Tag Archives: Sports

Limited Edition Oakley Moonveil is a futuristic cape merged with sunglasses for extreme conditions

Posted on by

Oakley is no stranger to creating innovative lifestyle products that are of the highest quality. Their groundbreaking sunglasses are vouched by the best athletes out there for a good reason. Now, the American company has unveiled a limited-edition cape that fuses with their high-end glasses.

Fit for a futuristic world, the Oakley Moonveil design is limited to just 100 pieces and carries the original concept art from Dark Horse’s Genesis comics. The artwork is done by Oakley product designers and carries a Moonveil image on the backside. There’s no word on the pricing of this exclusive piece, however, the availability is promised in September 2024, directly from Oakley’s website.

Designer: Oakley

Oakley has created a brand new headwear category in the industry with this product that foresees a better life outside the bunkers in the future after the Doomsday effect settles down. The unique headwear will be featured in the Future Genesis Chapter One, and according to Brian Takumi, Oakley’s Vice President of Brand Heritage and Creative, “We are connecting the worlds inside and outside of Future Genesis through a vision of empowerment and revolutionary innovation in design.”

In-house designers were able to blur the boundaries of innovation with this self-contained piece. Using State-of-the-art Physiomorphic Geometry, the design got the freedom in form, resulting in an enhanced wearing experience. Adaptability and flexibility are at the core of this jet-black cape with integrated sunglasses. The rotating system of the knitted cape allows the user to toggle between the dual Prizm lenses. One of them is the Prizm 24K lenses for maximum eye protection when the sun gets too harsh. The other is Prizm Low Light lenses which enhance vision with in-built light transmission for low-light conditions.

The front of the balaclava-style cape has a zipper placket for a tailormade fit that allows the wearer to quickly switch between styles. It can be adorned in an open style or zipped-up protection configuration for harsh weather or a sense of secrecy. The headwear cum eyewear will be perfect for athletes, photographers and mountaineers who venture out in extreme weather conditions. The level of flexibility and attractive styling of the cape makes it one of Oakley’s best-ever creations.

The post Limited Edition Oakley Moonveil is a futuristic cape merged with sunglasses for extreme conditions first appeared on Yanko Design.

On vs Adidas: A Deep Dive into Laceless Sports Shoe Technologies

Posted on by

It’s impressive that many major brands have tried to create the perfect laceless sports shoe. While they’ve made significant strides, many have struggled with weight reduction in a world where weight reduction is highly sought after unless you’re a sumo wrestler or a defensive linebacker. Everything from phones, tablets, bags, and everyday carry items like multi-functional tools use advanced high-tech carbon fiber materials. So, why haven’t brands like Adidas focused more on shedding weight in their shoes? Let’s explore the approaches of On and Adidas in creating laceless sports shoes.

 

Designer: ON

Designer: Adidas

Comparing On Cloudboom Strike LS with Adidas’ Laceless Shoes

On has achieved a groundbreaking reduction in weight with its Cloudboom Strike LS. In contrast, Adidas has also made strides in laceless footwear but faces different challenges. Adidas’ N3XT L3V3L and other laceless models have focused on eliminating traditional components to improve fit and performance. However, these shoes have struggled with weight issues, making them less appealing for athletes seeking ultra-lightweight options.

Adidas N3XT L3V3L Futurenatural

Adidas’ N3XT L3V3L shoes feature a laceless design utilizing Primeknit and ForgeFiber technology to provide a snug fit. The Primeknit material offers flexibility and breathability, while ForgeFiber adds strength and support through strategically placed stitching. Despite these innovations, the shoes still face criticism for being relatively heavy compared to competitors like the Cloudboom Strike LS.

ON Cloudboom Strike LS

Adidas has invested years into developing laceless technology to create a seamless and secure fit for athletes. The Primeknit upper is designed to conform to the foot’s shape, providing a sock-like fit. However, the added weight of the materials and the complexity of the construction process have made it challenging to achieve the same lightweight performance as On’s Cloudboom Strike LS.

The Cloudboom Strike LS, with its LightSpray technology, offers a significant advantage in weight reduction. The thermoplastic material used in the shoe’s construction is lightweight yet durable, providing a snug fit without adding unnecessary bulk. This contrasts with Adidas’ approach, where the combination of Primeknit and ForgeFiber, while effective in fit and support, adds extra weight.

LightSpray™

The robotic application of LightSpray material allows On to create a precise and seamless upper, eliminating the need for additional components that can add weight. This streamlined construction produces a lighter shoe that enhances performance, particularly in long-distance running. The Cloudboom Strike LS weighs 170 grams (approximately 6 ounces) for a men’s size 8.5, while the Adidas N3XT L3V3L weighs around 454 grams (16 ounces). The Adidas X Ghosted+ football shoes weigh approximately 189 grams (6.7 ounces).

Adidas X Ghosted+ football shoes

The Spark of Genius that Led to LightSpray Technology

The Cloudboom Strike LS story began with a serendipitous moment and a burst of creativity. Yohannes, a key player in this tale, had the innovative idea of using a hot glue gun to create intricate, spider web-like structures. This simple yet brilliant concept evolved into employing a robotic arm to spray a thermoplastic material called LightSpray onto a shoe form, crafting a seamless, sock-like upper. The inspiration for this technology struck during a Halloween event, where a video showcased using a hot glue gun to create detailed spider web designs. This sparked the idea of rapidly creating textiles on complex shapes, with a shoe being the perfect candidate to test this novel method.

The development of the Cloudboom Strike LS was a journey filled with trial and error. What began as a simple idea evolved into a complex project requiring the collaborative efforts of designers, engineers, and various other experts. The team had to automate the process to turn this concept into reality. They programmed a robot to move the nozzle and spray the material, requiring meticulous calibration to ensure precise application. After a year of dedication and refinement, the project gained more resources and became a priority within On’s innovation department.

Design and LightSpray Technology

Its spray-on construction process characterizes the Cloudboom Strike LS. The shoe’s upper is made from LightSpray, a thermoplastic material applied using a robotic arm. This process creates a seamless, sock-like structure that eliminates the need for traditional components like laces and heel caps. The design is minimalistic and aerodynamic, emphasizing the shoe’s lightweight nature.

Thermoplastic materials are versatile plastics that become moldable upon heating and solidify upon cooling. In running shoes, thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are often used for their durability, flexibility, and ability to be recycled. These materials help improve running shoes’ fit, comfort, and performance by providing support and responsiveness. The robotic arm applies the thermoplastic filament precisely, ensuring an even and seamless construction that enhances the shoe’s structural integrity. Robotic technology ensures consistent quality and efficiency, allowing a rapid production time of just three minutes per pair. This innovation significantly reduces production time and waste, aligning with On’s commitment to sustainability.

Developing the Cloudboom Strike LS required extensive prototyping. The team went through thousands of prototypes, making minor adjustments each time to perfect the design. This rigorous process ensured that every aspect of the shoe, from fit to performance, met the highest standards. The ability to quickly produce and test new prototypes was a game-changer, allowing the team to innovate rapidly. The process involved programming the helix shape of the LightSpray material to ensure it fits perfectly around the foot. The team faced numerous challenges, such as determining how much material to use and where to apply it for optimal comfort and support. Each prototype was tested rigorously to ensure it met the needs of top athletes.

Fit, Comfort, and Performance Advantages

One of the critical features of the Cloudboom Strike LS is its remarkable comfort. The shoe is incredibly lightweight, with a men’s U.S. size 8.5 weighing just 170 grams. This makes it lighter than many other running shoes, helping you feel faster and more agile. The seamless design provides a more adaptable fit, allowing for greater freedom of movement. The shoe molds to your foot without laces, providing comfort and stability. This close fit can improve your performance by ensuring the shoe moves flawlessly with your foot.

Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri, who wore a prototype of the Cloudboom Strike LS to victory at the Boston Marathon, highlights the shoe’s high-performance capabilities and comfort. Her success demonstrates the shoe’s potential to enhance athletic performance at the highest levels.

The Cloudboom Strike LS is designed to give athletes a competitive edge. The midsole combines responsive foam rubber with a carbon-fiber plate. This combination provides cushioning and propulsion, ensuring each step feels springy and efficient. The shoe supports efficient energy transfer, which is crucial for long-distance running. The Helion Hyper Foam midsole is a key feature of the Cloudboom Strike LS. This responsive foam, combined with a carbon-fiber plate, provides cushioning and propulsion, enhancing energy transfer with each step. The midsole’s design is crucial for long-distance running, offering comfort and performance. The shoe’s 39mm stack height and 4mm drop contribute to stability and support during competitive running.

Sustainability

On is committed to sustainability, and the Cloudboom Strike LS reflects this dedication. The production process minimizes waste and uses fewer materials. The thermoplastic filament used in the shoe’s construction can be melted down and reused, further reducing environmental impact. The quick production time, only three minutes, means that athletes could potentially have customized shoes made on the spot, tailored to specific race conditions. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for athletes who compete in various environments, ensuring their footwear is continually optimized for performance.

Adidas, too, has made significant strides in sustainability. The brand has committed to achieving climate neutrality across its operations by 2050, with intermediate goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% across its value chain by 2030 and ensuring 90% of its products are sustainable by 2025. Adidas collaborates with partners like Parley for the Oceans. It engages in circular initiatives such as the “Made to be Remade” product line, which involves recycling worn-out products into new ones—Adidas’ FUTURECRAFT.FOOTPRINT, developed in collaboration with Allbirds, boasts one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Real-World Success and Future Prospects

The Cloudboom Strike LS has already proven its value in high-stakes competitions. Hellen Obiri’s success at the Boston Marathon provides real-world evidence of the shoe’s benefits. These shoes’ success in top competitions makes them a trusted choice for other competitive athletes.

It aims to make these advancements accessible to a broader audience. Plans to release the Cloudboom Strike LS to consumers later this year indicate the brand’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to everyday athletes.

Your Thoughts

We’ve seen how the Cloudboom Strike LS combines innovative design, comfort, performance, and sustainability. The sleek and seamless upper, created from LightSpray, eliminates traditional components like laces and heel caps, providing a glove-like fit. Robotic technology ensures a precise and efficient production process, while the Helion Hyper Foam midsole enhances cushioning and energy return.

As we look forward to its consumer release, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Does the idea of a spray-on sneaker with a seamless fit appeal to you? The technology behind the shoe offers a unique advantage by ensuring the upper fits snugly and comfortably around your foot, potentially improving performance and reducing the risk of blisters. How important is sustainability when choosing your running gear? On’s commitment to using recyclable materials and minimizing waste aligns with growing environmental concerns in sportswear.

The post On vs Adidas: A Deep Dive into Laceless Sports Shoe Technologies first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nike self-lacing sneakers are losing their app and their biggest value

Posted on by

Ever since Marty McFly first showed off the idea of self-tying shoelaces in Back to the Future, the footwear industry has been trying to figure out how to turn that fantasy into a reality. As the brand that actually made the movie prop, Nike has been at the forefront of that endeavor and has, in fact, already launched a few pairs of “self-lacing” sneakers years ago. It may have been a hit back then because of its novelty, but the shoe company no longer found any reason to make new ones or to continue supporting the ones that already exist. In fact, it just announced not only the discontinuation of this unique Adapt BB line but also of its app, which will leave some owners rethinking their purchase.

Designer: Nike

“Self-lacing sneakers” are not as magical as they might sound, simply utilizing magnets and electronics to tighten or loosen the shoes. For the Adapt BB line that launched in 2019, you could do this, along with other functions, by pressing buttons on the side of the shoes or, more conveniently, using a smartphone app. That app also provided settings you can’t very well make on the shoes themselves, particularly changing the colors of the buttons’ lights or saving three preset tightness settings.

Nike, however, has discontinued its self-lacing sneakers, and on August 6th, it will also be dropping its mobile apps. Owners of Adapt BBs don’t have to panic, at least not yet, because they can still install the app until that date, and the app will stay installed on their phones even when it disappears from Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. That does mean, however, that you can no longer install or even transfer the app after that day, so if you lose your phone or change devices, you’ll be out of luck.

Fortunately, the shoes themselves will continue working even without the app, but it will mostly be a manual affair without some conveniences. You will not be able to change light colors anymore, for example, and there will only be one preset remembered. You can, however, still tighten or loosen the shoe by pressing the buttons, which require you to bend over like any ordinary shoe. It might still seem a bit advanced, but no longer as mind-blowing as the original.

The announcement, however, does bring a few concerns and questions to mind. For one, the Adapt BB will lose one of its biggest appeal: its accessibility for people who might have difficulty lacing and unlacing sneakers. It also paints a somewhat dubious future for smart wearables like these. While people are used to changing phones almost every two years and for manufacturers to drop support sooner rather than later, most of us keep our wardrobe and footwear until they’re no longer usable, and manufacturer support is rare if not unheard of.

The post Nike self-lacing sneakers are losing their app and their biggest value first appeared on Yanko Design.

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

Posted on by

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.

The post Nike and Hyperice boots use air compression to massage athlete’s feet, a boon for warmup and recovery first appeared on Yanko Design.

If Peloton met Spatial Video – The HoloBike is an exercise bicycle with a 4K holographic, immersive screen

Posted on by

Wouldn’t you enjoy your exercises much more if they were immersive? It’s why apps like Beat Saber and Supernatural have become such hits in the VR community, offering a true exercise experience while transporting you from your home to somewhere different and more enjoyable. Your regular home gym, Rower Machine, or Peloton won’t do that, but the HoloBike will. With a design one can only describe as future-minimalist, the HoloBike is a cutting-edge spin cycle or exercise bike that comes with a massive 27-inch 4K holographic display on front. Think gaming monitor, but powered by exercise, letting you move around in a virtual space as you cycle. You can drive on virtual highways across the outback, cruise off-road on forest trails, or even on mountain terrains like the Alps. The faster you cycle, the faster you move in VR… except without needing to wear 3D glasses or a clunky nausea-inducing VR headset.

Designers: LAYER Design & Saga Holographic

Click Here to Buy Now: $2599 $2999 ($400 off) Hurry! Discount on first 200 HoloBikes.

If you stop thinking of the HoloBike as a bike and start thinking of it as a massive gaming controller, it all makes sense. Instead of pressing a forward button or left and right to turn, you cycle and steer to progress in the virtual space. It’s an innovative bridge between the rigor of exercise and the fun of gaming and exploration, but in the comfort of your house. Most exercise equipment leaves you staring at walls or at small displays with stats – the HoloBike immerses you in an environment that you can cycle around, letting you choose your trail.

“When I’m riding outdoors, I can go for 3 hours just absorbed in that captivating rhythm of moving through space. But even 10 minutes training on a stationary bike feels painfully monotonous. That phenomenon of time dilation is fascinating. If we could tap into that sense of flow, we could create a more meditative training experience that enhances focus and endurance,” says Samuel Matson, Saga CEO and Founder.

The hyper-minimalist design of the HoloBike is thanks to LAYER Design, which helped bring a clean aesthetic to the exercise equipment, making it look like something from the future. The spin bike comes with a floor-standing design but a black and white color-way and clean surfaces. A metal disc at the back encases the gear system while pedals on the front let you move. Orange details found around the bike’s frame let you adjust its shape to suit your ergonomics, and a large 4K display gives you glasses-free 3D so you can immerse yourself in your new world as you cycle.

The technology used by the HoloBike is similar to the glasses-free 3D screens seen in some niche smartphones across the last decade (remember the RED Phone?). The bike comes equipped with a sizeable 27-inch LCD screen outputting 4K resolution – but look closer and the screen has a lenticular film on it, comprising thousands of micro-lenses that create a left and right channel for your eyes, sort of like those holographic posters or sports cards. This effectively allows your eyes to sense depth by seeing two separate images, creating an immersive world that doesn’t require glasses or strapping a headset to your face. A soundbar right beneath it further enhances the immersive experience, transporting you to a new place.

The result is far superior to some crummy game you’d play on a laptop. As much as Saga Holographics (the company behind the bike) is an exercise company, it’s a spatial reality company too – every single environment offered by the HoloBike is designed from scratch using actual photogrammetric scans of trees, logs, leaves, bushes, roads, signs, etc. The virtual world is a reconstruction of the real world, using a combination of procedural rendering and AI advancements to help render out the entire experience in a way that feels hyperrealistic.

The stationary bike comes with adjustable wheels that let you move it around your house before locking it in place.

The bicycle itself is also fine-tuned to be a state-of-the-art exercise device. You can control the dashboard using buttons on the handlebars, setting your scene and pre-programming your routine. The bicycle’s proportions can be adjusted, letting you shift the handlebars up or down, move the seat forward or backward, or even adjust the seat’s height. Electromagnetic resistance lets you mimic real-life cycling experiences like gear shifts, or going uphill/downhill. A polymer drivetrain helps enable silent pedaling so all you can hear is the sound coming from the display in front of you, and your own breath as you work out.

The HoloBike has an impressive amount of tech inside it, with an AI-ready chipset that powers the 3D VR experience, a holographic display, and all the features of a cutting-edge spin bike or exercise bike without any of the monotony of regular home gym equipment, or the sneaky monthly fees of a Peloton. At $2599, it prices itself in the same Peloton category too, albeit with a minimalist design that grabs eyes, and a holographic display that grabs minds. Your exercises will never feel this immersive and fun!

Click Here to Buy Now: $2599 $2999 ($400 off) Hurry! Discount on first 200 HoloBikes.

The post If Peloton met Spatial Video – The HoloBike is an exercise bicycle with a 4K holographic, immersive screen first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nendo House My Football Kit is an airless ball you can assemble

Posted on by

While I’m a huge football fan (soccer to our friends in the U.S), I’ve never had the desire to actually play it. One of the reasons is the few times I’ve tried kicking a ball around, I always feel like I hurt my foot because the balls are just too hard. If there was probably a ball that was softer but still had the same quality as the regular football, then maybe I might have been convinced to play a few pick up matches. This new ball from Nendo House is one kind of ball that might have turned me into a (barely) passable football player if it was existed when I was younger.

Designer: Nendo House

The “My Football Kit” is a lightweight football that you can assemble yourself and does not require any inflation. It is made from soft, recycled polypropylene and elastomeric synthetic resin components so they’re not as heavy as the regular football and won’t hurt feet even if you’re not wearing kicks. It is an airless football so it uses the resilience of its surface material instead of the internal air pressure.

What’s more, you will assemble the football itself with its 54 individual parts that uses three types of components. The structure is inspired by the traditional Japanese woven bamboo ball. And even if one of the parts comes off when you’re playing, the ball will not fall apart since it has an interlocking structure. You can also replace the broken components so you can continue using the ball for a long time.

There’s also a pretty cool social aspect to this football. With every purchase you make, one ball will be donated. And for every 10 purchases, Molten will donate footballs to places like children’s homes or special support schools. The My Football Kit is available in just one color, a white and black combination. But the colors of the balls that will be donated will depend on the manufacturer and the availability.

The post Nendo House My Football Kit is an airless ball you can assemble first appeared on Yanko Design.

Are Low-Top Basketball Shoes Good for Teenagers?

Posted on by

Caption: Basketball players sitting on a bench, wearing both high-top and low-cut basketball shoes.

As basketball evolves, so does the design of footwear aimed at maximizing performance and safety. This article explores the intricacies of low-top basketball shoes, examining their safety, technological advancements, stylish colorways, and current models. It also considers the social dynamics and personal expression crucial for teenagers when choosing their basketball shoes.

The Shift in Basketball Footwear

Basketball shoes have shifted from traditional high-tops to the increasingly popular low-top designs. Extensive research suggests that with proper design and technology, low-top shoes can offer adequate support and safety, challenging the belief that high-tops are inherently better for ankle protection. Leading brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are at the forefront, innovating to suit all playing styles and needs.

Low-top shoes appeal not just for their performance capabilities. For teenagers, these shoes also represent a style statement and a connection to their favorite basketball players. This blend of form and function makes low-tops particularly appealing to young people, merging on-court benefits with off-court style.

Are Low-Top Shoes Good for Basketball?

Mobility and Speed: Low-top shoes are typically lighter than high-tops, allowing players to move quickly and freely on the court. This can be particularly advantageous for guards or players whose game depends on speed and agility.

Ankle Flexibility: Low-top shoes do not restrict the ankle, providing a greater range of motion. This benefits players who need to change direction quickly and rely on their ability to maneuver swiftly.

Ankle Support: The primary concern with low-top shoes has been the perceived lack of ankle support, potentially increasing the risk of injuries. However, modern low-top basketball shoes often use advanced technologies to stabilize the foot and provide protection in other ways, including enhanced midsole cushioning, secure lacing systems, and innovative designs that offer stability without the bulkiness of high-tops.

Personal Preference and Comfort: Choosing between low-top and high-top basketball shoes is often a matter of personal preference. Some players find low-top shoes more comfortable and perform better in them due to their lighter weight and greater freedom of movement.

Parents often worry about the safety of low-top basketball shoes, particularly regarding ankle support. However, current research and product testing have shown that these concerns can be mitigated with the right features. Platforms highlight the exceptional stability and traction of these models, crucial for preventing slips and enhancing performance during gameplay. Research indicates there’s no significant difference in the rate of ankle injuries between low-tops and high-tops, suggesting that low-tops can be just as safe for basketball. Consequently, a player’s choice of shoes should be guided by personal comfort, playing style, and advice from coaches or medical professionals.

Technological Innovations Across Brands

For teen athletes, the performance of their basketball shoes is often equated with their on-court confidence. Shoes that are part of the latest trend or endorsed by popular athletes can significantly boost this feeling. Thus, when these shoes are also backed by positive safety reviews, it reassures both parents and young athletes that style does not compromise safety.

Image: Fastpass.cn – Air Force 1 deconstructed

Best Low-Top Nike Basketball Shoes

Finding the perfect low-top basketball shoe is crucial, whether you’re playing in a local league or the NBA Finals. Low-tops need the right mix of support, comfort, cushioning, and traction to keep up with the dynamic nature of the game.

LeBron XXI Basketball Shoes

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: These players need excellent support and stability, even in low-top designs. Nike’s Air Zoom technology provides lasting performance and comfort. The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Run, for instance, stacks a React footbed on top of a React midsole and Zoom Air in the forefoot, offering shock absorption and a responsive feel. The Jordan “Why Not?” line, featuring low-top designs, includes two stacked Zoom Air units in the forefoot for responsive cushioning, enhancing speed and stability.

Nike Air Zoom Gt Cut 2 Tb Shoes Men’s

Guards: Guards require shoes with high levels of grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Nike Cosmic line, featuring Air Zoom Strobel units partially made from recycled materials, provides efficient acceleration. The Nike Air Zoom low-tops are designed for players who excel at creating and closing space, offering stability and control with minimal ground contact.

All-Around Players: Modern basketball blurs the lines between positions, requiring shoes that offer balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. Nike LeBron low-top shoes combine speed and power with a full-length Zoom Air unit and Max Air in the heel. The Zoom Freak line, designed for versatile play, includes a TPU plate for lateral mobility and Zoom Air units for explosive moves. Nike KD low-top shoes feature durable uppers with minimal material for a broken-in feel and full-length Zoom Air cushioning for dynamic movement. Nike PG low-tops provide agility and support, with a full-length Air Zoom unit connected to the upper for prolonged freshness.

Nike KD17 Basketball Shoes

Basketball Shoe Structure

Understanding the key components of a low-top basketball shoe can help in choosing the right pair. There are three main parts to consider: the upper, midsole, and outsole.

Upper: The upper part of the shoe provides some ankle support, especially during quick cuts and multidirectional moves. Low-tops allow for greater agility and speed, suitable for guards and small forwards. Models like the Nike Cosmic line include additional closure systems for extra security.

Midsole: This part provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. Look for midsoles with flexible yet sturdy materials that absorb impact effectively. Some low-top models feature external TPU pieces for added stability during lateral moves.

Outsole: The outsole offers traction and grip, crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding slips. Flat, wide outsoles with grooves and ridges provide optimal multidirectional traction.

Best Low-Top Adidas Basketball Shoes for Your Playing Style

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: Even in low-top designs, forwards and centers need stability and support. The Dame 8 EXTPLY, for instance, features a dynamic Bounce Pro midsole for elevated stability and lightweight cushioning. Its internal sock construction and TPU propulsion plate ensure that your feet are locked down, providing confidence and agility during practice and games.

DAME 8 EXTPLY BASKETBALL SHOES

Guards: Guards require shoes with excellent grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Trae 3, designed with peak performance in mind, features composite foam in the midsole for explosive power. The asymmetrical Torsion Bar enhances stability, and the high-abrasion outsole, developed using biometric data, ensures excellent grip and support for quick direction changes.

adidas Harden Vol. 6

All-Around Players: In today’s versatile game, players need shoes that provide balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. The Adidas Harden Vol. 6 offers a blend of speed and stability, featuring a full-length Boost midsole for impact absorption and energy return. The Exhibit Select CP Mid provides a springy Bounce midsole and gore straps for a snug, locked-in feel, catering to players who perform across multiple positions.

Key Features of Adidas Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Upper: The upper part of a low-top basketball shoe provides some ankle support while allowing for greater agility and speed. The Exhibit Select CP Mid, for example, includes 3-Stripes gore straps that wrap around the foot, offering a secure fit from the first lace-up to the final whistle. The internal sock construction of the Dame 8 EXTPLY also ensures a comfortable and locked-down feel.

Midsole: The midsole provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. Look for midsoles with flexible yet sturdy materials that absorb impact effectively. The Trae 3’s composite foam midsole and TPU propulsion plate offer explosive power and stability, perfect for high-impact moves.

Outsole: The outsole is crucial for traction and grip, helping maintain balance and avoid slips. The ripple-style outsole of the Exhibit Select provides excellent traction, enabling quick bursts of speed and sharp cuts. The Trae 3’s high-abrasion outsole, developed with biometric data, ensures reliable grip and support.

Best Low-Top Under Armour Basketball Shoes

Grade School UA Jet ’23 Basketball Shoes

Finding the perfect low-top basketball shoe is crucial for maximizing your performance on the court. Under Armour offers a range of low-top basketball shoes designed to enhance support, comfort, cushioning, and traction.

Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes by Position

Forwards and Centers: Even in low-top designs, forwards and centers need stability and support. The UA Spawn 3, for example, features a unique anatomical design with layers of flexible, lightweight material to enhance movement and provide support. The Micro G foam midsole offers responsive cushioning for powerful moves and jumps.

Under Armour Men’s Spawn 3 Basketball Shoe

Guards: Guards require shoes with excellent grip and traction for quick cuts and sudden stops. The Curry Flow 9, designed with Stephen Curry’s input, features a UA Flow outsole that provides grippy traction and a lightweight feel. The Warp upper material delivers a locked-in fit for agile movements.

All-Around Players: In today’s versatile game, players need shoes that provide balanced support, multidirectional traction, and energy return. The Under Armour HOVR Havoc 4 offers a full-length HOVR midsole for energy return and cushioning. The TPU shank provides lateral stability, and the durable outsole ensures excellent grip for all types of movements.

Key Features of Under Armour Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Upper: The upper part of a low-top basketball shoe provides some ankle support while allowing for greater agility and speed. The Curry Flow 9’s Warp upper material offers a secure, comfortable fit.

Midsole: This part provides cushioning and comfort, reducing fatigue and stress. The HOVR Havoc 4’s full-length HOVR midsole offers energy return and impact protection.

Outsole: The outsole is crucial for traction and grip, helping maintain balance and avoid slips. The UA Flow outsole in the Curry Flow 9 provides excellent traction and lightweight performance.

When High-Tops Are Better

Hight-top basketball shoes

Ankle Support for Young Players: High-tops may offer better ankle support for young players who are still developing their coordination and strength. This additional support can help prevent ankle sprains and provide extra stability during quick direction changes and jumps.

Protective Cushioning: High-tops often come with more extensive cushioning, which can protect against stress fractures and other injuries. This is particularly beneficial for kids who might play on hard surfaces or engage in high-impact activities.

Peace of Mind for Parents: For parents concerned about ankle injuries, high-tops can offer reassurance due to their traditional design that encases and supports the ankle more comprehensively.

When Low-Tops Are Better

Low-top basketball shoes

Enhanced Mobility: For positions requiring speed and agility, low-tops provide enhanced mobility and quicker response times. This makes them ideal for guards and players who rely heavily on fast movements and sharp cuts.

Lightweight Comfort: Low-tops are generally lighter, reducing fatigue over long periods. This is particularly advantageous for young players who may play for extended periods during practice or games.

Personal Style and Expression: Low-tops often come in a wider variety of styles and colors, allowing young athletes to express their personal style on and off the court. This can boost confidence and encourage a greater sense of individuality.

Selecting the Right Basketball Shoes: Balancing Personal Expression and Functionality

Choosing the right basketball shoes is a nuanced decision that balances personal expression through colorways and practical functionality for optimal performance. Colorways in basketball shoes allow athletes to express personal style, team identity, and even personal branding. Recognizing this, brands offer vibrant and eye-catching options to cater to young athletes’ desire to stand out or align with their role models.

However, the decision extends beyond color and style. Ensuring a proper fit is crucial to maximizing the functionality of the shoe’s safety and performance features while ensuring comfort during play. Athletes and their parents should consult coaches, utilize fitting guides, and review current models to find shoes that meet both performance standards and aesthetic preferences. This comprehensive approach helps in selecting footwear that supports the physical demands of basketball while satisfying personal style, enabling young players to perform at their best and express individuality on the court.

Expanding Our Coverage on Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Yanko Design is committed to covering the dynamic world of low-top basketball shoes in greater detail in future articles. We aim to delve deeper into each brand’s specific technologies and individual shoe offerings. Our future content will provide focused reviews and comparative analyses of specific brands and standout models, highlighting both the functional benefits and aesthetic appeal of each shoe.

We will spotlight industry giants like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, covering both classic designs and the latest releases. Additionally, we’ll introduce emerging brands making significant strides with innovative technologies and designs, potentially offering unique benefits not found in more established brands.

Stay tuned for insightful content that merges detailed product information with style trends, helping young athletes and their supporters navigate the extensive options available, ensuring informed decisions that enhance both performance and personal expression on the basketball court.

The post Are Low-Top Basketball Shoes Good for Teenagers? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Holographic stationary bike lets you feel like you’re on an actual trail

Posted on by

Walking or running on treadmills and riding stationery bikes are the next best thing to actually exercising outside. But sometimes it can be boring that you dread going on these machines. There are of course those that have devices on them so you can watch your favorite videos while working out. Sometimes though they can prove distracting or it may not be enough to quench your boredom as you ride, run, or walk. And if you love the outdoors but cannot go and exercise there, being on the machines can be a chore.

Designer: Layer

Saga Holographic partnered with design agency Layer to come up with Holobike, a stationary bike with a hologram screen that doesn’t need a headset or eyewear to work. Instead, you get a panoramic light-field display that lets you imagine that you’re on an actual trail biking around instead of inside a gym or your room. It’s not just a simple display though as the stereoscopic viewport actually gives you the perception that you are moving through that space and hopefully break that idea that stationary biking is boring and monotonous.

The screen has a 4K LCD overlaid with a thin sheet of microlenses so you get a “crystal clear portal” as if you’re inside the 3D landscapes and biking through them. The 27-inch display has an infrared depth sensor so you get a life-like spatial perception without having to use wearables that may distract you as you’re biking. For now, you can either cruise the Alps or ride across the Outback but they will be adding more to the library. These are actually reconstructed from the digital scans of actual trails and put into 3D form.

As for the bike itself, it has an adjustable frame so you get a comfortable riding experience. It also has electromagnetic resistance to adapt to real-life biking and a polymer drivetrain belt that gives you almost silent pedaling prowess. As someone who is bored with stationery biking, this can be a good way to encourage me to work out indoors, although I will probably prefer watching my own videos rather than looking at different trails, but that may just be me.

The post Holographic stationary bike lets you feel like you’re on an actual trail first appeared on Yanko Design.

This $599 Exoskeleton gives your legs Superhuman Powers while helping you save 50% energy

Posted on by

It isn’t Iron Man’s suit, but it’s still a pretty big augmentation to humans and their capabilities.

The promise of great technology is to make life easy for everyone… the only problem is that a lot of times, it takes YEARS before great technology can become accessible to everyone. EVs were very niche before they weren’t, DARPA (the defense research wing of the US government) played a pivotal role in developing the internet for communication on the front lines in the 1960s before the internet finally became household technology. Cameras were incredibly specialist equipment before they became small enough to fit into a smartphone, and exoskeletons were originally developed for military personnel to give them superhuman strength, before ending up in warehouses to allow workers to lift heavy objects without using all their energy. If you went online, chances are you wouldn’t be able to simply buy an exoskeleton for yourself (or you’d probably end up paying thousands of dollars for it), but the folks at Dnsys are hoping to make the technology accessible to all humans.

The $599 X1 is an exoskeleton that aids with mobility by giving your legs an extra set of mechanical muscles. Powerful enough to reduce the energy you spend walking/running/trekking by a staggering 50% and reduce your load by nearly 83 lbs, the Dnsys X1 runs on a set of 900W motors that output 1.2 horsepower with a top speed of 27km/h (16.7mph), allowing you to walk, climb, and run with more agility and less exertion. The entire device, which straps to your waist and thighs, weighs a paltry 1.6 kilograms (3.5 lbs) and has a battery that offers a range of 25 kilometers, allowing you to push your boundaries further without being restrained by your human limitations.

Designer: Dnsys

Click Here to Buy Now: $599 $1198 (50% off) Hurry! Only 10 left of 890. Raised over $1,000,000.

The X1 hopes to shatter the misconception that exoskeletons just belong in warehouses. Quite like Apple’s Vision Pro became one of the first VR headsets to actually be seen in real society, with people wearing them in cafes and subways, the Dnsys X1 aims at being the exoskeleton for all kinds of outdoor use. You could be an explorer or trekker looking to cover lots of ground, a backpacker trying to walk large distances with a heavy backpack, a photographer looking to navigate an outdoor location with a lot of gear, or just a fitness enthusiast looking to get in your movement while protecting your knees and legs from strain or injuries. The X1 gives your legs a set of helping hands (or helping legs, if you want to switch the idiom), allowing you to move faster, farther, and with much less energy.

The hallmark of the Dnsys X1 is its ultra-lightweight construction, weighing a mere 1.6kg, thanks to the utilization of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and carbon fiber. This not only ensures durability but significantly reduces weight, making it an unobtrusive companion for any journey. The exoskeleton’s sophisticated motor, the DNA-1, embodies sheer power, delivering 1.2 horsepower and a torque of 50 Nm/kg, which, in simpler terms, is similar to the power performance of a Formula One race car.

Making an exoskeleton isn’t as easy as simply slapping motors onto a body brace. The X1 employs advanced AI algorithms to adapt to the user’s walking pattern, offering instantaneous walking assistance that makes every step feel lighter. This AI innovation, combined with state-of-the-art motion sensors, enables the device to conserve up to 50% of the user’s energy, essentially halving the strain of carrying heavy loads during challenging treks or climbs. Imagine exploring the wild with the ability to walk or run with less fatigue, climb higher, and embark on longer adventures, all while protecting your knees and reducing the risk of physical exertion-related injuries. The X1’s clever design also enables all kinds of movements, aiding you with walking forwards and backwards, sideways, upwards, or even any odd movement that would result from you walking on an uneven path or terrain.

Different modes let you achieve different tasks. A regular mode gives you a maximum range of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), aiding with load reduction and energy conservation, while a Boost mode, activated simply by pressing a button on the sides, gives you the full effect of the X1’s 1.2 horsepower output. The regular mode is perfect for walking and climbing, while the boost mode is the equivalent of going full throttle, allowing for more machine power that gives you maximum speeds of 27km/h or 16.7mph. Conversely, instead of having the X1 boost your performance, you can even flip to a Workout mode which restrains your walking ability, making you put more effort in. Designed to be the equivalent of training with weights or resistance bands, this mode is for maximizing your exercise, making it perfect for strength training and isokinetic exercise. The resistance mode also helps reduce impact on your knees during downhill walks, helping prevent injuries.

The X1 starts at $599, a massive 50% reduction over its original $1198 retail price. It includes an app that also works to monitor device status in real-time, and track medical-grade health data such as hip joint mobility and step frequency. Each X1 ships with a smart battery capable of kinetic energy recovery (KERS) for high efficiency, a charging dock, and a charging cable. The Dnsys X1 ships globally starting July 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $599 $1198 (50% off) Hurry! Only 10 left of 890. Raised over $1,000,000.

The post This $599 Exoskeleton gives your legs Superhuman Powers while helping you save 50% energy first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Drone Referee hovers above the football and players, serving as an airborne VAR

Posted on by

The most beautiful game, football, is a team sport. But in realism – at the world stage – the game is not limited to the field and teams. Passionate fans and their diehard enthusiasm for clubs and players take the game far and beyond, into the people’s home and their hearts. Despite the love and admiration for football, one wrong on-field decision can leave players behaving irrationally and discerning fans indulging in brawls, intense enough to set stadiums on fire.

Over the years goal-line technology has made a significant difference in the decision-making often faltered by the human eye. Yet, all the other significant on-field decisions are left for humans to make, which even the most qualified and experienced referees can get wrong from time to time. While replacing human intervention from decision-making is visually impossible in the near future; there is a designer who thinks an aerial observer can pull off the task at the amateur level to start with.

Designer: Seungmin Ha

The idea behind “Referee,” a portable drone football referee is as simple as its design: Take to the air, hover above and track the players and the ball, and sound a whistle when a foul occurs. Designed with a Samsung-backed Design Membership program, the two-part system – a drone with rotors and HD camera – moves fluidly around the ball so that there are no blind spots and decisions are spot on. There is no mention of whether the modern Referee will also issue red card for a cardinal foul, or a human ref would still be needed.

The functioning of the Referee is simple to pull off, and the design – modeled after a training cone – makes it even more interesting. It comes packed in a dedicated trolley bag one can tag along to the field and set it to run the game without having to find a human referee to help you with a night game with friends. Since most hobby footballers have time to play in the night hours, after a day’s work, Seungmin has envisioned a Referee with LED lighting that shines along with the whistle when a foul is detected.

To keep the control simple and the design more intriguing, the Referee is controllable via an app. Through the app, you can customize the device’s color to the team that you are playing and also replay the foul scene to make sure close decisions can be fairly dealt with. Potentially a gimmick at the moment, the Referee through its evolution can maybe reach the Premier League stage someday.

The post This Drone Referee hovers above the football and players, serving as an airborne VAR first appeared on Yanko Design.