We’ve seen inflatable shoes for basketball and other sports, but now Reebok has taken the technology to the rink with its pump 20K Ice Hockey Skates, which can be pumped up to provide the perfect fit. In addition these feature dual lacing zones, internal, heat-moldable memory foams and a carbon composite outsole. This better fit translates to better power transmission, which can enhance the stride.
The 20K feature a vented lightweight carbon composite outsole and a Griptonite footbed to reduce weight in the skates while still providing rigidity under the boot. Read the rest of this entry »
Last summer Reebok introduced the striking Shark running shoes, which were quite unlike most shoes we’ve seen. Now Reebok is back with the ATV 19+, which takes the acronym with All-Terrain Vehicles. While these don’t have wheels they are ready to go off road and are designed with special lugs that provide independent suspension and offer a wide stable stance.
As the name suggests the shoes feature a total of 19 of these lugs, which are tipped with carbon rubber that is designed to go deep in loose dirt and help get you through the rough stuff. Video after the jump
Sharks supposedly have rows of teeth, which allows them to take a serious bite into their prey. The Reebok Zigtech Shark can eat up the road much the same way. It features a traction segment on the sole that is inspired by shark teeth to give runners excellent traction and durability, while the 20-degree angles are designed to promote sheering and horizontal cushioning. The mesh upper, which is inspired by a shark gill, also offers synthetic overlays for breathable support.
Advanced technologies have allowed manufacturers to create less-cumbersome fitness tracking sensor devices like the Nike+ SportBand shown here, but Reebok is planning to do one better by introducing a lightweight adhesive sticker sensor.
Tracking your health and fitness is a big rage, thanks in part to new technologies. But to do so requires that you carry a sensor with you, either one you wear on your wrist or stored in a pocket or inside your shoe, which can be cumbersome if you’re engaged in an intense physical activity. Reebok is reportedly looking to change that by introducing thin, lightweight adhesive sensor stickers that can also twist and stretch.
Developed together with a company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts called MC10, the product one-ups devices like wristbands and chest straps with its flexibility. Unfortunately, there are few details about the sensor at this time, but we assume that the stickers would be more cost-effective to manufacture, and easier and cheaper for users to replace. MC10 is also developing another sensor, the Biostamp, that can be used in a variety of tracking applications besides fitness, such as helping diabetics detect hypoglycemia or determining vital signs when used as a first-aid triage patch.
There is better health through technology, but what about better health through fashion? That’s the idea of Celliant, which prides itself on being the “Intel Inside of responsive textiles.” The company has actually been around for a decade, but has recently teamed up with major sportswear and fitness apparel companies including Reebok, Adidas and Saucony to create what is called “responsive fabric.”
According to a recent Fast Co.Exisit story this fabric may sound like something from science fiction, but it is actually very real, utilizing “a synthetic polymer that interacts with the body’s electromagnetic emission to induce increased oxygenation and blood flow.” The company claims that when worn as clothing Celliant can recycle energy back into the body by increasing blood flow and blood oxygen levels, and this means better athletic performance, potentially better strength and healing. Read the rest of this entry »
Reebok has reached a settlement with the FTC told to be worth $25 million in customer refunds concerning its EasyTone and RunTone Shoes. The FTC charges Reebok “deceptively advertised ‘toning shoes,’ which it claimed would provide extra tone and strength to the leg and buttock muscles.” As part of the settlement agreement Reebok will pay $25 million. The funds will go toward consumer refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class action lawsuit. Read the rest of this entry »
When you mention Cricket to most Americans, we think of the noisy insect – the one that was friends with the wooden kid that came to life – or we think of the British game where everyone wears the white pants and sweaters. What could possibly be high-tech about that, right?
Well, think again. Reebok has done many things for running, football and basketball, so why wouldn’t the company do something for the game of cricket. In fact, Reebok is actually one of the leading sportswear brands that, along with the International Cricket Council, has helped energize the game with some technical innovations for the team from India. This includes the futuristic Reebok ZigTech Bats, footwear and trainers. Just in time for the Cricket World Cup 2011 this year, Reebok has outfitted the Indian cricket team with “Zig-Sonic” equipped gear that helps reduce wear and tear in the leg muscles during training. Reebok’s ZigTech shoes have been called “engery drinks for your feet,” and now it seems like the drink is available in a curry flavor. This same zig is being incorporated into the “on field” shoes, which have also been designed to meet the needs of the individual player’s patterns and foot movements. The game has clearly come a long way from simple white sweaters and wooden bats.
Currently, we are seeing workout attire that breathes better, doesn’t retain that foul gym smell and even helps provide extra “squeeze” to compress muscles. That’s all good and clever, but truly “smart” clothing is now being developed that could change the way we work out.
Reebok and start-up MC10 have partnered up to develop apparel that would utilize stretchable silicon electronics. Reebok would utilize the flexible electronics from MC10 into its sportswear, resulting in clothing that can actually monitor a user’s health and performance during training and post-workout cool down. Read the rest of this entry »
In Medieval times knights would sometimes adorn just a bit of armor when visiting the royal court. And now a very different type of “armour” will be adorned for a very different type of court. Baltimore sports apparel company Under Armour Inc. is looking to gain a foothold in the competitive basketball shoe market. Last week the company unveiled its first-ever line of basketball shoes, which will debut in stores this coming November.
The question is whether Under Armour will be able to soar in a market dominated by Nike, which practically stole the market from rivals such as Adidas and Reebok. Of course back in 1980 the shoe maker made its name on the court with its Michael Jordan branded shoes – and Jordan has been retired from the game for a long time, so maybe Armour’s assault is actually long over do. Read the rest of this entry »
A war of words could be brewing over those so-called “toning” shoes reports MediaPost, which notes that Nike is firing back at rivals Reebok/Adidas (Adidas owns Reebok). Nike is running print ads (see below) for its own Trainer One women’s shoe, with the headline “The Ultimate Quick Fix is not a magical toning shoe,” and follows with the tag line: “This shoe works if you do.” In other words it goes back to the old Nike slogan of “Just do it.” So is that the end of the “toning” craze? Not likely. Read the rest of this entry »
Stylized workout clothes are the product of a partnership between Reebok and Armani.
Sometimes going to the gym is more about fashion than fitness. This is seen with partnerships with athletic gear companies and fashion designers like the one between Adidas and Stella McCartney. And now Emporio Armani and Reebok are ready to introduce the line from their joint partnership announced in January, Reebok x Emporio Armani. To be sold in Emporio Armani stores and on Reebok.com, a line of workout clothes and footwear will be available in August.
Track pants and hoodies are the mainstay of the line with stylized looks such as pants bunched at the bottom like a genie. Hoodies include a double-breasted structural piece, and a drapey zip-up out of performance fabrics.
Shoes mix black leather with the bubble cushioning seen in Reebok’s line.
Are these really "energy drinks for your feet?" We'll find out soon.
Injuries with running often occur when you zig when you should have zagged, but now zigging and zagging is something to reduce the load on your leg muscles. Reebok has developed a new form of soles utilizing that it calls the ZigTech, a type of zig-zag foam. According to the company’s press release “ZigTech allows your key leg muscles to do less, so you can do more. Simply put, it’s like an energy drink for your feet.”
We’ve seen (and even tested) a few different running shoes, and these are something a bit different. Also notable is that the ZigTech shoes will retail for $100 when the brand hits stores later this month. We’ll be interested to see whether this will give us the zip we’re after.
We’ve seen inflatable shoes for basketball and other sports, but now Reebok has taken the technology to the rink with its pump 20K Ice Hockey Skates, which can be pumped up to provide the perfect fit. In addition these feature dual lacing zones, internal, heat-moldable memory foams and a carbon composite outsole. This better fit translates to better power transmission, which can enhance the stride.
Last summer Reebok introduced the striking 
Sharks supposedly have rows of teeth, which allows them to take a serious bite into their prey. The Reebok Zigtech Shark can eat up the road much the same way. It features a traction segment on the sole that is inspired by shark teeth to give runners excellent traction and durability, while the 20-degree angles are designed to promote sheering and horizontal cushioning. The mesh upper, which is inspired by a shark gill, also offers synthetic overlays for breathable support.
There is better health through technology, but what about better health through fashion? That’s the idea of Celliant, which prides itself on being the “Intel Inside of responsive textiles.” The company has actually been around for a decade, but has recently teamed up with major sportswear and fitness apparel companies including Reebok, Adidas and Saucony to create what is called “responsive fabric.”
