Archive for the ‘shoes’ Category

Ed Hardy Style

July 14, 2009

Ed Hardy


Ed Hardy is an American tattoo artist born and raised in Southern California in 1945.

A pupil of Sailor Jerry, Hardy is recognized for incorporating Japanese tattoo aesthetic and technique into his work.

Don Ed Hardy is a painter, print maker and tattoo artist and recently he has turned his talented designs to apparel, including shoes t-shirts and accessories.

Although some people might say that Ed Hardy is overrated, the tattoo-like drawings are truly eye catching.

Here are some interesting styles, the price of the Ed Hardy sneakers goes from $54.00 up to $103.99

Check out the list at the bottom if you are interested in getting a pair

ed hardy 1

Ed Hardy HighRise Glitter

ed hardy 2

Ed Hardy Glitter LowerRise Shoes

ed hardy 4

Ed Hardy HighRise

ed hardy 5Ed Hardy Satin

ed hardy 6

ed hardy 7

Ed Hardy HighRise Leather Shoes

Find Ed Hardy at these online stores:

donedhardyshoes.com

edhardy2sale.com

shoes.com

zappos.com

Mizuno Running Shoe Technology

September 16, 2008

Mizuno is a well recognized brand for making some of the top running shoes for athletes. This brand has its origins in Japan, Tokyo in 1906 when two brothers founded the first Mizuno Shop. Mizuno has not only develop excellent technologies for their shoes but also for any other piece of apparel they made.

Mizuno Shoe Technologies:

The AirMesh technology allows the running shoes to have a high capability for breathing, maintaining your feet dry and coll at all times, which prevent problems like: Strong Odor, hyperhydrosis, bad fungus among others. We have discussed some of this problems in one of our previous posts –> Foot Problems

The AP Midsole technology provides a lightweight and responsive base for the shoes, which means more control over your foot while running.

The BioLock technology its a simple technology which allows the shoes to absorb the heel shape for maximum comfort, it also enhances performance by eliminating heel slippage to reduce wasted motion. Great for overpronators.

The Gore-Tex is an upper technology applied to most of Mizuno shoes, which is a special material that prevents weather factors to act in your feet, keeping them at an optimal conditions at all conditions, this material is also water resistance.

The Intercool technology its a full lenght ventilation system in the core of the sole that removes heat and humidity from the foot  through its ventilation channels. Between the intercool system and the airmesh you will find a perfect fit for your needs in case you have hyperhydrosis problems.

The SensorPoint gives the shoes more stability and traction in all surfaces. Mizuno’s revolutionary suspension system which uses studs that connect the Wave plate directly to the ground.

The VS-1 technology is an exclusive shock absorption system which provides more cushioning,  resisting compression allows the shoes to extend the cushioning life of running shoes.

The Wet Traction system is a Bi-Directional outsole rubber synthetic leather compound that breaks through water, improving grip in all conditions and all surfaces.

The X-10 technology provides the most durable carbonrubber that allows for longer wear in high impact areas and provides more traction at heel strike during the gait cycle. Excellent combination with the BioLock technology for overpronators.

The Smooth Ride technology provides maximum comfort, ultimate feel, unsurpassed performance this system was designed at the Mizuno’s Sozo Studio. Designed to minimise the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot through the phases of the running cycle by reducing shock and increasing flexibility. This allows Mizuno to create running footwear that provides an extremely comfortable running experience through an even smoother ride.

The Sozo Engineering division was created with the only purpose of achieving the maximum standards in shoe technologies. Responsible for the Smooth Ride technology is the spirit with which Mizuno has created a revolutionary design studio to cultivate cutting-edge concepts and methodologies for the development of sports equipment. Using innovative computer simulation which replicates physical characteristics, such as bone structure and muscle mass and then analyses the impact forces generated by various physical traits and running styles, Mizuno is able to determine the exact quantity and positioning of cushioning and stability materials within the midsole of a shoe.

The Mizuno Wave is a unique technology that combines two elements that are both necessary for a great running shoes, cushion and stability.The Wave department studies all the forces that are applied to the human body while running, that’s why Mizuno study all compositions and possible combinations of materials to have the correct blend of cushioning and stability and therefore minimise the risk of injury.

The wave plate provides excellent cushioning by dispersing the force of impact across a larger surface area. The stability aspect of Wave technology is gained by the construction differing between the outside (lateral) and the inside (medial) of the shoe, therefore resisting the compression of the midsole in high pressure areas.

    Other Brands:
  • Adidas Technology
  • Nike Technology
  • Brooks Technology
  • Saucony Technology
  • Asics Technology
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    Asics Running Shoe Technology

    September 11, 2008
    Asics Logo

    Asics Logo

    As you know every footwear maker has its own ways to deal with running shoes that’s why we have choose to put all technologies applied to our daily running shoes.

    Athletes have different needs and therefore they require different shoes that better suit their style, technique and also some pronation, cushion issues when running.

    Before even thinking about categories Asics has study the human body while in motion, beacuse of this they focused all eforts on studying the Cardinal Body Planes, Gait Cycle and of course the Gender differences. After a serious study Asics has develop some unique categories for its shoes.

    Asics Categories:

    Health: Walking shoes with the whole purpose of helping people with Diabetes.

    Fitness: Walking shoes focused on cushioning, stability and performance designed for those people that enjoy long walks.

    Comfort: Walking shoes for superior comfort, cushioning and safety.

    Structured Cushioning: Running shoes with a well balanced blend of cushioning and stability. Most recommended shoe for running.

    Cushioning: A category of running shoes with an emphasis on cushioning and flexibility, for runners with relatively few biomechanical problems.

    Maximum Support: Running shoes with a relatively high degree of support and cushioning technologies, blended to enhance the natural motion of the foot. This running shoes are a must if you have some problems of overpronation.

    Trail: Running shoes for comfortable and safe off the road running. This shoes were focused on traction, flexibility and durability.

    Asics Technologies:

    Impact Guidance System The IGS or (Impact Guidance System)  is a technical design based on the philosophy of the human body that allows the foot to perform a more natural heel to toe movement. This technology is based on 3 priciples: Contact, MidStance and  Propulsion.

    RearFoot CushioningThe RearFoot GEL Cushioning System is a silycon based cushinong system which provides a lower shock when the heel impacts on the ground offering a better cushioning.

    ForeFoot CushioningThe ForeFoot GEL Cushioning System, is a similar technology as the rear one which is placed in the forefoot of the shoes. It reduces shear forces and also helps the foot when propulsing.

    Speva MidsoleThe SpeVa Midsole technology, is a material that improves bounce back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown when running. Some of the features that provides this technology are: Better shock attenuation, improves durability.

    Solyte MidsoleThe Solyte Midsole technology, is even a lighter midsole than the Speva without loosing all the other properties. Some of the benefits of using this technology woulb be: more cushioning, durablity, responsive and of course lightweight.

    Speva LastingSolyte TechonologyThe Speva Lasting enhances stability, cushioning and comfort. Though the years Asics has managed to improve its technology so now they have 3 types of Speva Lastings which differ one to another on its density: Lasting technology, through the use of three different densities: 45 density for high cushion
    and flexibility, 55 density for increased stiffness to boost the spring rate, and 65 density for increased stiffness thus limiting midsole deformation.

    DuoMax TechnologyThe DuoMax technology is a higher density EVA material which helps to reduce the effect of overpronations and also enhances the normal movement of the foot. Exclusive stabilising technology.

    Trusstic SystemThe Trusstic System technology, its a midfoot technology which links the rearfoot with the frontfoot. It also shores the midfoot  as it prepares for propulsion.

    Space Trusstic SystemThis is the Space Trusstic System a variable from the Trusstic Sysytem seen above which provides Windlass Mechanics.

    Dynamic CradleThe Dynamic Cradle, is a a technology based in the guidance of the Toe-Off. This technology is placed in the midsole and helps balance the foot while it moves through the gait cycle.

    Stability Cradle The Stability Cradle, is a reinforced EVA component contoured to provide medial and lateral stability.

    Biomorphic FitThe Biomorphic Fit technology, ita a special technology which allows the upper to move equally to the foot in the gait cycle which reduces the friction between the material and the foot, preventing the athletes from getting blisters.

    Dousole TechnologyThe Dousole technology allows a better flexibility, an incredible grip in most surfaces and also adds more lightweight to the shoe.

    PHF TechnologyThe PHF technology was develop for a personalized hell fit. Its build of High density self-moding foam which mading a perfect shape for the heel and the achilles tendom. Decreases slipagge and also gives more comfort to the heel.

    Widths MeasuresAs well as New Balance, Asics has a variety of widths depending on gender and width size. This helps the athlete to a better fit when using their shoes and also a stable platform for running, and also a proper framing of the foot.

    Ahar TechnologyThe Ahar technology, or ASICS High Abrasion Rubber, is a tough rubber compound used at the heavy-contact. Helps cut down on excessive wear.

    DuraSponge TechnologyThe DuraSponge technology of the ASICS shoes Blown abrasion-resistant rubber outsole material, adding durability while still supplying a comfortable ride.

    3M MaterialsThe 3M, is a reflective material produce by the 3M company for night safety.

    MultiFunction CleatsThis means MultiFunction Cleats, providing responsiveness on turf/grass surfaces. A unique design which allows the cleat to “cut and rotate” through the turf, whilst still providing exceptional grip and stability. Excellent grip in these kinf of surfaces.

    Comfort Dry SocklinerThe ComfortDry Sockliner, is a A unique dual layer cushioning system combining the support of base foam with the slow recovery of lazy foam, for a customised insole. Also contains anti-microbial properties for a cooler, drier and healthier foot environment.

    Removable SocklinerThe Removable Sockliner, is an EVA sockliner moulded to the shape of the foot, which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.

    Californian LastingEVA LastingThe Two last technologies: EVA and Californian last. The Californian technology unifies he upper is stitched to a canvas board and directly attached to the midsole for stability and comfort.

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      Check other Shoe Technology Posts:
  • Adidas Technology
  • Saucony Technology
  • Nike Technology
  • Brooks Technology
  • Brooks Running Shoes Technology

    September 4, 2008
    Brooks Technology

    Brooks Technology

    Brooks Shoes Technology:

    The Brooks shoes are divided into different categories for specific technologies and performances.

    1)._Cushioned Shoes:

    Customized designed shoes for runners who want a more flexible and responsive feel when running.

    2)._Motion Control Shoes:

    This shoes are built for the larger runner with overpronation, or a person who needs extreme pronation control. If you need further info about overpronation you can check our Problems Post.

    3)._Performance Shoes:

    (Cushion + Motion Control= Performance) This shoes are a mix between the cushioned and motion control shoes. Designed for runners who need to control their pronation and also want a more flexible, responsive feel.

    4)._Trail Shoes:

    This advanced built shoes offers stability, responsiveness and traction all what you need for an all-time season. Built for trial or roads running sessions.

    Brooks Terms and Materials:

    DRB Accel:

    Enhances motion control in the midsole area.

    Substance 257:

    For the best combination in durability and cushioning, Brooks has taken 25% rubber and 75% EVA to make a midsole compound that is super-durable and comfortable.

    HPR:

    This outsole is more dense than the regular ones, with a higher carbon content to provide a longer duration of wear.

    Bi-Directional Lug Pattern:

    This pattern provides superior traction from heel to toe. Ideal for off-road and outdoor adventures.

    Arch Lug:

    Reduces the rate of pronation while continuing to bring additional support to the shoe.

    Podular Technology:

    For a more flexible and comfortable bending of the forefoot. Brooks´unique designed dividing the midsole and outsole into smaller sections. It also increases cushioning and responsiveness.

    Forefoot HydroFlow®:

    The fluid flow found in the forefoot protects the bones and maintains the cushioning. The flow of the liquid filled pads add shock absorption when running.

    HydroFlow ST®:

    This liquid filled pad is found in the rearfoot to help the cushioning upon impact. The movement of fluid to the outer ring increases stability as it swells to cup the heel.

    Breathable Air Mesh:

    Mesh material (which we talk about in other previous post) lets your feet stay cool and comfortable, by providing breathability.

    Microfiber Synthetic Leather:

    A more lightweight and breathable material which Brooks use in their performance shoes.

    Diagonal Rollbar™:

    Used In the midsole, this wedge-shaped components delivers stability and minimizes pronation. The high density EVA of the Diagonal Rollbar™ resists compression and protects the runner from serious injuries.

    HyperPod:

    For performance in a shoe, the number of pods and the configuration of flex grooves direct the shoe to flex in a more natural, forward motion.(similar to the Forefoot HydroFlow)

    StablePod:

    Instead of using a multiple pod configuration the StablePods run from the forefoot through to the rearfoot at the sides adding stability to the runner.

    CushPod:

    The mapping of the flex grooves and the number of pods create superior cushioning and forefoot flexibility.

    MC-Pod:

    The MC-Pod is for adding flexibility without compromising motion control. Flex grooves are run from medial to lateral side of the foot, as to decrease the amount of movement from side to side.

    TerraPod:

    Over-sized pods which provides the best traction possible with an outsole that continues to bend and flex naturally.

    Their LAST TECHNOLOGY BIOGO:

    On 24th July, Brooks Sports, Inc. announced that BioMoGo, the world’s first biodegradable midsole, is now available to consumers in the new Trance(TM) 8 premium support shoe. Brooks designed BioMoGo to biodegrade 50 times faster than conventional athletic shoe midsoles, making it one of the most significant sustainable technologies to hit the running footwear market.

    BioMoGo midsoles include a non-toxic, natural additive that exponentially increases the rate of biodegradation by encouraging anaerobic microbes to break down nutrients into reusable byproducts. While traditional Ethylene Vinyl Acetate(TM) (EVA) midsoles can last up to 1,000 years in an enclosed landfill, extensive tests have proven that BioMoGo can biodegrade in roughly 20 years when placed in the same environment. By using BioMoGo in its shoes, Brooks will save nearly 30 million pounds of landfill waste over a 20-year period.
    Although the application of BioMoGo technology to footwear involves valuable intellectual property, Brooks decided at the outset that it would treat its new midsole discovery as an “open source” innovation and share it with other footwear manufacturers and interested industries.
    “Environmental stewardship is an important business pillar for Brooks, and we’re committed to creating products that help preserve and, whenever possible, enhance the environment,” said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks. “Sharing BioMoGo presents a chance for greater environmental impact beyond Brooks and supports the spirit with which it was created.”
    Without losing durability or performance, BioMoGo will begin to break down only when retired shoes encounter the “triple convergence” of high microbial load, low oxygen, and adequate moisture found in active, enclosed landfills. These three environmental conditions cannot be found in places where shoes are worn or stored. Once shoes have been thrown away and buried deep in an active, enclosed landfill, BioMoGo begins to break down into its component nutrients and releases carbon that plants and animals can use for growth.
    “BioMoGo is one of the first cradle-to-cradle product solutions developed for athletic gear,” said Derek Campbell, materials engineer for Brooks’ Future Concepts team. “With the success of BioMoGo, we’re continuing to explore additional sustainable materials and production solutions that will benefit the earth for generations to come.”

    In addition to landfill reduction, BioMoGo’s production process is derived from the same Compression Molded Preform (CMP) midsole manufacturing process used to produce Brooks’ industry-leading MoGo midsole. CMP is an efficient, environmentally friendly production method that reduces material waste by 50 percent and increases material consistency by 200 percent.
    Brooks chose to launch BioMoGo in the Trance(TM) 8 due to its wealth of high-performance footwear technologies, which won its predecessor, the Trance(TM) 7, the coveted “Editor’s Choice” award from Runner’s World in August 2007. All Brooks performance running shoes featuring MoGo will inherit ground-breaking BioMoGo by the end of 2009.
    “With new eco-friendly enhancements and the popularity of the previous model, the Trance(TM) 8 has received enthusiastic response from our key retail partners,” said Rick Wilhelm, vice president of sales for Brooks. “Runners want performance gear that not only feels good when running, but also instills pride in the brand they’re sporting.”
    BioMoGo is the latest project Brooks has initiated to support its sustainability focus. Other examples include incorporating the CMP process, introducing HPR Green rubber, reducing PVC, developing a new environmentally friendly shoe box, and scrutinizing printed collateral pieces and vendor partners for their environmental impact.
    The Trance(TM) 8 with BioMoGo is now available at specialty running retailers worldwide and on the Brooks Sports Web site at http://www.brooksrunning.com. For additional information about BioMoGo and other social responsibility and environmental stewardship programs from Brooks, please visit Brooks Sports’ “Green Room” at http://www.brooksrunning.com/greenroom.

    Source: PRNewswire

    Nike and their Running Shoes Technology

    August 18, 2008

    Nike Technologies

    Nike, Inc. has a history of developing innovative and new impact protection systems.
    Starting with the Waffle Trainer to the Shox columns developed in 2001, certain technologies can only be found in genuine Nike shoes.
    Since it early stages, Nike research facilities had evolved to the present 13,000 square feet building designated to the constant improvements of technologies, where research is divided into three parts:

    *Biomechanics: how the body moves
    *Physiology: how the body works specially under stress.
    *Sensory/Perception: the evaluation of how a product works, feels and wears.

    Nike products undergo a rigorous testing process that covers a wide variety of testing surfaces (regular basketball hardwood, soccer turf, running tracks and endless outdoor testing on various terrains), and four important factors are taking into account, geography, gender, age and skill level.
    All of this combined with the results of about a dozen other tests are used to develop new, user-friendly products.

    Impact Protection:

    Nike employs a variety of cushioning systems in their products. Cushioning systems need to reduce shock, distribute pressure, protect from impact and offer comfort.
    The four cushioning systems pioneered and sold by Nike are Nike Air, Nike Air Max, Nike Air Zoom, and Nike Shox.

    Nike Air

    Nike Air was the first air technology developed at Nike, and it changed the way people thought about cushioning. It remains a standard for impact protection more than 20 years after its creation. The Nike Air made from pressurized gas inside a tough yet flexible urethane plastic capsule. The large molecules of gas prevent it from escaping the bag. The Air-Sole units are encapsulated in the midsole beneath the heel, forefoot, or in both locations depending on the shoe and the needs of the athlete for whom the shoe was designed. The Air-Sole works to cushion the foot by compressing and reduces the force of the impact and then immediately recovers its original shape, ready for the next impact.

    Nike Max Air / Air Max

    Nike Max Air, the maximum in impact cushioning, is designed to take brutal, repetitive impacts and minimize their effects on the body and your performance. Air Max units are made through a technique called “blow-molding”, allowing for the greatest volume of Nike Air without weakening the Air-Sole unit. Duel-pressure cushioning addresses the need for protection and rear foot stability. The hallmark of the Air Max technology is a visible air unit in the heel. The Air Max provides athletes with full-length impact protection.

    Nike Zoom Air/Air Zoom

    This lightweight, super-responsive, and ultra thin Air unit brings the foot closer to the ground for the ultimate feel and great maneuverability. Used primarily for basketball shoes, shoes built with the Air Zoom tend to be light and responsive with excellent “ground-feel”.

    The Air Zoom unit starts with two fabric layers connected by thousands of vertical fibers, each attached at both ends to a fabric layer. These fibers are then surrounded with pressurized gas inside a Nike Air unit. While the pressurized air exerts and outward force, like a full balloon, the fibers are placed in tension and exert an opposing inward force to keep the air bag from popping or bulging. On impact, the air bag compresses to relieve the tension on the fibers. After impact, the pressurize gas expands the air bag and places tension on those fibers. The fibers compress on impact and then spring back immediately. The advantage to the Air Zoom is that it is incredibly thin and light, but it provides excellent impact cushioning while allowing the wearer to feel the surface he or she is in.

    Nike Shox

    Nike Free technology is a combination of impact protection and outsole technology. This light-weight, highly flexible shoe simulates the effects of barefoot running and distributes the landing pressure over a larger area to reduce stress on the legs, knees, and back.

    Biomechanical studies show that allowing your feet the full range of its natural movement builds strength and reduces injury. In answer to the demand of would-be barefoot runners worried about protecting their feet from the elements, Nike created an outsole with deeply segmented grooves that mimic the natural pressure patterns of a barefoot landing. The forefoot area allows a greater flex of the toes for a natural grip that creates stability and pinpoint turns.

    Nike Free

    Nike Free technology is a combination of impact protection and outsole technology. This light-weight, highly flexible shoe simulates the effects of barefoot running and distributes the landing pressure over a larger area to reduce stress on the legs, knees, and back.

    Biomechanical studies show that allowing your feet the full range of its natural movement builds strength and reduces injury. In answer to the demand of would-be barefoot runners worried about protecting their feet from the elements, Nike created an outsole with deeply segmented grooves that mimic the natural pressure patterns of a barefoot landing. The forefoot area allows a greater flex of the toes for a natural grip that creates stability and pinpoint turns.

    Nike Sphere React:

    Nike Sphere React fabric is built to breathe. When an athlete sweats, this highly breathable fabric opens up, increasing airflow across the skin and reducing cling. The result is a cooling effect on the skin that allows athletes to perform in greater comfort. With three different Sphere React fabrics to suit your workout style, you’ll stay cool, dry and protected from the elements.

    Nike Sphere Dry:

    This double-brushed microfiber fleece retains energy and resists heat loss. It provides maximum insulation from cold and wind with minimal weight and bulk, and is ideal for any cold weather activities that require insulation. Can be worn alone or as part of a multi-layering system.

    Nike Dri-FIT:

    This high-performance microfiber polyester fabric actually pulls sweat away from the body and transports it to the fabric surface – where it evaporates and leaves the skin cool and dry. It’s all you need for hot days, and a critical base layer for cold days.

    Nike Therma-FIT:

    This double-brushed microfiber fleece retains energy and resists heat loss. It provides maximum insulation from cold and wind with minimal weight and bulk, and is ideal for any cold weather activities that require insulation. Can be worn alone or as part of a multi-layering system.

    FlyWire

    Nike used suspension bridge design as inspiration to create
    FlyWire, a system that uses powerful Vectran ™ fibre cables to support the foot.

    Unlike typical shoes that allow the foot to slide inside the
    shoe, FlyWire keeps the foot locked down tight, eliminating
    millimeters of movement with each stride.
    FlyWire cables wrap around your foot much like tendons.
    Any extra material is only there to keep out rocks and dirt. It’s an innovation that allows Nike designers to cut shoe weight by up to 50%.

    “Vectran” is used to make FlyWire cables, it’s a high
    performance multifilament yarn spun from liquid crystal polymer.
    Pound for pound, it’s five times stronger than steel yet is extremely flexible.

    LunarLite

    Designer Kevin Hoffer found himself looking at images of astronauts bouncing around in space and wanted to recreate this feeling in a shoe.
    So he turned to the aerospace industry to help develop Nike’s lightest, most responsive cushioning material ever.

    Nike Sports Research Lab studies show that LunarLite Foam spread pressure across the whole foot, thus
    reducing impact on fragile bones.
    LunarLite Foam cushioning is compared to Phylon, Nike’s next lightest performance foam.