RevLite is going to be a game changer in the neutral cushioning category of running shoes. It is LIGHT – weighing in at 9.6 oz, it is 10% lighter than Nike Lunar Glide. And light makes you fast and well, being fast is excellent. Other features are an ultra-cool look with bright colours, seamless welded uppers and did I mention it’s light? The lightness comes from an innovative midsole foam compound that possesses the same responsiveness and durability as foams 25% heavier.
The design team for RevLite approached the design process by asking this question, ” What would a shoe look like if it were designed by runners outside the footwear industry?” RevLite is the result. Each component of the shoe from the shape of laces to the thickness of the tongue was carefully analyzed. Designers constantly asked, “How can we make this thinner, lighter, or do we even need it?” This is purposeful design. For example, they examined the minimal apparel designs of jackets and sport bras and incorporated the idea of seamless contours.
The following is a beautiful photo journal of the entire design process. http://www.newbalance.com/performance/running/purposeful-design-and-the-upcoming-nb-890/
First lets break down the design difference between conventional and minimal shoes. A conventional running shoe is highly cushioned under the heel, has a 12mm drop from heel to the forefoot and a structured heel counter. In addition, conventional running shoes can have several midsole density and/or material combinations that provide different levels of control for the variety of foot mechanics that exist. On the other end of the spectrum, is a minimalist running shoe which offers significantly less cushioning (or no cushioning), a 4mm drop from the heel to the forefoot and and a less structured upper thus allowing your foot to act as it does when there is no shoe. It’s basically a foot covering that protects the bottom of your foot.
The RevLite design sits nicely between conventional and minimal and will be an excellent choice if you want to experience the minimalist ‘feel’ of running without going all the way to a true minimal shoe or to barefoot running itself. RevLite blends the traditional 12 mmdrop from the heel to the forefoot, offering similar heel cushioning to a conventional shoe, and the extremely light feel and minimal upper design more like minimalist shoes. Runners who are not ‘biomechanically perfect’ may have difficulty transitioning from a conventional shoe to a true minimus shoe because of the loss of support and loss of cushion. RevLite might be the shoe for this runner.
RevLite MR890 and WR890 Available in 4 colours and 2 widths Price $149.90 CDN Arriving at New Balance Calgary March 2011
Aaron Dixon, BSc,
Retail Fit Specialist New Balance Calgary
