Swift2feet: April 2009

Asics Gel Cumulus 11

Designed for the neutral or supinated foot, the Cumulus series has been known of delivering great cushioning and a smooth ride. With no exception, the new Cumulus 11 willl convtiune to delivers on both counts. This updated will delivers a lighter weight midsole, and a new tongue construction which will provide better lateral support and a redesigned heel tab area to reduce irritation.

MSRP : US$100
Weight : 11.4 oz / 320 gm
Predecessor : Gel Cumulus 10
Product Cycle : RY.2009.→DY.2010.Jun.
Features : Gel®, Space Trusstic System™, I.G.S.®, Solyte™, SoLyte 45 Strobel last, AHAR+, PHF™, DuraSponge®

History : Gel Cumulus Series : Cumulus 12('10), Cumulus 11('09), Cumulus 10('08), Cumulus 9~1

ZebarPlusGlossry

AHAR+, Heel : A thinner and lighter version of Asics High Abrasion Resistance rubber. It is placed on the impact area of the outsole to reduce excessive wear.

DuraSponge® : A new blown rubber compound for enhanced durability and cushioning in the forefoot.

Gel® : Provides maximum rearfoot and forefoot shock attenuation.

I.G.S.® : Impact Guidance System : Asics® design philosophy that uses linked componentry to encourage optimal gait while allowing for natural foot movement from heel strike to toe-off.

PHF™ : Personal Heel Fit : Moulds and customises itself to the individual heel shape of the wearer.

Solyte™, Midosle : The advantage to injected Solyte® is a much more consistent density, ensuring that the desired softness is more ‘dialed in’ than standard compression molded midsole material. Injected Solyte® is also lighter than standard Solyte® contributing to the overall drop in weight.

Space Trusstic System™ : The system works with the complex functions of the foot to facilitate Windlass Mechanics. Space Trusstic is new I.G.S. componentry and an evolution, if not revolution of our benchmark trusstic technology. The Space Trusstic system is not integrated within the EVA. Rather it is suspended below the midsole EVA forming a distinct pocket or space into which the EVA of the mid foot section of the shoe can distort. The result is that torsion stability of the shoe is maintained but pressure on the plantar facia is released enabling tension with the transition from foot flat to propulsion. This is designed to facilitate the all-important Windlass Mechanism. Space Trusstic is a natural extension of I.G.S. and an enhancement of Windlass Mechanics.

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Nike Air Zoom Vomero +4

Built on the same lasts as its predecessors, new strategically placed overlays and extended cash pad from heel through midfoot, the new comfort fit and unbeatable comfort of the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 4 will surely be a success.

MSRP : US$130
Weight : 12.4 oz / 351 gm
Predecessor : Vomero 3
Features : Gender Specific, Zoom Air®, Cushlon™ midsole, EVA strobel, BRS 1000™, Duralon™, Waffle Fill™

Recommended for runners looking for a light weight and highly cushioned shoe.

History : Vomero 4 ('09), Vomero 3 ('08), Vomero 2~1

BRS 1000™ : A highly durable carbon rubber we invented for use in outsoles. BRS stands for Blue Ribbon Sports, which was our name before we came up with Nike. The tie-in? Both BRS and Nike last ... and last...

Cushlon® : Cradles the foot for support and plush, resilient cushioning.

Duralon® : Blown rubber helps reduce weight and increases responsiveness.

Max Air® : It's just what it sounds like: maximum cushioning. Through blow-molding, more pressurized gas can be put inside even bigger air bags. The bigger the Air-Sole unit, the less traditional cushioning material is needed. More cushioning, less weight. You do the math.

Nike + : A pocket under the sockliner for secure placement of Nike+ sensor. Connected to iPod nano, information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on iPod and displayed on the screen; real-time audible feedback also is provided through headphones.

Waffle® : Waffle Fill and Waffle outsole configurations provide good traction.

Zoom Air® : Two layers of nylon fabric, joined by densely packed fibers, are sealed inside polyurethane. The unit is inflated; pushing apart the fabric and creating tension on the fibers. What does that mean? I don't know, but the result is a low-to-the-ground, hyper-responsive speed cushioning you can feel. And it does it in less space than other Air-Sole units.

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