Adidas, Hoka and Asics: Running shoes with 4D tech & improved stability

The new Gel-Kayano 31 from Asics

Recently launched in Israel and they incorporate the 4D Guidance System technology that we also introduced in the Gel-Kayano 30 model a year ago.

The technology includes 4 dimensions: the width dimension - refers to the width of the base of the shoe, the technology allows a wider base on which the runner can land and be more stable on the ground.

The length dimension - refers to the length of contact with the ground until the toe is pushed next to grooves on the side and at the bottom of the middle sole, these help ensure a more balanced transition and effective toe push.

Third dimension - the depth dimension refers to the depth of the sole, the foam of the midsole that "wraps around" and places the foot securely and safely on the base of the shoe. Therefore the runner cannot move from left to right.

Fourth dimension - the time dimension focuses on the medial area which is created from the same foam but with a lower and softer density and with a higher energy return. This element makes running more efficient, more comfortable and reduces the risk of injuries.

The shoes were designed with the aim of creating a supportive fit and a more comfortable feeling, they have a lot of padding for long training sessions, the grip is more stable, the mesh in the toe area has been adjusted for better air flow and the pull tab at the top has been designed for better insertion and removal of the foot. The Gel-Kayano 31 combines in the middle sole the technology - FF Blast Plus, this is a lightweight and energetic foam, which creates a cloud-like cushioning.  Another technology present here is PureGEL designed for the rear foot. This allows for improved shock absorption, softer landings and smoother transitions. The shoe weighs 266 grams in the women's model and 305 grams in the men's model. These are high shoes, where the drop is 10 mm.

And the price is NIS 850.

Hoka's Mach 6 - everyday training shoes

It's been about two years since the launch of the Mach 5 and recently we received the new generation, the Mach 6 - the colorful running shoes from Hoka. The innovation in Mach 6 is the middle sole - Super Critiacl EVA Foam, a sole with improved properties for responsive and dynamic running, while it is also lighter, durable and with improved shock absorption. The outer part of the sole is covered with thin reinforced rubber along the points of contact with the ground, thus improving the grip of the shoe along with improving its durability. The upper is a new two-layer jacquard creel, creating a soft and airy feel. both inside and outside.

The thin tongue of the shoe is attached with wide straps to the base of the sole, where it maintains stability, even though it is not one uniform part. These are high shoes, where the heel of the shoe now stands at a height of 37 mm compared to 29 mm in the previous generation (the back of the heel comes with light padding). The drop is 5 mm and the weight of the shoe for size 44 is 232 grams.

The Mach 6 comes in several refreshing design combinations, for example, gray combined with pink, delicate orange and phosphorescent green, denim blue combined with turquoise with green and orange alongside the more classic look - black and white.

The price: NIS 700.

Adidas Ultraboost 5 - focus on energy return

As every year, Adidas launches the running shoes from the Ultraboost series, when again this time, the new model - Ultraboost 5 focuses on improvements in the energy return of the shoe. The energy return effect in the shoe absorbs the impact of each step and converts it into momentum that helps conserve energy and improve during running. This is one of the popular topics in the running world, which deals with how much energy return improves running too much?

One of the explanations in favor of technology, that in the end you have to invest energy in running, in order to get it back, therefore you still have to be a good athlete.

Adidas says that the Ultraboost 5 this year received a 2% greater energy return than the previous model - Ultraboost Light. Adidas uses a redesigned Light Boost insole with 9mm more foam under the heel and forefoot, allowing for weight reduction and higher cushioning. The insole filled with Boost offers a higher response and it returns to its original shape immediately when the foot hits the ground, which ultimately allows you to run for greater distances, while investing the same amount of energy.

Design that wraps the foot

The shoe itself offers a more comfortable and airy feeling, thanks to the new upper part called - Primeknit. This piece is made with knitting technology that wraps the foot in a sock-like spring. It is better adapted to the shape of the foot, so that more air reaches the foot. Also, due to the configuration of the Primeknit, the shoe does not have a tongue that could move while running. The rubber sole of the shoes comes from the Continental company designed to provide grip on different types of surface, they have a drop of 10 mm and the weight of the shoe is 248 grams in size 38 and 292 grams in size 42.

The price: NIS 750.

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