 Chicago Marathon and the long-awaited launch of the 2023 Nike gear line is right here! Nike by no means fails to place out a top quality, performance-driven clothes line to assist marathon runners, and this yr is not any totally different. The attention-catching designs and connection to the Metropolis of Chicago with the colours and types within the 2023 gear is unimaginable. The road will likely be out there on the Chicago Marathon Expo, which begins at 11 am this Thursday at McCormick Place, or you may order on-line now to make sure you get your measurement. This gear will promote out rapidly so if you’re not planning to hit the expo on Thursday of Friday, you might need to order forward. I’m telling you, this yr’s Nike assortment knocks it out of the park. In my view, Nike’s primary working singlet is the Dri-FIT ADV AeroSwift. The slim becoming tank stays linked to my physique, lowering the probabilities for chafing and motion. Its gentle cloth retains me cool on sizzling race days, with a sweat-wicking know-how that retains me dry even within the sweatiest of situations. The Chicago Marathon brand emblazoned on the chest bears our Metropolis colours in a novel and proud illustration of Chicago. This singlet is obtainable in males’s and girls’s types and in sizes starting from XS to XXL. The white coloring is good for these sizzling days we’ve been having the place the relentless solar beats down on you. The Nike Miler has additionally been adorned with this yr’s brand in one other tribute to Chicago runners. This lengthy sleeve prime is a favourite amongst runners and will likely be good because the temps cool over subsequent two months. This long-sleeve Miler High is made with easy, sweat-wicking cloth that can assist you keep cool. Plus, its relaxed minimize sits barely off the physique so you may really feel snug whereas reaching your working objectives. This prime additionally is available in each males’s and girls’s types and a variety of sizes from XS to 4XL. The delicate cloth may even be a deal with to placed on post-race, as race day temps look to be within the 50’s. Proper now. I really like this yr’s assortment of substances, however my two favourite items are the Nike Repel Impossibly Light jacket and the Nike Epic Luxe Women’s Mid-Rise Full-Length Leggings. The colour scheme and design of those two items is a deal with to the attention and the graphics are so intently tied to the vibe that’s Chicago runners. Whereas I can’t wait to put on this combo post-race, additionally it is a performance-based duo that can protect runners from the cooler and wetter Chicago components. The water-repellent end and adjustable hood of the jacket make it ideally suited for our windy and wet fall mornings. Plus, the light-weight, stretchy design helps you keep snug whereas tacking on the miles. The stretchy cloth of the leggings permits for speedy motion,

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Running Shoes

Barefoot vs Traditional Running Shoes: Explore the key differences between barefoot and traditional running shoes. Which one is right for you? Find out in our guide! #barefootrunning #runningshoes #healthyrunning https://lnkd.in/eSMDnFUM

Camaraderie, culture and accomplishment. This is the new Nike x Patta Running Team Collection. 👑 As shared by Kyle Knudsen and Sebastian Niemeyer, Nike and Patta Exclusive Sneakers BV. have collaborated on a performance apparel collection that tapped into the Patta Running Team community, and highlighted Patta’s cofounder Edson Sabajo love and passion for running. 🏃♂️The Patta Running Team started in 2010 in Amsterdam with a powerful vision: to bring together friends, family, and running enthusiasts alike. So, what started as creatives and casual local runners, is currently a movement based on individuals from various backgrounds, encompassing different running paces and intensities who explore new places together and, above all, have fun. 👀 The collection was spotted in the NBA, in Milan during the Design Week and at the London Marathon highlighting the trend that there are blurred borders between running and fashion. 🌎 Thinking local is no longer separate from a global strategy mindset. As written by Gemma Jones on MediaCat Magazine, many brands are now embracing city-based strategies as a new way to increase authenticity. ⚡️⚡️⚡️Takeaway: we are reaching fever-pitch levels of run-mania. According to Strava, running is the most popular sport and the share of athletes uploading runs increased by 4%. In this scenario, running clubs are today’s biggest driver due to their approach focused on creating IRL communities with events and cool custom apparel. As shared by Harry Salmons, running is the new streetwear due to many values in common. #Strategy #Running #Culture

Different is easy. Better is hard. That was my first impression seeing the PUMA Group Fast RB Nitro Elite, released last week. In truth, I'm not sure what I think about this. The "RB" in the name stands for "rule breaker". With a stack of 58m in the heel, the spec for this shoe lies outside of the World Athletics guidelines for competition compliance. It's a nice marketing story, but is it a gimmick? The "rules" only apply if you are an elite athlete in a sanctioned event and are looking to podium or gain competition points. Runners in a local 5k or a 4 hour marathon can wear anything they want. Every normal car breaks the rules for Formula 1 compliance. On one hand, I appreciate challenging the status quo and the concept of designing outside a very specific set of contrasts. The deconstruction of the midsole into component parts is novel. Combining so many parts into a cohesive whole is challenging. The Fast RB also leverages the build to create a unique stance and shelf visual. It's a compelling visual story for sure. On the other, the question is "why"? Why does this exist? If the rules are set to create a level playing field, does this rule breaking design benefit the runner? Does it improve a runner's running economy? Is it faster? Lighter? What if the design exercise is not about performance but experience? Can this 3 plate set-up create a different on-foot feel? Does a laceless upper inspire confidence? Does a 355g shoe feel fast when race day shoes are now approaching 150g or less? Outside of running influencers creating "content" with the comically large box and promo samples on social last week for the launch, nobody really knows. I haven't seen any real runners I know talking about this. We haven't seen anyone (elite or otherwise) racing in it. I haven't tried this shoe and probably won't. Only 1000 pairs were made. Which brings me to the question - "who is this for"? Is this for the marketing only? Is this a shoe for the "disruptive" runners who collect limited edition fashion, sneakers and ironic useless objet d'art like Supreme bricks and MSCHF big red boots? Is this for actual runners? If so, why is it so limited? Why is it better? As a runner and running shoe designer, I'm conflicted. Is this different for the sake of being different? Is it better because it's different or different because it's better? I don't know. But I 100% appreciate this because this is 100% PUMA. A bit crazy. Very design focused. Very unique. The press release says this is a statement. If so, I don’t know what it is saying. But I appreciate it is creating a dialog. 👏🏻 PUMA product creation team for pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules, even if the rules aren't really relevant. Todd Falker, MBA Chris Vella Romain Girard --- I’m the owner of The Directive Collective footwear design consultancy. We make great footwear, not just great sketches. #design #footwear #footweardesign #running #puma