kigo footwear Fall/Winter 2011 Look Book

FALL | WINTER

2011

kigo footwear | http://www.kigofootwear.com

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Live the barefoot lifestyle. Lighten up and enjoy.

The photo on the cover summarizes the kigo life. It’s natural, free, healthy and strong. Whether you’re an athlete, a lover of all things outdoors, someone suffering wanderlust, a busy parent or just someone who seeks comfort, kigo footwear has you in mind. We are founded on a commitment to adventure, responsibility and taking the best from every experience. It’s about being present in the moment and conscientious in all our actions. We approached the design of the new kigo footwear lines with every detail in check and a tremendous sense of excitement. Rather than cloistering our design in-house, we assembled a group of passionate experts who contributed ideas about minimalist footwear, natural running and POSE Method, biomechanics, physiology, and various outdoor activities. We also used social media to talk with countless consumers. Combined, the feedback and ideas have shaped every part of the new kigo lines – and so we introduce the flit and drive.

INTRODUCING THE BAREFOOT LIFESTYLE The kigo footwear Fall/Winter lines check all of the minimalist shoe boxes. The flit and drive are almost as light, spacious and flexible as no shoes at all, in a style that blends in and works for everyday attire, and construction that is durable enough for virtually any activity.

This is the closest to bare as a shoe can be.

There’s nothing to get in your way, everything to make life more fun. Choose your adventure, grab your kigos and make the most of it.


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small MIGHTY

and

kigo footwear is revolutionary. The world is our R&D. We create the most purely conceived, responsibly made eco-friendly minimalist footwear because we’re living the barefoot lifestyle, and we want to help you enjoy it too.

Each kigo shoe is comfortable and stylish enough for everyday wear, yet sturdy enough for athletics and activity. These are shoes for devoted barefoot runners in need of something feather light and portable for times when bare isn’t possible, for the person seeking a truly comfortable, truly green shoe, or the outdoor enthusiast who wants to protect their feet yet still feel the ground beneath their feet. Every kigo shoe is as good for the Earth as for the body. We construct our shoes responsibly from a unique combination of post-consumer and non-toxic materials, including recyclable textiles and compression rubber, water-based adhesives and dyes and biodegradable packaging. When kigo footwear was little more than an idea, the team set out to provide comfortable, stylish, portable shoes that would help people to enjoy an active lifestyle. That commitment has continued to evolve as kigo has grown. We don’t make shoes for the singular purpose of making shoes – it has to be done right. From the earliest stages, we have strived to design with an end goal in mind, to use sustainable materials, to be responsible throughout the entire business, and always to keep striving for better.


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DEFINING MINIMAL & BAREFOOT

FEATURES

Minimalist footwear falls into a few categories along a spectrum of flexibility, design, use and weight. A general model of the industry is illustrated here. Most brands fall into at least two categories, and the more categories covered indicate a higher degree of versatility. kigo footwear is a pioneer in minimalist lifestyle shoes – with styles appropriate for everyday wear and durability levels sufficient for athletics.

Minimalist and barefoot running advocates, trainers, coaches and enthusiasts view shoes as tools. General consumers view shoes as accessories, sources of comfort, statement pieces and even tools. Based on the kigo design sessions and the research of minimalist reviewers like Jason Robillard (Barefoot Running University), these are the non-negotiable elements and a few key functional considerations. NON-NEGOTIABLE DESIGN ELEMENTS – Zero-drop or near-zero drop heel – Wide toe box, vamp area long enough so toes do not touch front of shoe – Lightweight – Flexible sole – Adequate ventilation – Sockless liner – Easy on-and-off – Adjustable – Low toe spring FUNCTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS – Traction – Proprioception – Insulation

THE MARKET

The footwear industry is witnessing one of the most revolutionary shifts in recent history. Since 2009, when Christopher McDougall published his inspirational story of running, science, history and culture, a small handful of companies has grown to a full-fledged industry with almost three dozen players and a projected worth of $500MM in 2011 (Sports One Source).


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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT making the kigo flit & drive

The kigo footwear Fall/Winter line was designed with input from passionate experts and countless consumers. The process generated a priority list for the ideal minimalist shoe in general, and the evolution of kigo footwear in specific. FIT/ADJUSTABILITY – For athletic or outdoor wear, the fit must be perfect – Need a way to secure the shoe especially for good fit on uneven surfaces – It’s nice to change out socks so adjusting the fit accommodates that desire – Adjustability is key…if the toe box is too roomy, toes will jam into the front of the shoe WEIGHT – 5oz is the limit for a minimal “barefoot” running shoe INSOLE – A lack of support is ideal…in a minimalist product it is important to not have support OUTSOLE – A more malleable soling material…provide(s) better ground feel – A good rand around the outside is useful, especially for rocky situations – Zero drop is the key...A minimalist shoe must have zero heel rise…to mimic a bare foot SHAPE -‐ A slightly wider fit is a big benefit -‐ Change the shape so that it is more anatomically shaped like the toes of a foot -‐ The toe box needs to widen and add more room on lateral side of toe box DESIGN – Love the contrast stitching… simple color scheme….all black will be the biggest seller – The material is very comfortable and warm in cold weather…quite cool in warm weather – Reduce the size of the toe bumper – Love the outsole wrap up on the forefoot


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The Fall/Winter 2011 kigo footwear line is the

most versatile, wearable, conscientiously designed

minimalist shoe we’ve ever made.

KEY FEATURES – Zero drop, zero differential – Anatomically shaped last – Wide toe box – Adjustment mechanisms including speed lacing and elastic panels for ideal fit – +/- 4.5 oz per shoe (EU37 sample) – Fully flexible, high grip durable 2mm high compression foam outsole – Breathable stretch CYCLEPET uppers – Removable insole, soft strobel, breathable recycled nylon liner – Zero toe spring KEY FUNCTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS – Traction: Grit layer on grooved outsole for

traction (standard in all models) – Proprioception: 2mm flexible foam outsole

with above average tear strength allows feet to feel the ground, while providing protection from sharp objects

– Insulation: Minimal, but adjustability allows for use of socks

PROPRIOCEPTION: The unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself.

(THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® STEDMAN'S MEDICAL DICTIONARY)

ZERO DROP: A 1:1 ratio – meaning that the heel & forefoot are the same distance off the ground – there is no drop… zero offset from the heel to the toe.

(MINIMALISTRUNNINGSHOES.ORG)

KEY FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

Post-consumer construction

No differential between mid-foot and heel

New product


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LIKE A

BU

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G IN

BA

LLERIN

A C

LOTH

ES.

Aren’t girls lucky? The kigo flit is the quintessential shoe for the barefoot lifestyle. A fully flexible, 2mm, zero drop slip-free outsole puts every nerve in your foot fully in touch with the ground. Superior tear strength gives the shoe incredible durability so whether you’re headed to the grocery, the office, the park, yoga or the trail, the kigo flit is comfortable, reliable and stylish. Don’t bother taking these off when you step on the scale. Wearing shoes that have a feather-light weight of 4 ounces, your feet might as well be bare. A slim Mary Jane design will complement every outfit, and you can feel good about your choice because this shoe is as green as they come. Made from a unique combination of post-consumer materials and non-toxic dyes and treatments, you’re doing as much for the Earth as for your body. An anatomically designed footprint means the toes can do their thing rather than being cramped. These women’s shoes are available in sizes ranging from EU36 through 41 (US W6-11), and featuring an adjustable elastic panel, this shoe is a fit for virtually every foot type. You might decide this is even better than bare. And it’s definitely better than heels. The kigo flit will take you wherever you want to go in style and comfort.


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SIZING US 6-11 | EU 36-41 | UK 4-9 COLORS

pewter grey with kigo blue stitch (flitgrblst) black with silver cloud stitch (flitblltgrst)

Launched: AW11

OUTSOLE 2mm

+ 2.5mm removable insole

DIFFERENTIAL ZERO

WEIGHT 4 oz

UPPER Breathable stretch

CYCLEPET

SOLE COMPOSITION PLUSfoam Technologies

Recycled High Compression

Foam

ADJUSTABILITY Elastic Paneling

FLIT FEMININE BAREFOOT LIFESTYLE SHOE


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LIGH

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OR

E CO

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Run. Walk. Hike. Paddle. Lift. CrossFit. Whatever your activity, make sure your shoes let you engage every nerve and muscle from the ground up. The kigo drive offers unmatched connection with the ground, promoting balance and propioception, improving your posture and performance. A fully flexible, 2mm, zero drop durable and slip-free outsole means that your feet are protected yet feel practically bare. No toe spring means that your entire foot is working the way it is designed to perform. We’ve added speed lacing for quick adjustability, to keep you comfortable as you perform at the highest level. THIS IS THE NEXT BEST THING TO BAREFOOT. With an average weight of 4.5 ounces, this shoe is everything it needs to be, and nothing more. Whether it’s freedom of movement, or a pair of shoes to keep stowed for when bare isn’t possible, the drive goes everywhere so you can too. Like every kigo shoe, the drive is made from a unique, responsible combination of post-consumer materials and non-toxic dyes and treatments. An anatomically designed footprint allows the foot freedom of movement. The shoes are available for Men and Women. Sizing is true and ranges from EU36 through 44 (US W6-14 / US M4.5-12.5).


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SIZING US Women 6-14 | US Men 4.5-12.5 | EU 36-44 | UK 4-12 COLORS

pewter grey with bright yellow stitch (drivegrylst) black with dark grey stitch (driveblgrst)

Launched: AW11

OUTSOLE 2mm

+ 2.5mm removable insole

DIFFERENTIAL ZERO

WEIGHT 4-4.5 oz

UPPER Breathable stretch

CYCLEPET

SOLE COMPOSITION PLUSfoam Technologies

Recycled High Compression

Foam

ADJUSTABILITY Speed Lacing

DRIVE LIGHTEN UP AND PERFORM


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The kigo flit and drive models feature an anatomical outsole shape. A forefoot width of 95.7mm (EU37) provides ample space in the toe box. A rand runs around the shoe, creating a stabilizing heel cup and flexible strength surrounding the footprint. Support through the fifth metatarsal promotes good balance and healthy posture. A 2mm, zero drop high-density compression rubber outsole runs up from outsole around the outside of the shoe to promote stability. The thin construction facilitates the highest levels of proprioception, engaging the entire nervous system through the feet. A ‘fingerprint’ tread keeps every step slip-free, whether on dry or wet surfaces. Full flexibility in the outsole and zero toe spring allows the body to connect fully with the ground.

This is the

BAREFOOT LIFESTYLE

Run, Walk, Trail, POSE, Chi, Hike, Climb, Camp, Beach, Paddle, SUP, Canoe, Kayak, Cross Fit, Lift, Gym, Plyometrics, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Hop, Skip, Jump, Play, Swing, Shop, Work, Hang… Whatever your adventure, make it epic. GO KIGO.

FLIT+DRIVE feel free


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THE RECYCLED SOLE

kigo footwear uses innovative PLUS Compound Technologies processes and FusionHD compound to create environmentally friendly outsoles and removable insoles. An alternative to EVA, PU and rubber, FusionHD is a high-density compound made of 100% recycled foam, and was created by a team of industrial designers, engineers and manufacturing experts, with the help of world-class action sports and outdoor sports athletes. Creating a

look and feel consistent with rubber, FusionHD offers performance characteristics comparable to, and in many cases better than those of rubber, specifically higher than standard durability and tear strength ratings. PLUS compounds are produced with limited carbon output, due to regrinding and reprocessing material into new batches, keeping environmental impact to a minimum.

A HIGHER UPPER

Paired with post-consumer insoles and outsoles, kigo uppers continue to be constructed wirh lightweight, durable, energy-conserving CYCLEPET fabric. A thermoplastic polymer resin (PET), it is created by melting plastic to a liquid, freezing to a glassy state, transforming into yarn and weaving into fabric.

All fabrics are Bluesign® certified by Oeko-Tex and colored used non-toxic dyes. All fabrics are treated with an EPA approved water and stain resistance that is 99% non-toxic and washed into the fabric to create a virtually 100% protective barrier against water and oil.

INTRODUCING THE RECYCLED NON-TOXIC RESPONSIBLY MADE RECYCLABLE SHOE


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THE RIGHT FIT “Barefoot style shoes need to run wide at the forefoot but snug close on the heel…if the fit and tightness around the heel is good, then the foot should be held in position while allowing the toes to spread correctly as bodyweight is taken through the foot.” (kigo Design Session)

kigo footwear offers the following size ranges:

KIGO DRIVE KIGO FLIT USA EU USA EU

Women Men 6 4.5 36 6 36 7 5.5 37 7 37 8 6.5 38 8 38 9 7.5 39 9 39 10 8.5 40 10 40 11 9.5 41 11 41 12 10.5 42 13 11.5 43 14 12.5 44

Fitted lengths vary for the kigo footwear lines. The kigo flit and drive are anatomically shaped, feature full adjustability and are true to size, so we recommend the normal shoe size for a comfortable fit.

EU 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

FITTED LENGTH (mm)

235.2 243.6 252.1 260.6 269.0 277.5 286.0 294.4 302.9

kigo footwear is dedicated to providing a needed product while having fun, enjoying the camaraderie of our

team and caring for our world…

That’s our mission. It means we strive constantly to create the most useful, comfortable and conscientiously made footwear available. It means that we care about the optimal health and fitness of our customers, and providing attractive, versatile tools to reach those goals. It means that we’re a team that works passionately together, living the fun, active

kigo lifestyle that we support. And it means that we give back through the choices we make as a company, a team and as individuals. We reuse, recycle and reduce. We donate and use our seconds to make sure there are shoes on feet that need them and that we are good stewards of our resources, and never wasteful.

THIS IS THE KIGO LIFE. IT’S THE BAREFOOT LIFE…SIMPLE, ATTENTIVE,

CONSCIENTIOUS, AND ADVENTUROUS. WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US.

If you’d like information about becoming a retail partner, please email rachelle@kigofootwear. For general sales and marketing information, please email [email protected]

Reach us during business hours at 1-888-293-1685. Fax to 1-888-293-1685.

Send snail mail to: kigo footwear / P.O. Box 294101 / Norcross, GA / 30010

Join us on Twitter to discuss shoes, running, being green and more via @kigofootwear.

Become part of the kigo community on Facebook® to interact, learn about design and sustainability efforts, and share your voice.

Subscribe to the kigo footwear Channel on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/kigofootwear.

wegokigo.com is the source for all things kigo, minimalist, barefoot, green and active.

I got [kigos] for winter running. At the time I was going maybe 6-9 miles a week and had been slowly moving towards minimalist running. I'm happy to report that the shoes have served the purpose well…I get lots of questions (including in the middle of a race) and always give a positive report. HILARY STEVENS, DELAWARE

Documents

kigo footwear Fall/Winter 2011 Look Book