The newest model, the Seek IV WRX is a $130 mountain bike shoe that will let you clip in when you need, offering a stiff nylon plate to make sure there is adequate power transfer, while still offering padding and a bit of flexibility to be used as trail shoes. These are still hybrids so the WRX aren’t going to be better on the bike than dedicated mountain bike shoes, nor will these replace trail runners. But for those who want to be able to hike and bike with a single pair of shoes, these will do the trick very well.

Pearl Izumi Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Bike, Run, Hike: New Do-All Shoe]

Shoe maker Nike isn’t headed to the moon, but rather has ascended to the lunar surface in another way, as in on the fairway. Nike Golf has announced its new innovative rich lightweight summer golf shoe, the Nike Lunar Ascend, which builds on the success of the Nike Lunar Control. This new summer footwear features Nike’s Hyperfuse construction and Integrated Traction.

Developed in Nike’s Innovation Kitchen, the shoe features an upper construction technique that originated in Nike Basketball with Hyperfuse construction that utilizes an innovative multi-layered construction to ensure lightweight support, comfort, breathability and durability. Additionally the Hyperfuse is an engineered composite of three different materials: an internal synthetic underlay for structure and support, a performance mesh layer for breathability and a thin TPU durable outer layer for additional protection and support.

For golfers this means a base stability layer that is breathable while fused together with the thin TPU skin layer for a no-sew construction. The Nike Lunar Ascend further utilizes the Tour-proven Lunarlon foam cushioning paired with an Integrated Traction performance outsole. Integrated Traction is a molded TPU outsole that enhances traction and ground feel while reducing the overall weight of the shoe. The lower profile of the Nike Lunar Ascend increases stability while utilizing Integrated Traction to eliminate spike pressure and maintain traction and creates greater flexibility and greater natural motion for the foot.

, Lunarlon cushioning system is another proprietary technology from Nike that offers underfoot comfort, ground feel and stability. The Lunarlon foam midsole is lightweight, durable and highly responsive resulting in a unique combination of cushioning and support. These shoes are available now, in colors: White/Black-Action Red-Granite; Black/Black-Grey-Electric Green; Soar/White-Metallic Cool Grey-Black; Cool Grey/White-Black-Action Red.

Priced at $130.00 a pair, these are hardly in the stratosphere, and with all these features, dare we say the Lunar Ascend sound space age indeed.

Nike Golf Official Website

Iranian born and a son of shoemakers, Bahman Irvani started Okabashi in 1984 after his family fled Iran during the 1979 revolution. They left behind the family shoe business, but it was not long before it was reborn. In his newly adapted country, Bahman started Okabashi in Georgia, growing it over the past 25 years into a company employing over 250 people.

The original Okabashi line of shoes, and the boutique brand OKA b, are all manufactured in Georgia using the same basic molded material called Microplast. That’s their niche – the use of  this foam rubber like material that is recyclable, anti-slip, an anti-microbial agent and vegan-friendly. There are very few hands-on steps required once the shoes are molded, which helps lower the overall cost to manufacture. There are no Okabashi shoes over $20 and OKA b shoes over $40.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYARbMOqfLQ

Not only is Okabashi helping our economy by employing American workers, they are helping our environment by keeping waste out of the landfills. Each pair of Okabashis contain up to 25-percent recycled material. This material is not just the scraps from the molding process of other shoes, but also worn out shoes mailed-in by customers. In 2009, the company launched a post-consumer recycling program which allows customers to send well-worn shoes back to the factory to be recycled. These shoes are checked for foreign debris, cleaned and chopped up into small pieces that are molded into a new pair of shoes. In return, those customers who sent in their old shoes will receive a discount coupon good for a new pair of Okabashis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3A_-KR1PJQ

Each pair of Okabashi and OKA b shoes are endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for the support they offer to the wear’s foot and backed by a 2-year guarantee. They are washable and the Okabashi line is even dishwasher safe. If you are looking for a new pair of shoes to wear at your local rec center, ballet practice, around town or even your wedding, Okabashi may just what the doctor or chiropractor ordered.

Okabashi Brand Official Website
OKA b Official Website

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XS4GFnP53c

Expecting a Nike shoe to be able to dunk is… well, like expecting Michael Jordon to dunk. Of course it can happen and more importantly will happen. But we’re not talking about basketball this time, we’re talking about golf! The Nike Dunk, which is available now, has been weatherized and spiked. Thus it can handle a very different kind of dunk as the video above proves!

Nike Golf Pays Tribute to the Iconic Nike Dunk Shoe with the Introduction of the Nike Dunk NG

BEAVERTON, Ore.  – There will be a familiar iconic shoe showing up on the feet of Nike Athletes Michelle Wie and Anthony Kim. Both young athletes will be sporting the new Nike Dunk (NG) Golf shoe. Wie will debut the colorful shoes at this week’s Women’s Canadian Open and Kim will wear them in the coming weeks on the PGA Tour.

A Nike brand franchise with a wide appeal, the Dunk has history, heritage, and a consumer cultural connection that Nike Golf respects and celebrates. The new Nike Dunk NG, which inspires individuality and personal expression, will now be available for golfers starting January 1, 2012.

Staying true to the original Nike Dunk which was created 25 years ago, Nike Golf has kept the original last to ensure that the Nike Dunk NG feels just the same as the Dunks that people have grown to love without compromising performance for golf. With golf specific spikes on the outsole and golf specific waterproof leather, the Nike Dunk has been transformed to perform on the course.

Keeping in line with the strong personality and attitude of the Nike Dunk, the Nike Dunk NG allows athletes to show their true colors on the course. The energy of Soar Blue, Safety Orange, Court Green for men and Spark, Orange Glow and Mint for women allow consumers to have a bold, athletic look while coordinating with the apparel from the Nike Golf Sport Collection.

The Nike Dunk NG comes with two sets of shoelaces, allowing athletes to either accentuate the bright color of the shoe or to opt for traditional white. With full-grain waterproof leather, the Nike Dunk NG can battle the elements of poor weather conditions. The Scorpion Stinger Spikes ensure that traction is not an issue for the Nike Dunk NG.

A TOUCH OF NIKE DUNK HISTORY

The original Nike Dunk was created as a basketball shoe in 1985. After it was introduced to the world, the Nike Dunk started a commotion when basketball teams began wearing them to match their uniforms. New to the scene and already making a lasting impression, the Nike Dunks enjoyed a widespread following and massive popularity almost instantly. This new expression of style lasted through the years and Dunks have become the prized shoes for sneakerheads as well as fashion statements for anyone looking to add vintage style to their shoe collection. Now the Nike Dunk enters golf.

Key Features:

• Full-grain waterproof leather
• 2 sets of shoelaces
• Full-length contoured sockliner
• Rubber cupsole
• Authentic Nike Dunk fit and feel
• 2-Year Limited Waterproof Warranty
• Scorpion Stinger Spikes and tri-LOK system

Nike Dunk NG – Mens
MSRP: $160.00
Available: 1/1/2012
Colors: White/Black-Soar; White/Black-Granite; White/Cargo Khaki-Safety Orange

Available: 3/1/2012
Colors: Midnight Fog/Prism Blue-Black; White/Court Green-Black

Nike Dunk NG – Womens
MSRP: $130.00
Available: 1/1/2012
Colors: White/Mint Candy-Granite; White/Black-Spark

Available: 3/1/2012
Colors: Black/White-Check; Orange Glow/White

____________________________

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook visit www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf’s public relations representative in respective countries for information.

Converse DEFCON

While the lockout may be keeping the pros off the court, Converse is still in the game with a new line of basketball shoes. The Converse DEFCON and Pro Leather 2K11 shoes feature ConTain Fit Technology in the upper, unique to Converse, which first appeared in the Star Player Evo shoe. These form a lightweight brace around the foot and providing breathable structural support and cushioning. ConTain Fit further contours the foot and transfers all physical force directly to the traction system for increased on-court mobility.

The Converse DEFCON shoe, which is named after the military term identifying defense readiness, was built for players to quickly transition from offense to defense. The DEFCON shoes further integrate the upper and midsole with direct-inject EVA foam for lightness, breathability and containment, and also comes with an OrthoLite sockliner providing long-lasting comfort during extended wear.

Converse Pro Leather 2K11

The Converse Pro Leather 2K11 offers a new direction with Converse basketball, including a slight nod to the Converse Pro Leather, the first leather basketball shoe that Julius “Dr. J” Erving made famous. The Pro Leather 2K11 shoe predominantly features a “Dr. J” logo on the Y-Bar, while also boasting the iconic Star Chevron logo and a genuine leather forefoot. However, Converse notes that this is where the similarities between old school and new school end, as the Pro Leather 2K11 is built with technology demanded by today’s athletes, including the ConTain Fit Technology, which uses TPU coated mesh offering stability and durability needed on a basketball court, as well as full length Converse Balls Technology for incredible toe-to-heel impact resistance.

The Converse Holiday 2011 Basketball collection continues to deliver quality, versatile performance footwear for the 2011 season. The Converse DEFCON, offered in 12 colorways, is available nationwide at Foot Locker and specialty retailers for a suggested retail price of $90. The Converse Pro Leather 2K11, offered in white/black/red and black/white, is available nationwide at Foot Locker and specialty retailers for a suggested retail price of $100.

Even if the pro season is canceled, basketball court with Converse is in session!

Converse Official Website

These are designed as an alternative to golf shoes, and fit over any pair of regular shoes, yet provide the same snug and secure feel for the golf course. These will ensure that feet don’t slip, even on wet grass conditions. In fairness, these probably aren’t a replacement for true golf shoes for the hardcore players, but for those who only get into the swing of thing now and again, we say go for the Quick Spikes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2In8UeYLO84

Quick Spikes Official Website
[Via BeSportier: Alternative to Golf Shoes : Quick Spikes]

“A lot of engineering went into making your foot a high performance machine,” said Mark Verstegen, founder of Athletes’ Performance. “To achieve your full potential during a workout, focus on how your foot interacts with the ground in the same way you think about how your hand interacts with a ball or a bat. Using your foot’s natural power and movement will help you strengthen muscles you never knew you had in your feet, lower legs and throughout your core.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfvHNqkkDTc

The adipure Trainer features independent toe separation design along with a quarter-inch minimalistic profile, which allows a wearer’s foot to be close to the ground for optimal speed, balance and agility during a workout. Additionally, the barefoot-shaped construction of the adipure Trainer mimics the foot’s anatomy creating a natural-feeling shoe that still protects the skin and provides traction and durability.

The adipure trainers is available now for $90 in four colorways for men and two colorways for women to let runners get the barefoot workout for the gym.

Adidas Official Website

The device, which sits inside a specially designed cavity in the outsole of the shoe, can work with a range of sports including soccer, football, basketball, tennis and running, allowing users to monitor, evaluate and increase their performance.

“Understanding individual performance data is one of the best ways to improve your game,” said Mark Verstegen, founder and president of Athletes’ Performance. “For the first time, amateur athletes can have access to the performance tracking and analysis technology available to professional athletes.”

This isn’t just for the hardest of the hardcore either, as athletes of every level can use the miCoach SPEED_CELL to track their unique stats including average speed, maximum speed, number of sprints, distance at high intensity levels, steps and stride during play. The device features on-board memory that stores seven hours of an athlete’s metrics and wirelessly transmits the on-field performance data to their smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac.

While available in select Adidas running shoes since 2009, the adizero F50 is the first soccer cleat available with the unique cavity in the outsole. Adidas will also introduce a full range of miCoach SPEED_CELL compatible footwear for basketball, football and tennis later this year and throughout 2012. In conjunction with the launch of the miCoach SPEED_CELL, Adidas will introduce a series of apps beginning with miCoach Soccer and miCoach Running on December 1, 2011, followed by other sport specific apps for basketball, tennis and football in 2012. miCoach SPEED_CELL will be available for smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac on December 1 for $69.99 at Adidas Sport Performance stores, soccer and running specialty stores and directly from the Adidas website.

Shopadidas Official Website

The Need for Speed The Run and adidas promotion will be celebrated at three of the country’s and game’s most iconic locations: Chicago, San Francisco and New York where consumers will get exclusive access to the limited edition Need for Speed The Run shoe and video game.

“When we heard about Need for Speed The Run, we felt like it was a great fit with our brand and our core consumer, as Need for Speed shares our same vision of striving to be the leading lifestyle brand in their respective industry,” says Simon Atkins, head of Sport Style Division at adidas North America.

The Need for Speed The Run and adidas Originals promotional events kick-off on October 12 in Chicago. 50 pairs of the limited edition Need for Speed The Run Top X shoe will go on sale October 10 at the adidas Originals Chicago store. The first ten consumers to purchase a pair will get a ticket to the exclusive kick-off event at the store on October 12. Headlined by DJ Neil Armstrong and Kids These Days, guests will also be able to get an early taste of Need for Speed The Run, playing as Jack Rourke in the race to be first to New York, equipped with the classic adidas Superstars.

The next event will be in San Francisco on October 27 at the adidas San Francisco store. An additional 50 pairs of the limited edition shoe will go on sale October 22 at the store. The first 20 consumers to purchase a pair will get a ticket to the exclusive event at the store on October 27 headlined by Mick Boogie. It all culminates in New York on November 15 to celebrate the game’s launch.

While Need for Speed The Run isn’t actually a workout type of game, this type of promotion could hopefully get some gamers to think differently about being active this fall.

Electronic Arts: Need for Speed Official Website

The Octane SL III from Peal Izumi won’t be here until February of next year, but these lean cycling shoes weigh in at less than 7 ounces thanks to the use of mesh upper and carbon sole. While a hefty $350, these cycling shoes might be worth every penny. [Via GearJunkie]

Campagnolo Super Record 11 rear derailleur proves that Campy isn’t out of the group business [Via Bicycling.com]

Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 was turning heads at Eurobike, and is “only” half the price of Dura Ace Di2. How can we not upgrade to it? [Via BikeRadar.com]

There will always be some products that we won’t see at Interbike simply because they won’t make it to America. Unfortunately this includes anything from Yorkshire mountain bike specialist Orange. The UK-based company is now reportedly testing the waters with its carbO road bike, but only 60 of these will be built. [Via Road.cc]

KineticShift holds Moots near and dear to our cycling hearts, and we hope to see the MootoX RSL in the flesh in Las Vegas. [Via MTBR]

We’ve heard of “string theory” but we don’t know what to make of the String Bike. [Via XCracer]

Nike Dunk Golf Mens

We normally think of Nike’s basketball shows when we think of “dunk,” but Nike Golf is unveiling its latest Nike Dunk (NG) Golf shoe, which will make the rounds on the PGA Tour this fall, and will be available to golfers starting in the New Year.

The shoes do have a link to the court, not the greens. The original Nike Dunk was created as a basketball shoe in 1985. After it was introduced to the world, the Nike Dunk started a commotion when basketball teams began wearing them to match their uniforms. The shoes caught on, and have and Dunks have become the prized shoes for sneakerheads as well as fashion statements for anyone looking to add vintage style to their shoe collection. Nike even kept original Nike Dunk shoes that were created 25 years ago, to ensure that the Nike Dunk NG feels just the same as the Dunks that people have grown to love. And as the shoes move from the courts to the fairways, Nike ensures that these will do so without compromising performance for golf.

Nike Dunk Golf Womens

The Nike Dunk NG will even allow athletes to show their true colors on the course with the energy of Soar Blue, Safety Orange, Court Green for men and Spark, Orange Glow and Mint for women. These will allow golfters to have a bold, athletic look while coordinating with the apparel from the Nike Golf Sport Collection. The Nike Dunk NG comes with two sets of shoelaces, allowing athletes to either accentuate the bright color of the shoe or to opt for traditional white. With full-grain waterproof leather, the Nike Dunk NG can battle the elements of poor weather conditions. The Scorpion Stinger Spikes ensure that traction is not an issue for the Nike Dunk NG.

The shoes further feature full-grain waterproof leather, full-length contoured sockliner, rubber cupsole, authentic Nike Dunk fit and feel, a two-year Limited Waterproof Warranty, and Scorpion Stinger Spikes and tri-LOK system. The shoes will debut in January for men ($160.00 MSRP) and women ($130.00 MSRP), with new colors in March – just in time to hit the links.

Nike Golf Official Website

These shoes are inspired by barefoot runners, and ECCO worked on the concept for more than three years, scanning foot profiles of more than 2500 runners to create a replica of the human foot. To date the BIOM is the only shoe on the market that uses a “direct-injection process” to increase the durability of the shoe. Additionally the BIOM features a wide “toebox” design to ensure that the wearer’s toes can spread naturally making for a comfortable fit. The BIOM feature high-traction rubber outsold components to improve grip while making for a lightweight shoe.

Currently there are two models available with a third in development. The BIOM A is produced using traditional textile mesh that allows for greater ventilation and is thus a great “summer” shoes; while the BIOM B utilizes breakable yak leather that offers increased durability. We’ll be curious where the C model fits in, as it could go the distance and more.

BIOM Official Website

Inspired by observing fisherman in the Florida Keys wearing running shoes in and around the water, the designers at Columbia figured that they could come up with a better shoe. They created a hybrid shoe that combines the lightweight comfort of a running shoe with the quick-dry capabilities of a water shoe. The upper features breathable open cell mesh with a durable TPU toe cap, while the Techlite midsole has built-in drainage ports in the heel and forefoot to allow water to instantly escape. Wet/dry traction is assured by a siped, lugged outsole with Omni-Grip Wet Grip rubber for sure footing on slick surfaces.

Though the Drainmaker ($80 MSRP) is designed for fishermen and fisherwomen (yes, they are offered for both sexes); these shoes are based on the structure of a running shoe, offer lightweight construction and give more cushioning than a traditional water shoe. If your ‘catch of the day’ is to complete an event like the Tough Mudder, you may want to look at the Drainmaker from Columbia and add it to your arsenal.

The shoes feature an open cell sandwich mesh upper with translucent TPU toe cap, micro suede eyestay and Techlite heel, along with Techlite midsole that includes drainage ports in heel and forefoot, and siped, lugged outsole for extra traction made with Omni-Grip Wet Grip rubber. The shoes easily go from the wet to the dry and help your feet do the same.

Columbia Drainmaker Official Website