Tis the season when thousands of outdoor retailers get a chance to preview what manufacturers are offering up for shops to have in stock next year. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the top running-related products.
Timex Ironman GPS
If there’s one piece of equipment besides a good pair of shoes every runner needs, it’s a reliable GPS watch. Timex, a leader in sports watches since the introduction of the IRONMAN collection in 1986 introduces the all-new Ironman GPS Watch. Headlined with the phrase, “Your Simplest GPS Watch Ever,” the new Ironman watch aims to take the complexity out of watch interfaces by helping you train to run, swim or bike with the single push of a button. With multisport training functionality for swim, bike, and run, the new Ironman GPS Watch offers a 12-hour battery life and the latest in satellite and acquisition technology. Other features include, Menu-based User Interface, Universal Micro USB Charging, GPS Quick Fix, Race Mode with Dynamic Finish Time Estimator, Performance Pacer, Sport Specific Records and Trophies and 50mm Water Resistance. With the new Ironman GPS watch there are no more excuses; it’s time to win this thing. Retails at $99.95 w/ interchangeable strap colors for an additional $14.95. Available in August 2017.
Buff Pro Run Cap
Buff designs functional headwear offering protection from wind, sun, sweat and cold. Their new product the Buff Pro Run Cap seeks to add to their vast headwear line by offering runners a stylish cap designed for performance without sacrificing comfort. The new Buff cap pays special attention to the little details that transform an ordinary cap into a crucial piece of trail running gear. A multi-directional sunglass holder assures your sunglasses stay put when not over your eyes and laser-cut ventilation holes allow heat to escape, preventing overheating during the hottest of runs. Other features include UPF 40+ and 50+ sun protection throughout various panels, adjustable Velcro closure at back for a secure fit, and a low profile sweatband that wicks moisture and keeps perspiration out of eyes. The Buff Pro Run Cap will release Spring 2018 and retail for $25.
La Sportiva Unika
La Sportiva, an Italian-born company focused on technical mountain products will debut three new mountain running shoes, including their first one fully developed and tested in Europe. The Unika challenges the current norms to push the envelope of design, bringing runners a compression-resistant midsole that uses PU for high-energy return and unmatched cushioning over time. The upper features a lace-up harness design that distributes pressure evenly and synchs for a perfect dialed-in fit. The Unika will retail for $190 and will be available in the spring of 2018.
Salomon XA Elevate
Salomon, a company born in the heart of the Alps, introduces an all-new trail shoe, the Salomon XA Elevate. The XA Elevate, which is a new addition to the top selling XA trail line will give a glimpse into the next generation of the XA franchise. Designed with dual-density EVA and Energycell+ midsole, the XA Elevate will feature a smooth forefoot flex precision control while incorporating a decoupled Profeel Film rock plate to protect from trail debris. The XA Elevate will offer an 8mm drop with stack heights of 25mm to 17mm and weigh 295g (US 9M) / 255g (US 7W). The Salomon XA Elevate will retail for $130 and have limited early release through REI in the Fall of 2017 and full retail release January 2018.
The North Face Flight RKT Jacket
Trail running is all about being light and prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you on the trails, which can mean fending off wind and water. The new North Face Flight RKT Jacket is a runner’s dream jacket when light and fast weather protection is key. The Flight RKT Jacket is North Face’s lightest runner’s shell featuring water resistant and windproof fabric that packs down to the size of your fist. The North Face Flight RKT Jacket is cut as a standard fit in XS, S, M, L, XL sizes and retails for $160.00.
ARC’TERYX NORVAN LD
Vancouver based, Arc’teryx introduces a new lightweight trail shoe, the Norvan LD. An extension of Arc’teryx’s Norvan line of trail shoes, the new Norvan LD will offer functional support and versatile grip in a lightweight yet durable design. A 3-piece midsole which is comprised of 85% compressed EVA and 15% polyolefin will offer runners a hint of cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness. Arc’teryx loks to assure your feet are protected and able to grip the ground by including a 0.7mm TPU plate at the midfoot to deflect impact from sharp objects and utilizing Vibram Megagrip throughout the outsole with 3.5mm square-shaped lugs. A fully waterproof version will be available incorporating new Gore Invisible Fit Technology which will laminate the Gore-Tex membrane directly to the upper for complete waterproof protection, with less weight (18% lighter) and greater comfort. The Norvan LD will be available in early Spring 2018.
Stats: 27mm/18mm stack height; 9mm drop; Men’s – 310g; GTX®: Men’s – 330g; Women’s – 260g; GTX®: Women’s – 270g
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