Tag Archives: footwear

Sprayable Shoes may just be the Revolutionary New Technology the Footwear Industry needs

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Remember Bella Hadid’s viral spray-on dress from last year? Well, we now have shoes that are designed the same way.

The world of fashion and footwear is a rapidly evolving industry in which heavy treads and bulky materials are becoming relics of the past. Leading the charge into this lightweight future is On, a running technology company, with their groundbreaking new sneaker: the Cloudboom Strike LS. This innovative shoe redefines performance and sets a new standard for environmental responsibility.

Designer: On

The Cloudboom Strike LS is the first shoe to feature On’s revolutionary ‘LightSpray’ technology. This cutting-edge method employs a robotic arm to spray a single length of thermoplastic filament onto a mold, creating a seamless, one-piece upper. This process is remarkably efficient, taking just three minutes to complete and bypassing traditional manufacturing techniques such as weaving, sewing, and gluing. The result is a shoe that is exceptionally light and environmentally friendly, boasting a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to On’s other models.

Described by the brand as “lighter than humanly possible,” the upper of the Cloudboom Strike LS weighs a mere 30 grams. This feather-light component is seamlessly bonded to a midsole featuring On’s signature hyper foam and a carbon Speedboard, providing excellent energy return and support. The entire shoe weighs just 170 grams, making it the lightest running shoe On has ever produced.

The performance credentials of the Cloudboom Strike LS have already been proven on the world stage. Earlier this year, Kenyan marathon runner Hellen Obiri won the Boston Marathon in a prototype of these shoes. This victory underscores the shoe’s potential to revolutionize competitive running.

The streamlined manufacturing process of the Cloudboom Strike LS uses far fewer materials, bringing both performance and environmental savings to the forefront. The upper, created by spinning a single 1.5km long filament, forms a mesh-like structure that is breathable, and elastic, and eliminates the need for laces. This design not only offers a seamless, distraction-free fit but also minimizes waste and eliminates the need for glues, significantly reducing the environmental footprint.

Two layers of Helion HF hyperfoam provide high energy return and impact absorption, while a pre-shaped, stiff carbon fiber Speedboard is sandwiched between them for powerful propulsion with every stride. The outsole features maximized traction with increased ground contact in key areas, ensuring optimal performance on race day.

Currently crafted in Zurich, the Cloudboom Strike LS will soon be showcased at a Parisian pop-up during the Olympics. Athletes like Hellen Obiri will demonstrate the shoe’s capabilities, pushing the boundaries of speed and sustainability. With a price tag of US$330, these shoes will also be available for pre-order to the public, offering runners a chance to experience this revolutionary technology firsthand.

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Sustainable Baby Shoes That Grow With Your Children’s Feet To Last Years

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Every parent knows the struggle of dealing with outgrown children’s shoes. One minute they fit perfectly, and the next, they’re too small, adding to the pile of barely-used footwear. But what if there was a shoe that could adapt as your child’s feet grew, extending its lifespan and reducing waste? This innovative solution by Moa Lövinder is a groundbreaking prototype designed to grow with children aged 2-3 years, offering a sustainable answer to a common problem.

Designer: Moa Lövinder (Umeå Institute of Design)

The concept behind these adaptable shoes is simple yet revolutionary. Using principles of circular design and economy, Lövinder has created a shoe that adjusts to three different sizes, ensuring it remains useful for much longer than traditional footwear. This design not only increases the shoes’ utility but also addresses the rapid consumption and waste typical of children’s products.

In our pursuit of a sustainable future, reducing consumption and emissions is paramount. However, discussions often overlook the significant environmental impact of children’s items. Kids grow quickly, and their needs drive frequent consumption, creating a unique challenge. Lövinder’s project directly tackles this issue by offering a sustainable alternative that reduces the overall production of children’s shoes and promotes recycling.

The journey to this innovative solution began with thorough research. The designer studied the textile and footwear industries, focusing on their environmental impacts. She also conducted surveys and interviews with parents to understand their experiences with their children’s shoes. The feedback was clear, parents were frustrated with the constant need to discard perfectly good shoes simply because they no longer fit.

With this insight, Lövinder set out to create a new shoe design. She developed physical models using manual techniques and advanced 3D printing, ultimately producing a prototype that can grow with its user. The result? A shoe that extends its usability, significantly reducing the need for new shoes and minimizing waste.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Her design includes modular components, making it easy for parents to replace parts or make repairs at home. This feature not only prolongs the shoe’s life but also teaches children the value of maintaining and using what they have; a lesson often missing from second-hand solutions or other circular systems. Additionally, the shoe’s sole is crafted from reused materials, which can be recycled again once it reaches the end of its life.

One of the most significant impacts of this project is its potential to change consumption behavior from a young age. By integrating sustainability into children’s daily lives, the design fosters a mindset of responsible consumption that can extend into adulthood. Her growable shoe prototype represents a major step toward reducing the environmental footprint associated with children’s footwear, offering a practical and impactful solution to a widespread issue.

Moa Lövinder’s innovative shoe design for growing children is more than just a product; it’s a vision for a more sustainable future. By addressing the unique challenges of children’s rapid growth, this project provides a viable alternative that benefits both families and the environment. It’s a small step towards a big change, teaching the next generation the importance of sustainability while offering parents a practical solution to a perennial problem.

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Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is memorable tribute to the most iconic mobile suit

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Have you been a huge fan of the RX-78-2, but had been missing out on the 45th Anniversary celebrations of the original “Mobile Suit Gundam?” The Japanese mecha anime franchise has collaborated with Crocs to give you another chance to rejoice in love. The duo has idealized a pair of adventure Clogs created in theme with the interesting designs of the old-generation mobile suits.

The collaborative Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is an instant reminder of the Japanese anime. It is tailored for the outdoor adventure and is dressed in the color and gimmicks of the famous RX-78-2 aka Gundam that’s piloted by the protagonist Amuro Ray.

Designer: Gundam X Crocs

Since adventurers and the outdoorsy are the prime targets for the partnership footwear, it is designed to be durable enough to last whatever you through at it. Walk over uneven trails, leave footprints on sand, or splash your way home through slush on the road, this pair of inspired clogs will not disappoint.

But an outdoor-first mindset is not the only distinguisher of the Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clogs. This is, as informed, a canvas of creative Gundam fusion. The iconic clogs dressed in a combination of red, white, yellow and blue hues is a memorable tribute to the most iconic mobile suit we have known, and you would agree!

To keep up with the adventure theme, these clogs come with some interesting upgrades. The details you’ll see throw give this pair a mechanical vibe with its rugged outsole, protruding yellow TPU addition at the forefoot, molded Croslite foam uppers, and “RX-78-2“branded turbo heel straps for a snug fit. Gundam-themed Jibbitz charms are also included for more glam and style. The distinctly styled Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is slated to ship starting 23 July through the Crocs website. The adult sizing starts at $75, while the kid’s pairs will cost $60.

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Nike and Hyperice boots use air compression to massage athlete’s feet, a boon for warmup and recovery

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Like precaution is better than cure in everyday life, warmup and recovery before and after a strenuous workout or competition are equally important. Nike has over decades made life immensely comfortable for athletes with the most relaxed footwear options. Now, it is tying up with Hyperice to ensure that the warmup and recovery phases in a player’s life are also taken care of by the Swoosh brand with equal prowess.

To that accord, in collaboration with Hyperice, – a name providing athletes with innovative technology during recovery to improve the performance of muscles and joints – Nike is working on developing a pair of boots and vest that would “help athletes perform at their best throughout training and competition.”

Designer: Nike

Nike and Hyperice boot and vest, Tobie Hatfield, Senior Director, Nike Athlete Innovation informs, “get the body ready for activity, whether you’re playing for a title or you’re on your feet a lot at work.” An extension of Nike’s focus on the integration of wearable technology in its products, these pair of boots would provide the wear with heat and dynamic air compression at the feet and ankle, which feels like a foot massage. This prepares the body before a workout and can relax the feet after a long stressful game or if the person has been on the foot for too long.

The Nike and Hyperice vest is designed to monitor and maintain the body temperature of a player. For this, the vest is integrated with thermal modules and pressure sensors that work in tandem to ensure effective heating and cooling of the body. Both the vest and the shoes are still under development and will be launched at a “later date,“ Nike confirms.

The pair of high-top shoes, push the boundary of what’s possible for today’s athletes, with air Normatec bladders and warming elements. The air bladders inflate and deflate – what feels like a massage – and allow the heat to distribute evenly and deep in the feet and ankle to provide soothing comfort to the wearer’s feet. Of course, the shoes are primarily targeted at the athletes, with the likes of LeBron James testing them, the adaptation of technology could be beneficial for people whose work requires them to stand and walk too much.

“From the moment I tried the Nike x Hyperice boots and vest while they were still in development more than a year ago, I knew they were going to change the game for athletes’ warm-up and recovery,” LeBron James notes. It is worth noting that the heat and air compression in the Nike x Hyperice boots are customizable. The user can synchronize the heat and compression with the push of a button (at the control panel placed on the midsole), and can even choose to run different settings on individual shoes, if required.

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10 Best Sleek & Innovative Footwear Designs Sneakerheads Need

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With our hectic lives which pretty much involve us running around all day, the right footwear can make a world of difference. Shoes started off as functional designs meant to protect our feet, and yes we need to pick ones that do exactly that, BUT, they should also reflect our style statements and represent our personality and our personal fashion sense. After all, don’t they say that you can tell a lot about a man by the state of his shoes? Personally, I love a good pair of sturdy and stylish sneakers, ones that can get me through the day without giving me any shoe bites, and also match my outfits. However, I do know that this isn’t the case with everybody. People have high demands and expectations when it comes to their footwear, hence designers are unleashing all of their creative juices, leaving no stones unturned in making unique, innovative, and ergonomic shoes. From the world’s first net-zero carbon shoe to Marvel x Nike Football sneakers – these footwear designs are as futuristic, inventive, and fashionable as they can get!

1. Marvel x Nike Sneakers

Say hello to these stunning Marvel x Nike Football sneakers created by Paul Parsons using MidJourney’s AI. The unique and mind-blowing shoes perfectly capture the grandeur and power of MCU’s most iconic heroes and antiheroes. The sneaker series includes 9 different footwear models, which are inspired by the memorable and distinct characters from the Avengers movie, and Wolverine too!

2. Pringles x Crocs Collection

Meet the adorable Pringles x Crocs collection! This amusing collection is the first time Pringles has stepped into the footwear business. They’ve created three different Pringles-inspired footwear designs, and there is also a new limited-edition Crocs-inspired Pringles flavor: watermelon chili lime! How amazing, is that? There are also Pringles-themed Jibbitz charms for those who love to collect cute little chars.

3. Disassembly Lab Sneaker

The Disassembly Lab’s footwear features clever construction, and easy-to-disassemble parts, which makes this shoe quite easy and simple to repair or even recycle. The shoe has two distinctive halves – the upper body and the outsole with plugs, which allow you to wind a piece of rubber band around. This rubber band holds the two halves together, which forms a flexible design even during movement. The rubber band becomes an integral element of the shoe.

4. Laceless Poseidon

Meet the Laceless Poseidon – this unique sneaker design destroys the mold of how footwear is typically designed. It doesn’t have the usual or typical body of a shoe, and it looks as if it is covered by an alien substance! The outsole and body merge into one distinct structure, with unique-looking organic patterns that resemble footprints. These patterns add a rather innovative and mesmerizing touch to the shoe’s overall aesthetic.

5. Weaver+ Shoes

We|aver+ or Weaver+ 3D prints a unique material that is similar to knitted fabric, except it utilizes elastic TPU. The 3D-printed shoe resembles a chainmail more than typical fabrics. The hollow-loose knitting structure offers the shoe the flexibility needed to support the growth of children, while also providing stable and sturdy support to ensure the heels do not lose their supplements.

6. Moonwalker X

Shift Robotics developed an improved version of the Moonwalker X, and unveiled it at CED 2024. The AI-powered shoes were developed to enhance productivity without compromising safety. It can be put to good use in your daily life, you can hurry to your office in the morning, or commute through the crowded city streets using these super cool shoes. They’re like rollerblades on steroids!

7. The Simpson Stan Smith Sneakers

Adidas has introduced The Simpsons into its iconic Stan Smith sneakers! These sneakers create a symbiotic fusion that transcends fashion trends. The tennis shoe is adorned with Marge’s lovable husband Homer. Adidas has integrated one of Homer’s popular scenes into the shoe – where he slowly backs into the bush. This scene is much loved by meme enthusiasts from all over the world!

8. NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe

NikeCraft GPS Design

NikeCraft GPS X Tom Sachs Collab

Meet the NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe (GPS), which is one of the latest additions to the NikeCraft lineup. The shoe is designed to be an “Ordinary Shoe for Extraordinary People”, as it lets them do everything everywhere. The shoes are a beautiful celebration of the 10-year collaboration between Nike and Tom Sachs. The shoes are minimal and subtle, with a look that is both sporty and yet classy.

9. Rewild the Run Sneakers

A graduate of the London University Central Saint Martins, Kiki Grammatopoulos, created a rather unique running shoe that spreads plants and seeds throughout the cities. The outsoles of the shoes are inspired by bison hoofs, and they are designed to encourage people to get involved with rewilding. The shoes not only support you in your daily workout, but they also help spread seeds throughout the city.

10. The M0.0NSHOT

Designed by Allbirds, the Mo.oNSHOT is the world’s first net carbon shoe at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen. The unique shoes are supposed to have a net carbon footprint of 0.0 kg  CO2, and they feature a minimal and clean all-grey woolly sock-style trainer form with an upper that is crafted from regenerative wool and a bioplastic midsole. These shoes are one of the most sustainable mass-produced shoes we’ve seen till now!

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Pringles collaborates with Crocs for unique footwear, accessories, new flavor

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I’m one of those people who will probably never wear a pair of Crocs (it’s a preference thing). But, I will probably always be interested as to what brand they will collaborate with next. We’ve seen some pretty interesting (weird) partnerships with Fruit Loops, 7-Eleven, General Mills ceereals, and even high-end fashion brand Balenciaga. So we’re not really surprised if they partner with the most unlikely brands, particularly food products. If you’re a couch potato, then this latest special edition Crocs are for you.

Designer: Crocs

The Pringles x Crocs collection is the first time that the former is going into the footwear business with this collaboration with the latter. Not only do you get three different Pringles-inspired footwear designs, there is also a new limited-edition Crocs-inspired Pringles flavor: watermelon chili lime (which is apparently a fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy) And of course, for those who collect those cutsey charms you can attach to your Crocs, there are Pringles-themed Jibbitz charms.

If you want to bring your Pringles snacks around but you don’t have a bag or even a pocket, the Pringles x Crocs Classic Crush Boot has a custom holster where you can store the grab and go variant of your favorite potato snack. The boots has the classic Pringles-red on top and a “stacked crisp heel”. If you’re more into the classic, you have the Pringles x Crocs Classic Clogs which has Mr. P’s signature mustache as the strap and four mix and match colors (red and orange, blue and green).

Probably if I was forced to wear a pair of Crocs, their sliders would be my choice. There is also a Pringles x Crocs Classic Slides which sports the retro black-and-white Mr. P design, still with his styling mustache. There are also five Jibbitz charms to collect: Mr. P with a red bowtie, a 3D winking Mr. P, a can of Pringles Original and a can of Pringles Sour Cream & Onion, and a minimalist Pringles crisp. If you’re a fan of either brands, then this is your sign to get some of these to add to your collection.

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These pair of sneakers can be fully customized to the needs of growing kids

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For growing kids having a brand new pair of shoes can be a nightmare in just a year as their feet grow. Sure, they can get a new pair even though the last one is fairly good to use, but there are environmental impacts to this if that concerns you. A pair can generate up to 30 pounds of CO2 emissions which is something you’d want to avoid at all cost.

The 4Steps 3D-Printed sneakers concept by Michele Di Carlo wants to get over the issue of growing kids and piles of shoes that end up in landfills every year. In works ever since 2017, the project wants to help address the problem of eco-sustainability in the footwear industry. The use of a 3D printer to make a pair further lessens the environmental impact.

Designer: Michele Di Carlo

The target audience for this resizable pair of sneakers weighing 123 grams is kids aged between 6 and 14 who can use the same shoe for almost five years (that’s if they use them with care) before needing a new one. Each separate part of the shoe can be replaced for easy recycling and repair if needed. The use of molded parts having a honeycomb structure adds to the lightweight aesthetics of the pair. Michele has created a prototype of the sneakers using Filafex filament, a type of thermoplastic polyurethane known for its softness and durability.

The level of customization is not just restricted to size, the kids can choose to replace the style of uppers and sides, and also change the color or personalize them with logos or characters. Changing the size or replacing new customizable sections is as easy as taking them apart and assembling the pair again. The adjustable sneakers come with retractable heels to fit the new shoe size and all the pieces can be stringed back easily under the supervision of an adult.

4Steps sneakers are held together with the elastic strings and the adjustments can be made by unclipping and then clipping these strings back. For the summertime, the shoes have a breathable mesh while for the winter season, a layer of insulation can be put. For now, the cool sneakers are in the concept and prototyping phase, and we hope to see them as a real product soon.

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Sustainable canvas sneaker explores a unique design that lets you detach and repair your footwear

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The Disassembly Lab is really one of those designs that doesn’t need much explaining. A lot of what makes this footwear great is clearly visible in its aesthetic itself, making it one of those shoes your eyes fall in love with LONG before your feet do. After all, isn’t that a hallmark of great design?!

What makes the Disassembly Lab footwear so great is its clever construction, featuring easy-to-disassemble parts that make the shoe simple to repair and even recycle. The shoe is characterized by two distinct halves, the upper body, and the outsole, with rivets/plugs that let you wind a piece of rubber band around. The rubber band holds the two halves together, also allowing for flexibility during movement. The result is a shoe that’s distinctly different, as the rubber band goes beyond being just a design feature – it becomes an iconic element of the Disassembly Lab’s design, turning sustainability into pretty much a visual motif!

Designer: Robin Luginbuhl

Chris Wawrousek, Innovation Studio Lead Designer at New Balance once said – “One day, laws are going to change, and brands will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products from beginning to end.” This phrase stuck with Robin as he designed the Disassembly Lab sneaker prototype. “Products can’t live on their own anymore; they have to be conditioned to a new system if they want to become more responsible,” Robin expanded. “Essentially, Disassembly extends the life of a shoe, making it repairable, restorable, replaceable, and recyclable.”

A major part of shoe assembly (and a major recyclability hassle) is the glue that’s used to hold components together. While fabric and leather elements can be stitched together, the upper half of a shoe is almost always glued to its outsole, giving it reliable durability during use, but becoming a big hassle when it comes to recycling because A. this glue can’t be ‘unglued’, and B. it’s almost always made of synthetic materials, so the shoes can’t be bio-degraded either. Robin’s alternative is simple, and frankly genius. Visually, it reminds me of the rubber bands used in braces, but technically, it’s an incredibly effective way to hold the shoe upper and sole together in a way that allows for flexibility without a hassle.

The result is a combination of iconic and genius. The shoes look great, with their patterned ‘belts’ that can be adjusted, customized, and even tightened or loosened depending on overall flexibility. The pegs on the upper and lower halves can be shaped in circular or rectangular designs, causing the rubber band to adopt different patterns, much like sound waves (sine, sawtooth, square, etc.) There’s even an experimental 3D-printed upper that has jigsaw-style pieces that plug into the sole (concept visible below).

“These shoes, with their TPU soles and 3D knitted upper, are reduced to the essentials, enabling simple, rapid production and assembly by hand, and easy recyclability,” Robin mentions in his project post on Instagram. The Disassembly Lab is currently just a concept, but even as a proof of concept, it’s rather remarkable. We could use a few wearability-test videos to really get a sense of the practicality of the design, but otherwise, both functionally and ecologically, we’re sold on the idea!

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Moonwalker X robotic shoes arrive at CES 2024 with improved maneuverability and lightweight modular design

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Back in 2022, a pair of motorized shoes dubbed Moonwalker burst into the scene, promising to be the fastest pair on the planet. Developed by Shift Robotics, they hook onto your regular shoes and give you superhuman abilities to glide, as if you’re you are moonwalking.

The Austin-based maker has again touched base at CES 2024 with an improved version called Moonwalker X, and we got hands-on time with these AI-powered shoes at the event. According to founder and CEO Xunjie Zhang, “In developing X, our focus was clear: enhancing productivity without compromising safety.” We second this vision as the product is proud recipient of the “Best of CES 2024” award.

Designer: Shift Robotics

The intended use for these robotic shoes is for commercial and business applications where speed and productivity is the key. For example, in a warehouse or manufacturing facility where human movement needs to be optimized while saving effort for efficiency. That said, the Moonwalker X’s can be put to good use in daily life too – for instance – hurrying to your office in the morning time or commuting in the crowded city streets. There have been other iterations of such rollerblades on steroids like the Segway – Ninebot Drift W1 and Hoverwheel, but they’ve not smashed the popularity button as expected.

In our experience with the robotic shoes at the event in Las Vegas, they do feel lighter being 3.2 pounds each – almost a pound lighter than the original version. Compared to the previous iteration they are slightly smaller and as an added perk are highly modular too for repairability. The AI control system has been re-engineered for better control in tight spaces and the shock absorption capabilities have also been honed. If you’ve keenly followed the progress of the Moonwalker, you’ll notice the number of wheels on each shoe has now been reduced to six from the 10 wheels on the original version.

Shift Robotics has not yet revealed anything about the pricing and says that it’ll be announced in the first half of 2024 when they’ll be ready to ship.

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Nike Alphafly 3 Proto lets you run a marathon comfortably and fashionably

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I know a lot of people whose holiday gift wish list would be a pair of sneakers, specifically a pair of Nike sneakers. Those who are too old for Santa would probably post their dream sneaks on their social media in the hopes that one of their loved ones would grant their wish. If you’re planning to do a bit of long-distance running, this new pair from Nike is something you can dream about.

Designer: Nike

The Alphafly 3 Proto is created specifically for those who are looking for sneakers that can withstand two-hour marathons and beyond. It has actually been tested by actual marathoners like world record holder Kelvin Kiptum famed middle and long distance runner Sifan Hassan. Nike says these shoes are “fine-tuned for marathon speed” so you can challenge yourself to beat your personal records and if you’re into competitive running, to leave others in the dust.

These sneakers are special because of three kinds of innovative technologies that can power your run (or walk). You get two forefoot Air Zoom units together with the ZoomX foam so you get energized no matter how long you’ve been running. There is also a full-length carbon fiber plate which helps propel your stride. Lastly, you get the heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole so you’re still comfortably walking or running whether it’s mile 1 or mile 26.2.

The Alphafly 3 Proto is also the lightest in this line and has an Atomknit upper that will give your feet room to breathe and at the same time have better multidirectional containment. It also has notched laces and an integrated knit tongue with lofted padding. You will have to wait for the new year to get your hands on this pair though as it will only be available by January.

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