Today at the Jacob Javits Center, Adidas, introduced the world to their latest innovation, BOOST™.
In their own words, this innovation will change running forever.
Two running super stars were on hand at today’s event. Yohan Blake, a silver medalist in the 100m and 200m races in the 2012 Olympic Games in London came on stage just after the big reveal. Here’s what he said while on stage:
“Energy is one of the most important elements for any athlete. Often people only think about speed, but energy is the secret weapon that can set you apart from the competition. An added boost of energy is what allows you to push yourself ahead of everyone else to cross that finish line first, especially in a sprint when every millisecond counts,”
Energy is one of the things that distingushis BOOST™ from all other running shoes. Typical running shoes are made with EVA, the foam that provides the cushioning. Adidas worked with the world’s leading chemical engineering company to develop TPU and use for this innovative running shoe.
Because I can’t explain exactly what TPU or BOOST™ is, I’ll let Adidas do the talking, er writing…
“Based on a groundbreaking development process created by adidas partner BASF, the world’s leading chemical company,what solid granular material (TPU) is literally blown up and turned into thousands of small energy capsules which make up the footwear’s distinctive midsole. With their unique cell structure, these capsules store and unleash energy more efficiently in every stride. Tests conducted by the adidas Innovation Team show that the highly durable material found only in Energy Boost products provides the highest energy return in the running industry.”
The second rock star runner to come on stage was Haile Gabrselassie. I was so starstruck, that I have no idea what they were talking about to tell the truth. This man has an impressive record.
In some ways he felt like the star of the presentation.
Anyhow, back to the shoes.
According to Adidas, BOOST has proven to maintain it’s key characteristics over its lifetime better than comparable EVA models. The shoe doesn’t compress or breakdown during a run the way other shoes do. It’s also softer and has more energy return over hundreds of miles and is three times more temperature resistant during runs than EVA.
The material looks a bit like styrofoam and just by feel, it’s not like the other running shoes in my closet.
The specs:
- 22mm of cushion in the heel
- 12mm in the forefoot
- full-length heel-to-toe torsion system for stability and support
- price: $150
- in stores February 27, 2013
It will be interesting to see if this innovation really does change running shoes forever.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. At the event I received the above mentioned product and a gift bag.
I’m excited about this shoe and have had much education about it since I work in running specialty. It will be a nice change for Adidas to make a shoe that’s less firm and more responsive!
I FELL IN LOOOVE with the Adidas Arrow yesterday.
head over heels 🙂
I’m very interested to try these shoes. I’m mind blown by the science and engineering behind them.