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Back to basics
ecco is launching a new shoe that takes running back to basics:
minimizing cushioning and focusing on your body’s natural ability to
balance when running or walking.
tHe NeW LigHtWeigHt sHoe Biom Lite features a
super-thin outsole and an extremely flexible direct-
injected midsole, which is very low to the ground.
It will be a direct competitor to minimalist footwear
models from Vibram and Feelmax.
“Our aim is to provide less footwear for more foot activation.
It is a little bit like going back in evolution, when
humans were just wearing leather socks,” says Alexander
Nicolai, head of performance products at Ecco.
This philosophy is in line with the current trend of
barefoot running and running with thin soles that was
highlighted by the international best-selling book Born to
Run, written by Christopher Mc Dougall.
“However, we’re actually ahead of the trend,” says
Nicolai. “We released our first running shoes based on
this thinking in 2009, one year ahead of the book.”
Now, the Lite-version will hit the market just as many
runners are looking for this kind of footwear. Biom Lite
comes in two different versions. One is a glove-like
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ScaNdiNaviaN OutdOOr NewS
leather shoe for daily casual wear and the second is a
breathable textile shoe for all kind of fitness activities.
“The leather shoes will offer you a cool casual look,
a sock-like fit and daily foot muscle training. The fitness
shoes can be used in the gym or on very short runs as a
running style trainer, but can also be used as breathable
summer sneakers,” says Nicolai.
aNd WHiLe ecco goes uLtra LigHt and ultra thin, the
company has also released a shoe for off-road running.
Biom Trail is equipped with a rugged rubber outsole for
grip in all kinds of terrain and an anatomically shaped
midsole for full-length foot support.
“The sole unit is close to the ground for a natural
running motion and a more stabile foot position,” says
Nicolai. “It will activate your foot muscle and adapt to the
uneven terrain with every step.”
The uppers are reinforced in the midfoot to help
stabilize the foot with each step. And the forefoot is