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JANUARY 16, 2012
NEWS & INFORMATION FOR THE RUNNING & TRIATHLON MARKET
WEEK 1203 | SGBweekly.com 3
FEATURES 4 WHAT’S RUNNING THE INDUSTRY – General Trends in Fall 2012 Running Apparel 6 BREAKING TRADITION AND TURNING HEADS – Fall 2012 Brings a Wide Range of Technologies and Trends in Running Apparel 10 SKECHERS GOES FOR A RUN – The Lifestyle Footwear Brand Expands into The Running Category 14 HARVARD STUDY ON FOOT STRIKE Touts Benefits of Barefoot Running I AM...PERFORMANCE 18 SCOTT TUCKER, Director of Run for Pearl Izumi
10Page
NEWS & INFORMATION FOR THE RUNNING & TRIATHLON MARKET
JANUARY 16, 2012ISSUE 1203
Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to SGB PERFORMANCE are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB PERFORMANCE is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB PERFORMANCE may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB PERFORMANCE is published weekly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB PERFORMANCE , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450
Editor In ChiefJames Hartford (704.987.3450 x104)
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Katie O’Donohue (704.987.3450 x110) [email protected]
Circulation & [email protected]
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VP Research & Development, Gerry AxelrodManager Database Operations, Cathy Badalamenti
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Cover Photo Courtesy of The North Face
Photo courtesy of Skechers
By Mackenzie Lobby
What'sthe IndustryRunning
General trends in Fall 2012 running apparel
Photo courtesy of The North Face
WEEK 1203 | SGBweekly.com 5Photo courtesy of The North Face
usiness is booming in the world of running apparel. With a 23 percent increase in sales
from 2009 to 2010, according to the National Sporting Goods Association’s Sporting Goods Market in 2011, brands brought in $1.1 billion in 2010. Additionally, Running USA’s Annual Marathon Report found that the number of runners competing in U.S. marathons from 2009 to 2010 increased by 8.6 percent, totaling approximately 507,000 finishers. With races selling out across the country and the marathon and triathlon bug spreading like wildfire, this popularity is an unprecedented opportunity. GETTING OFF-ROAD
One segment of the market that has seen considerable growth is the trail running category. In a special report from Outdoor Industry Association, it was stated that 4.8 million Americans participated in the sport in 2009, and that number has only continued to grow. This trend brings in a new type of runner with a different set of needs and varying sense of fashion.
Diving in head first, a number of outdoors brands were among the first companies to take advantage of marketing to the trail runner. Serving many of the same customers they have been working with in outdoor sports for years, brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Gore Running have a keen sense for creating off-road apparel.
Having been in the trail running space
for the last 10 years, Patagonia leads the pack. Tyler LaMotte, Patagonia’s business unit director for snow and trail running, says, “Our customers have a strong connection to the mountains, but are also passionate trail runners. Tapping into that part of our core user base and building them the absolute best trail running product using Patagonia expertise makes great sense.”
The brand’s trail running ambassadors have played an instrumental role in helping guide the line, understanding that these runners hit the trails 365 days a year. This requires the utmost in durability and all-weather technology from the trail running collections, which is something most outerwear leaders already understand and do well.
Not to be left out, traditional players in the running industry have also begun to throw their hats in the trail running ring. New Balance is one of those companies, unveiling a bolder color pallet and shedding weight in its Fall 2012 running offerings. Both features are highly sought after by trail runners, creating lines that bridge the gap between the road runner and trail runner.
“We aspire to appeal to every kind of runner, whether they hit the treadmill, are pounding the pavement, or are heading to their local park for a trail run,” adds Claire Shearman Joyce, Product Manager for New Balance apparel.
WOMEN TAKE OVER
The women’s market is also seeing growth in 2012. Running USA reports that of
the 14 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series events in 2011, 62 percent of entrants were female. Seeing more women take up the sport, brands have responded by offering a wider variety of options with greater attention to style.
Moving Comfort remains one of the notable brands in this category, utilizing new advances in fit, design, and performance in 2012. They have also jumpstarted a new “Urban Gym” line, catering to female fitness buffs who want convenient apparel options that can be worn to the gym and around town.
“There is definitely a push to offer women workout apparel that offers versatility outside the gym,” explains Heather Cvitkovic, senior product line manager at Moving Comfort. “Our Urban Gym collection fills this need by using fabrications that cross over to street wear, while still offering the technical attri-butes she needs for her workout.”
Similarly, companies like Lululemon Athletica and Lole have made great efforts to cater specifically to the burgeoning female running population. The mainstays, including Nike, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, and Brooks, have also started to pay special attention to their women’s lines, forgoing the old ‘shrink it and pink it’ methodology. This evolution mimics trends in lifestyle brands, while staying true to athletic roots.
The growth in the women’s category and trail running show no signs of slowing down well into 2012. Keeping running brands on their toes, runners will likely continue to de-mand new iterations of the already impressive collection of options on the market this year. ■
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6 SGB PERFORMANCE JANUARY 16, 2011
BREAKING TRADITION AND TURNING HEADS
What’s new in Fall 2012 running apparelBy Mackenzie Lobby
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WEEK 1203 | SGBweekly.com 7
ust when you thought running brands couldn’t possibly come up with any-thing new again, Fall 2012 brings
a wide range of advances in both technolo-gies and trends. Evolution of garment weight and reflectivity has increased both the safety and performance of such apparel. Meanwhile, a variety of new layering options give runners greater options to add warmth and weather protection. Not to be overlooked are the stylistic influences of lifestyle lines on athletic apparel. With running apparel that is both functional and fashionable, Fall 2012 collections are sure to turn heads. SHEDDING WEIGHT
Spilling over from the footwear category, minimalism will continue to be big in running apparel in Fall 2012. Taking the ‘less is more’ approach, these new lightweight lines offer better mobility for workouts and races. Mar-keted as a way to get back to basics, these changes are sure to appeal to runners wheth-er or not they have bought into the minimalist footwear trend.
One of the highlights of the lighter weight offerings is the NBx Windblocker collection by New Balance. Using updated fabrics that are 12 percent lighter than their previous textiles, these pieces feel significantly less restricting. “Consumers are certainly looking for lighter weight performance products, but without forgoing any of the performance attributes,” explains Claire Shearman Joyce, product manager for New Balance apparel.
The Moving Comfort brand will also be making a push to market their lightweight, aptly named Sprint Jacket. With performance features such as wind and water resistance, this piece is comprised of extremely lightweight material but doesn’t forgo protection from the elements.
Similarly, Smartwool will debut new fabrics in their lightweight PhD collection. Going beyond 100 percent Merino garments, their focus is on midlayers that are both warm and breathable. “We know people are looking for warmth without tons of weight,” comments
Mavis Fitzgerald of Smartwool. For them, it was a no-brainer.
Trail running specific collections such as those offered by The North Face are emerging as leaders in lighter weight running apparel. In Fall 2012, The North Face’s Better than Naked line, which utilizes their FlashDry technology, will tout some of the greatest advances in temperature and moisture control in this type of apparel.
Patagonia has also subscribed to the minimalist movement. Introducing their new Light Flyer Jacket in Fall 2012, the brand seeks to outfit runners in all weather conditions, while remaining sleek and slim. Made up of Gore-Tex® Active Shell product technology, it weighs in at just 9.1 ounces, making it their lightest waterproof/breathable option yet. “This is very much an athlete-drive piece,” explains Tyler LaMotte, Patagonia’s Business Unit Director for snow and trail running. “Folks headed out in the worst conditions are most likely serious runners and any serious runner knows that a lightweight, breathable jacket is the most comfortable and functional piece.”
LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT
In addition to being less bulky, the Fall 2012 collections will also usher in new safety features in the form of reflectivity. With the evolution of reflectivity from heat
transfers and prints to new fabric tech-nologies, they now have greater longevity and reflective power.
One of the more exciting newcomers in the reflective wear category is Asics’ Lite-Show Collection. Both stylish and comfortable, the reflective technology is billed as “retro-reflectivity,” meaning that light rays are returned in the same direction from where they originated. With the addition of reflective thread sewn into flatlocked seams in this collection, 360-degree retro-reflectivity is offered.
Kim Shelton, Asics product manager for Inline Apparel, explains saying, “As new, smart clothing concepts have been introduced using conductive yarns and fibers for safety and protection, we found an incredible reflective thread that can be sewn directly into the garment on curved seams that won’t break, crack, or wash out.”
Brooks has seen a similar call for greater reflectivity in their running apparel options, leading them to expand their popular NightLife collection. Adding Brite Pink and Brite Orange to the Brite Green and NightLife Yellow, these pieces also offer retro-reflectivity.
“Lowlight and runner safety gear continues to be a growing category, especially with the increase in running participation,” comments Gabe Maricich, Brooks’ apparel product line
Photo courtesy of Brooks
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8 SGB PERFORMANCE JANUARY 16, 2011
in their Fall 2012 collections. Along with many cool weather layering pieces, comes the Urban Gym collection which provides the performance of athletic apparel and the styling of street wear.
Companies like Lole have also begun to cross over into running apparel more aggressively as athletes have become more diversified. “Women especially are looking for their fitness apparel to serve multiple functions, from pilates and yoga to more cardio-oriented pursuits,” says Alycia Cavadi of Lole.
Although style-oriented running apparel has traditionally been more popular in women’s lines, beginning in 2012, Brooks is making a push to appeal to male runners. Introducing prints in various pieces, such as the Utopia Thermal Hooded Jacket, the fashion influences of outerwear have made their way to running apparel.
Keeping runners warm, dry, unencumbered, visible, and stylish. It seems the sky is the limit when it comes to the exciting features being introduced in Fall 2012 running apparel. It’s no wonder the sport is seeing a second boom.■
While athletes oftentimes are more preoccupied with the obvious fit and function of workout wear, construction and fabric choices are really what increase quality and, ultimately, performance. The year 2012 is poised to usher in a contingent of new and exciting fabrics that will increase the durability and performance of some of the best apparel introduced to the market. Check out the latest and greatest fabrics that will put certain brands ahead of all the rest.
FLASHDRY Bringing even greater technology to the waterproof/breathable category, The North Face has introduced FlashDry. Promising to more effectively wick water and sweat away from the body, this technology will be used in their Better Than Naked fabrics and outerwear. By embedding micro-porous, particle additives into the yarn, the body remains drier and warmer. In addition, the technology will be available in a “printable” layer to be applied to waterproof/breathable laminates, assisting in temperature and moisture control. Similar to Gore-Tex®, but with better breathability, it will be offered throughout The North Face’s 2012 lines.
PHD SMARTLOFT Staying true to their namesake, SmartWool has introduced their Fall 2012 line, including a proprietary wool insulation midlayer collection called PhD SmartLoft. Said to be twice as warm as synthetic materials, but with less mass, this insulation is distributed throughout the garment
A TAPESTRY OF EMERGING OPTIONSTHE NEW FABRICS OF 2012
to avoid shifting and bunching. Using a wool-based insulation and lining the corea sections of the garment with Merino, these pieces offer warmth and comfort. Superior moisture management makes this a great option for aerobic activities.
ENCIEL In 2012 Point6 is introducing Enciel, the first truly white merino wool product. From the minds of The Merino Company and years of research and development using its SpectraWool technology, these fibers appear whiter than any white cotton on the market. What’s more, it won’t fade with sunlight or laundering. Offering the same performance as other merino wool socks, Enciel offers customers a clean and crisp look unlike any previously available. To debut in Point6’s socks, it is expected it will be used in other garments in the future. Additionally, this pure white can be paired with various colored dyes to give vibrant and eye-catching new hues.
POLARTEC POWER SHIELD HIGH LOFT A new-to-market fabric technology, Outdoor Research is one of the first to utilize Polartec Power Shield High Loft in Fall 2012. A waterproof and breathable nylon softshell with a high-loft fleece on the inside will keep the wearer warm and dry. Avoiding bulk, it offers a true performance feel. While it mimics down and synthetic insulation in terms of warmth, it dries more quickly than either, eliminating the number of layers necessary. In addition to allowing for unencumbered movement, it also better regulates core temperature better, increasing comfort.
manager. In offering either 360-degree retro-reflectivity, or placing the retro-reflective details in key motion zones, these features insure that a runner is denoted as human, even on the darkest nights.
Saucony offers a slightly different approach to nighttime running gear with an added USB_LED light in select pieces, such as the Kinvara Drylete Sportop. Holding a charge up to two hours, this offers an extra safety measure along with traditional methods of reflectivity.
LAYER UPON LAYER With waning daylight and dropping temperatures, the fall season often calls for a greater variety of running apparel options to navigate unpredictable swings in weather. The running brands have provided a solution to this issue with an increasing number of layering options.
Offering runners a greater selection of warmth and weather protection choices, Gore Running has begun to offer “Outfit Systems.” The Gore approach, which includes the options of Gore-Tex®, Windstopper fabric, and other Gore selected fabrics, can be mixed and matched to
create the most comfortable ensemble. Smartwool takes a similar approach,
denoting specific pieces in their PhD apparel as baselayers and midlayers. “Our pieces were designed with layering in mind, with consideration to fit, comfort, and function,” says Smartwool’s Fitzgerald.
Not to be forgotten is the legendary Thermopolis Collection from Asics. While the collection is familiar, Fall 2012 will bring new designs and colors. “The advantage of the Thermopolis fabric is that it is multi-climate and can easily be worn as either a first layer or second layer,” explains Shelton.
FASHION AND FUNCTIONWith all the advances in the performance of running apparel, style has not been forgotten in Fall 2012. As the sport has begun to enjoy greater popularity, brands are catching on to the increasing demand for fashion in workout wear. The result is more attention to detail and styling that makes for more flexibility in running lines design.
Moving Comfort has been particularly adept at reading the tea leaves of fashion
WEEK 1203 | SGBweekly.com 9
1. Moving Comfort Sprint Jacket with reflectiv-ity features and adjustable cuffs, this jacket offers the utmost in water and wind resistance. Remain-ing lightweight, the piece also includes accents that hint at urban lifestyle apparel. MSRP $85 2. The North Face Balance 3/4 Sleeve where fashion meets function. This shirt is stylish enough to wear out and about, but also features body-mapped ventilation and Coolmax technol-ogy. MSRP $70 3. Patagonia Light Flyer Jacket built with Gore-Tex® Active Shell product technology, this breathable/waterproof shell weighs just 9.1 ounces, making it the company’s lightest-weight shell in the category. MSRP $279
4. Asics Lite-Show 5” Shorts are stylish and functional and offer 360-degree retro-reflectivity thanks to reflective thread. Lightweight material and flatlock seams make this a true performance piece. MSRP $42
5. New Balance NBx Windblocker Half Zipprotects the avid runner against extreme winter weather. This garment is composed of Thermal Wind Block fabrication, making it wind and water resistant and breathable. MSRP $95 6. Brooks Utopia Thermal Hooded Jacket brings style to a men’s piece, offering blacked-out reflective detail, ample pocket storage, and a three-panel hood. MSRP $120
7. Brooks NightLife Jacket III now in Brite Pink for women and Brite Orange for men. The NightLife Jacket is lightweight, performance driven, and makes it much easier for cars to spot a runner on the road. MSRP $115
8. Smartwool PhD HyFi Divide Half-Zip can be worn alone or as a midlayer. This half-zip fits into Smart-wool’s unique layering system. Providing greater op-tions in warmth and comfort, this collection utilizes Merino wool and other technologies. MSRP $180
9. Moving Comfort Urban Gym Tank with a “kick-sassy” attitude. This tank is part of Moving Comfort’s new Urban Gym collection. Featuring both style and performance, it is perfect for the gym and beyond. MSRP $52
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FALL 2012 RUNNING APPAREL
10 SGB PERFORMANCE JANUARY 16, 2011
SKECHERS IS TAKING BOTH A CORE AND A MASS APPROACH
AS IT EXPANDS INTO THE RUNNING CATEGORY
SKECHERS GOES
FOR A RUN
By Thomas J. Ryan
With a Super Bowl ad starring Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban to support its GOrun minimalist lightweight running line, Skechers USA certainly isn't shy about marking its entry into the running footwear category.
But the lifestyle footwear brand also rec-ognizes that it faces some hurdles finding its way onto running footwear walls. Not only do they face competition from the more-established classic running brands, but also a flood of newer, niche-brands chasing the lightweight run opportunity. In order to gain credibility with the core run-ning enthusiast, Skechers also has to find some success at sporting goods and spe-cialty run stores, two channels the brand has traditionally not sold to.
But Skechers also feels it brings some-thing to the table. With its 20-year history as a lifestyle brand, it's confident it can bring a greater fashion sense to often drab running shoe offerings. With the strong acceptance of its toning product over the last few years, Skechers has found success reaching the fitness enthusiast. And with learnings around mid-foot strike technology partly coming from its toning success, Skechers believes it's bringing a breakthrough lightweight, flexible and supportive running option to the marketplace at a friendly price. (The initial
GOrun Ride
WEEK 1203 | SGBweekly.com 11
GOrun minimalist model retails for $80.) Finally, as one of the nation’s largest footwear brands, Skechers believes it has developed a loyal following of consumers that will give it a chance in the run category.
"Skechers has developed a relationship of trust with consumers," says Leonard Armato, president of Skechers Fitness Group, in an interview with SGB Weekly. "So when Skechers introduces something, consumers will give a Skechers product due consideration. But we know we have to introduce something that is unique and we believe we are launching a running technology that no one else has. So while we’re not known for this kind of product, if you provide something that works and that performs for the consumer, then they’re going to buy it and they're going to tell their friends. And that’s exactly what we’re finding."
Skechers' move into making functional, performance product began about three years ago when it set up an advanced concepts team dedicated to coming up with state-of-the art performance technologies. That spawned the introduction of running, training and walking shoes under the Resistance, Shape-ups and Tone-ups lines and also led to the formation in May 2011 of a dedicated Skechers Fitness Group sales organization to capitalize on Skechers’ growing technical lines. A team was put together that only focuses on the running business with some key investments here in the U.S. as well as in its Asia development team.
Rick Higgins, VP of product development for the Skechers Fitness Group, said the brand's success in toning really provided it with the platform and opportunity to enter the run category. Said Higgins, "The acceptance from consumers gave us the confidence that many of our technologies would benefit people who performed at every level of a fitness activity, whether walking or running a marathon."
Tapping into the lightweight and minimalist movement, Skechers GOrun officially gained credibility on November 6 when elite runner, former NYC marathon champion, and Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi ran the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. Sporting a customized Skechers GOrun racing shoe, Keflezighi achieved a new personal best of 2:09:13 and was the fastest American in the race. Coming in 6th place overall, he even surpassed his 2009 New York Marathon winning time of 2:09:15.
Both the toning and Skechers GOrun designs are based around mid-foot strike technologies. But the development of the Skechers GOrun line took a completely different approach than any other category at Skechers, given the unique set of challenges related to running product and a demanding running consumer. Said Kurt Stockbridge, di-rector of Skechers Fitness Development, "When it comes
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Just click on the video icon to see Skechers Gorun commercialTAKE A CLOSER LOOK
to making performance or, functionally excellent product, there is no room for error and we absolutely must deliver running shoes to the marketplace that deliver on their inherent promises. This is especially true since we are new to the arena, and we realize that if we put just one product on the market that is not considered legitimate or credible in the eyes of core runners, everything we are building can tumble down."
Skechers sought out the advice of some local competitive runners who want-ed a lightweight, low-heel drop, minimal shoe that helped them achieve proper mid-foot strike. The runners challenged Skechers to provide more cushioning protection without compromising the flexibility and feel expected from minimal-ist shoes. Noted Stockbridge, "They specifically asked that the Skechers GOrun work as a system to allow the foot to do what it does best naturally rather than get in the way of that."
What's particularly unique about the Skechers GOrun is a highly-respon-sive Resalyte midsole compound, which helps runners ‘feel’ their way toward proper running mechanics with the aid of Skechers GOimpulse sensor technol-ogy. Said Stockbridge, "That is, the shoe features a sweet spot that rewards a mid-foot strike and helps them get their center of mass over their shoes upon impact. The upper is stretchy, breathable, and feels as comfortable on your feet as your favorite pair of slippers."
Other features include the patented SmartShoe technology that positions the body for an efficient mid-foot strike, as well as a 4mm heel drop to replicate a natural barefoot experience with a roomier forefoot allowing extra space for toes to spread, grip and push off. An integrated anti-microbial OrthoLite sockliner helps inhibit odor and prevent slippage. Skechers GOrun weighs in at 6.9 oz. in men's (size 9) and 4.9 oz. in women's (size 8).
"We believe we have a 'mid-foot strike' running product that’s unique and revolutionary and unlike any other in the marketplace," said Armato. "When you talk about lightweight, minimalist running product, other than Skechers
12 SGB PERFORMANCE JANUARY 16, 2011
GOrun, there’s really no meaningful cushioning that has been incorporated."
Added Stockbridge, "These are all benefits that runners have told us they want and it’s the combination of all these benefits in a line of shoes that is very powerful and unique in and of itself. On top of that, one of our greatest strengths is our ability to make shoes that look great, in appealing colors that runners want to wear, whether they are out for a run or just out and about."
Also introduced as part of the Skechers GO series is GOwalk and GOplay, both positioned for post-workout recovery while also helping the body transition to the minimal feel without the impact of running. Next up will be the Skechers GOrun Ride stability model for those looking for a minimal approach but wanting a little more of the protection offered in a more neutral shoe.
"We simply added roughly 25 percent more midsole cushioning under the foot," says Stockbridge. "The Skechers GOrun Ride has all the minimal features of the Skechers GOrun, but with a thicker midsole that helps cradle the foot for noticeably more cushioning and support which benefits runners who want to truly enjoy every step of their long easy runs."
Also coming out in 2012 will be the GOtrain that adds more lateral support and traction for gym use, as well as the GOtrail, which will feature a new compound, Resagrip, to handle less-friendly outdoor surfaces.
Armato believes the performance of Keflezighi, who also won the San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon wearing Skechers GOrun performance racing shoes in October, attests to the performance attributes of the Skechers GOrun. But Armato has been particularly pleased by the "overwhelmingly positive" reviews the product has received from core runners. Through extensive seeding efforts, Skechers has a team of endurance runners who regularly test the product and have equally endorsed the Skechers GOrun while partaking in marathons and triathlons.
“Skechers GOrun has also received many positive reviews in running maga-zines and blogs, which is another equally important way to reach the influencer in the run space,” says Armato.
Indeed, in typical Skechers' fashion, Armato said one part of the Skechers GOrun marketing push will feature a "Mass" approach, witnessed by the Super Bowl commercial and other extensive TV, radio, print, outdoor and online efforts which have been widely noticeable since the start of November. But the other push features a "Core" approach to reach the "real runner."
Beyond seeding and building relationships with elite runners, Skechers has set up extensive grassroots programs around the country at major marathons and other events. It's also advertising directly to runners in magazines such as Runner’s World and Competitor. Armato said establishing credibility with such influencers will be particularly important as Skechers looks to grow in athletic specialty channels, including sporting goods, mall specialty and run specialty.
"Historically, Skechers hasn’t been in that channel of distribution," said Armato. "So we have to kind of work our way in there. However, when specialty stores see our product, the positive response from athletes and consumers, our commitment to performance, and they really evaluate the unique and revolutionary nature of the product, we’re going to experience more and more success in those channels”.
He said Skechers will also be selling Skechers GOrun product through family shoe channels but only those that are already known for selling high-end running shoes. "We obviously need to maintain the integrity of the Skechers GOrun brand and we're doing that through the distribution we are seeking. We're not selling to low-price channels," explained Armato.
Retailers such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Finish Line, Academy Sports as well as some run specialty stores are selling the product, some to a limited degree. Armato believes that as long as Skechers continues to bring innovative product to runners that performs, there's a spot for Skechers on running footwear walls.
"I think we are establishing ourselves," said Armato. "The 'core' target, that being serious runners, is responding posi-tively to the product. And word of mouth is building as run-ners like Meb set personal records wearing our Skechers GOrun shoes. Having people understand this new technol-ogy and what it does for you, that takes a little time, so we're attacking it at the mass level and we’re attacking it at the core athletic level. Bottom line is that Skechers is making a lot of noise around this GO movement and it is here to stay—we are committed to being in the running space and we're carving it out."■
HARVARD STUDY TOUTS BAREFOOT RUNNING BENEFITS
HARVARD STUDY TOUTS BAREFOOT RUNNING BENEFITSBy Thomas J. Ryan
14 SGB PERFORMANCE JANUARY 16, 2011
MOVERS & SHAKERS
A recent Harvard study led by Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman entitled "Foot Strike and Injury Rates in Endurance Runners: a retrospective study," found that cross-country runners who rearfoot strike have approximately twice the rate of injury than those who forefoot strike.
The study tested if runners who habitually forefoot strike have different rates of injury than runners who habitually rearfoot strike. Researchers measured the strike characteristics of middle and long distance runners from a collegiate cross country team and quantified their history of injury, including the incidence and rate of specific injuries, the severity of each injury, and the rate of mild, moderate and severe injuries per mile run.
Of the 52 runners studied, 36 (59 percent overall) primarily used a rearfoot strike and 16 (31 percent) primarily used a forefoot strike. Ap-proximately 74 percent of runners experienced a moderate or severe injury each year, but those who habitually rearfoot strike had approxi-mately twice the rate of repetitive stress injuries than individuals who habitually forefoot strike. Traumatic injury rates were not significantly different between the two groups. A generalized linear model showed that strike type, sex, race distance, and average miles per week each correlate significantly with repetitive injury rates.
The report concluded, "Competitive cross country runners on a college team incur high injury rates, but runners who habitually rearfoot strike have significantly higher rates of repetitive stress injury
16 SGB PERFORMANCE JANUARY 16, 2011
during minimal shoe running."The second study likewise appeared in the January is-
sue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.Dr. Lieberman is professor of Human Evolutionary Biolo-
gy at Harvard University and leading researcher of running biomechanics. Lieberman’s former research, published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, gained notoriety for providing evidence that runners who run with a forefoot strike experience less force than those who run with a heel strike. Under his watch, the Skeletal Biology Lab at Har-vard has been investigating the biomechanics of endur-ance running, comparing habitually barefoot runners with runners who normally run in modern running shoes with built-up heels, stiff soles and arch support.
Other researchers in the studies included Adam Daoud, Gary Geissler, Frank Wang, Jason Saretsky, and Yahya Daoud. ■
than those who mostly forefoot strike. The study did not test the causal bases for this general difference. One hypothesis, which requires further research, is that the absence of a marked impact peak in the ground reaction force during a forefoot strike compared to a rearfoot strike may contribute to lower rates of injuries in habitual forefoot strikers."
The study ran in the January issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the official journal of the The American College of Sports Medicine.
In conjunction with this forefoot/rearfoot study, Dr. Lieberman's team also produced a study with regard to performance in minimal shoes, titled "Effects of Footwear and Strike Type on Running Economy" that showed that runners in minimal footwear have increased efficiency over those who wore traditional running shoes.
The study tested if running economy differed in minimal shoes versus standard running shoes with cushioned, elevated heels and arch supports, and in forefoot versus rearfoot strike gaits. Researchers measured the cost of transport in subjects who habitually ran in minimal shoes or barefoot while they were running at 3.0 m/s on a treadmill during forefoot and rearfoot striking while wearing minimal and standard shoes, controlling for shoe mass and stride frequency. Force and kinematic data were collected when shod and barefoot to quantify differences in knee flexion, arch strain, plantar flexor force production, and Achilles tendon-tricep surae strain.
The results found that after controlling for stride frequency and shoe mass, runners were 2.41 percent more economical in the minimal shoe condition when forefoot striking and 3.32 percent more economical in the minimal shoe condition when rearfoot striking (p<0.05). In contrast, forefoot and rearfoot striking did not differ significantly in cost for either minimal or standard shoe running. Arch strain was not measured in shoes condition but was significantly greater during forefoot than rearfoot striking when barefoot. Plantarflexor force output was significantly higher in forefoot than rearfoot striking, and in barefoot than shod running. Achilles tendon-triceps surae strain and knee flexion were also lower in barefoot than standard shoe running.
The study concluded, ""Minimally shod runners are modestly but signifi-cantly more economical than traditionally shod runners regardless of strike type, after controlling for shoe mass and stride frequency. The likely cause of this difference is more elastic energy storage and release in the lower extremity
Dr. Lieberman, professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University
WHERE STRATEGIC DECISIONS BEGIN
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SEE US ATOUTDOOR RETAILER WINTER MARKET 2012
BOOTH #36032
I AM... PERFORMANCE
SCOTT TUCKERDirector of Run, Pearl Izumi
YOU JOINED PEARL IZUMI IN MARCH 2011. WHY DID YOU TAKE THE JOB? Pearl Izumi is a brand with a rabid fan base and the opportunity to transform the running industry. Our industry is challenging every paradigm while it enjoys some of the fastest growth it’s seen in many years. What better place to be than with a brand eager to make its mark?
PEARL IZUMI HAS A STRONG CYCLING HERITAGE. HOW DOES THAT PLAY IN THE RUNNING MARKETPLACE? In managing a brand, one hopes that your brand stands for a lofty concept that inspires noble acts while it compels consumers to buy more of your products. The reality is that many people pigeonhole your brand. Pearl Izumi has to continue to prove, through its activities and its products, that the virtues of its cycling products are now virtues of its run products.
WHAT SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN NOW? This is a fun year, because I turn the big Five-O and plan to celebrate with year of new run challenges: run a 50-miler, set a new personal record in the marathon, run the Grand Canyon. And then go for something totally insane.
WHAT'S YOUR DREAM VACATION? A running odyssey from the Northwest to the Southeast in a tricked-out, toy-equipped motor home where friends and family can join me for stretches of mountain running, races, and rave runs.
WHO'S THE BUSINESS PERSON YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? Steve Jobs. The guy could spot the bright ideas that were right for the time. His vision was so simple and clear that everything he brought forth was intuitive.
MOST RESPECTED COMPETITOR? Nike. If you think you have a new idea, think again. Nike has it somewhere in their archives.
WERE YOU MUCH OF AN ATHLETE AS A KID? I played the usual sports as a kid growing up in a Seattle suburb - soccer, little league, skiing, playground kickball. I made up for a lack of throwing skills and ball handling by outrunning my opponents. I gravitated to running because I had more success at it and what kid doesn’t like to win? By high school, I was signing up for Diet Pepsi 10Ks, running track and cross-country, and wondering if I could do something crazy like those guys running the Ironman on Oahu.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Working in a salmon cannery in Alaska. By that time, I was training through the summer and determined to keep it up even out on the Katmai Peninsula. The one road I could run on took me past a dump, which was a harrowing experience due to the frequent grizzly bear sightings.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENT? They change as I get older. I used to think it was being All-American at cross-country skiing junior nationals.Then it was qualifying for the Ironman World Championships (Kona). Now it was running a 2:49 at the NYC Marathon last year. I hope it changes again this year.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY? After a brief stint in environmental consulting, I made a career change and went back to business school so I could find a job that matched my athletic passion. I stumbled upon a start-up outdoor footwear company named One-Sport (later to be rebranded as Montrail) that sought more business-minded manpower. What I soon started filling my days with, however, was creating trail running shoes. I wound up being president of Montrail in Seattle, WA from 1995 to 2007.
WHAT WAS THE SMARTEST DECISION OF YOUR CAREER? To realize that we could differentiate Montrail in a meaningful way by developing a unique fit and building the brand identity around it. IntegraFit became our core technology and guided our design from trail runners and hiking boots to insoles and flip-flops.
Scott Tucker with his daughter, Montana, on a hike in Colorado
18 SGB PERFORMANCE JANUARY 16, 2011
SCOTT TUCKER
RUN ONE LAP ON A BIGGER TRACK.
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