Today, in New York, Jordan Brand officially unveiled the Air Jordan XX3, the high anticipated 23rd iteration of the worlds most respected and innovative basketball shoe. On hand were master designer Tinker Hatfield, Jordan Footwear Director Gentry Humphrey, Jordan Brand Manager Roman Vega and Nike’s VP of Corporate Responsibility Hannah Jones. Each of the four had a moment to share about the AJXX3 but it was the master chief Tinker Hatfield who unveiled the AJXX3 to a select group of journalists from the sneaker bloggers and all the way to design magazines. What’s interesting about this Air Jordan is that it was designed from the ground up including new machines that were created just to make this shoe. Another interesting aspect is that this is the first high performance basketball sneaker that takes the environment into account. With out creating a completely ‘green’ sneaker, the Air Jordan 23 has done everything possible to create less waste and use none toxic materials with out giving up performance. With the AJXX3 being the landmark sustainable sneaker, Nike will continue to use the Considered ethos in all their upcoming products. This is truly the most innovative Air Jordan and sneaker ever, but will it be the last numbered Air Jordan? 

Take a look at the sneakers below…
 

Air Jordan XX3 - White Titanium-University Blue - 01-25-2008

Air Jordan XX3 - White Black-Varsity Red - 2-16-2008

Air Jordan XX3 - Black Varsity Red- Stealth - 2-23-2008

Here are the full tech specs for you to geek out on:

In 1985, the entire world stood on its ear with the release of the AIR JORDAN—a white, red and black fashion statement that revolutionized the athletic footwear industry. Much like Michael Jordan in his rookie season, the original AIR JORDAN was the beginning of something legendary. From Rucker Park to Park Avenue, from Hollywood to Wall Street, the AIR JORDAN sneaker has consistently been the most sought after athletic luxury basketball shoe. Sneaker enthusiasts have credited the shoe as the impetus behind “sneakerhead” collectible market. Twenty-three shoes later, the Jordan Brand introduces a product truly worthy of being called the “Greatest Basketball Shoe Ever,” the AIR JORDAN XX3, is poised to tilt the world once again.

For each iteration of AIR JORDANs created, inspiration is everything. The F-22 stealth fighter jet served as inspiration for the XX2. The muse behind the design of the XIII was the Black Panther and the XIV paid homage to the Ferrari 550 M. The AIR JORDAN XX3 simply embodies the belief held by Michael Jordan and Tinker Hatfield, Vice President, Innovation Design & Special Projects, that the AIR JORDAN XX3 must be the best ever. To accomplish this, new technological advances were built into the shoe to create the first Nike Considered, high-performance basketball shoe in NIKE, Inc. history in a beautiful handcrafted silhouette the world has ever seen.

In the spirit of sustainability, the AIR JORDAN XX3 is the first basketball shoe for Nike to embrace the Nike Considered design ethos, where details in the development and design of the shoe seek to reduce waste and allow for the use of environmentally preferred materials wherever possible—all without compromising athletic performance. The Nike Considered design ethos is one of several company-wide corporate responsibility targets that NIKE, Inc. has implemented to sustain long-term growth and innovation. 

AIR JORDAN XX3 Technical Components

Nike Considered:
• AIR JORDAN XX3 is the first basketball shoe in Nike’s history to be designed according to Nike Considered ethos.
• The design of the AIR JORDAN XX3 minimizes waste and use of solvent based cements.
• Automotive quality painting process on the backside of the Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU) chassis is completed by an efficient robot arm to maximize the quality, consistency and durability of the paint and component.
• Outsole uses environmentally preferred rubber that reduces toxics and incorporates Nike Grind material from footwear outsole manufacturing waste.
• The construction of the shoe emphasizes the use of environmentally preferred materials. 

Upper:
• A newly engineered, patent-pending, stitching machine stitches the upper in 3-D form.
• Dual density sock liner.
• Internal dual density slow recovery foam around the heel conforms to foot shapes to create a more custom fit.
• One shot compression molded phylon midsole.
• Full length sleek internal bootie maximizes comfort while complimenting the sleek profile.
• Nu-foam collar/tongue lining package for sleek low profile comfort.
• New quilted pattern molded sock liner that provides quality arch support.provides quality arch support.
• Reinforced quarter panels to form and hold the exact shape of the last to provide the best fit possible.
• Breathable tongue allows air to escape helping to keep the foot cooler.
• The upper is bladder pressed on the last two times during the construction to form the upper shape exactly to the last shape.

Midsole / Outsole:
• Full length Zoom Airsole unit for superior cushioning.
• Carbon fiber/acrylic weave shank plate adds structure and support in key areas.
• High performance TPU chassis built for stability and support.
• Light weight - 15 ounces.
• One of the lowest midsole profile thickness made for a basketball shoe (19mms in the heel and 9mms in the forefoot) allowing for players to be as close to the ground as possible and feel the court.
• The shank plate is inserted into the TPU chassis mold and the TPU is directly shot over the entire plate. This process is the most efficient for production because it enhances durability, reduces waste, and minimizes our solvent cement usage. It is a new innovation for performance footwear.
• Advanced cushioning system contains a low profile IPS system with a large pillar in the heel combined with a low profile modified IPS in the forefoot.

AIR JORDAN XX3 Unique Design Features:
• An imprint of Michael Jordan’s finger print traction pattern on outsole.
• Precise stitching to reveal external heel moccasin stitch.
• Michael Jordan signature on toe cap.
• High performance TPU chassis.
• Michael Jordan thumbprint on back of tongue lining.
• Handcrafted MJ stitch pattern offers beautiful detailing and function.

An exclusive limited release of the AIR JORDAN XX3 will launch on Friday, January 25, 2008 with a suggested retail price of $230. An All-Star release will launch on Saturday, February 16, 2008 with a suggested retail price of $185. The nationwide launch will be released on Saturday, February 23, 2008 with a suggested retail price of $185. Retailer information can be found at www.Jumpman23.com. 

The 07’s look is definitely fancier than its 05 preceder. However, as far as I know, not much new has been done about the brain underneath. One thing worthy of notice is the price adidas marked this 07 intelligent shoe at - US$150 (US$100 lower than the 05).

Images: Sneaker Collection

FOOTWEAR RESEARCH - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE [via]

Benno M. Nigg, Darren Stefanyshyn, Gerald Cole, Kath Boyer
University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada

A review and preview of footwear research allows us to step back for a short time to critically review our own field of research from a distance. This review is divided into three sections, the past, the present and the future. While one could go back into the centuries, this paper is limited to the recent past between 1970 and 1995. The present has been defined as the last 10 years. The future addresses the work that should be attempted in the next ten years.  

Past (1970-1995) 

Research on footwear became attractive to movement scientists when the fitness and running activities started to boom in the early 1970’s^{4,7,13,15,17,21,31}. Initial work concentrated on the kinematic analysis of the foot and the lower extremities^6,31, on external and internal forces^{2,3,5,10,12,29,38}, energy aspects of running shoes^14,40,45 and on the relationship between biomechanical variables and injuries^{8,11,15,16,17,20,23,33,34,36,37}. These studies established variables such as rearfoot motion³¹, in-eversion, tibial rotation and impact¹² and active³¹ ground reaction forces. Most of the work was done on running, leading to the concepts of cushioning, rearfootcontrol and guidance. It was suggested that running shoes (and for that matter most sport shoes in general) should be built to reduce impact loading and to control (≈reduce) foot eversion and guide take-off inversion. It was suggested that these functions would reduce movement related injuries⁴. Tests were developed and used by running magazines to rank running shoes, quantifying cushioning, rearfoot stability and other variables⁴. Results of this research and testing were partly responsible for sport shoes that were developed into relatively bulky constructions with rigid heel counters, stiff heel stabilizers and wide lateral heel wedges, which may have been responsible for new problems and injuries. The wide lateral wedges, for instance, produced increased levers and were responsible for an increase in foot/shoe eversion²⁹, which was counteracted with stiffening of the medial shoe construction.

Positive outcomes of this initial phase:

Negative outcomes of this initial phase:

Present (1995-2005)

During the last ten years, research on footwear made substantial progress. The findings of some initial studies (certain results were not as expected) initiated more studies addressing often more realistic problems^{9,19,22,26,44}. The corresponding results increased the knowledge in footwear research by a quantum leap. Furthermore, old paradigms were challenged and in some cases, new paradigms were proposed and supported by evidence. The most important new proposals and/or findings included:

(a) Actual skeletal movement and loading as a function of movement tasks and footwear were determined in vitro and, in a few cases, in vivo during walking and running^1,18,35,39.
(b) The connection between sensory and mechanical effects was addressed^32,36.
(c) Barefoot movement was studied and imitated with new shoe constructions³⁹.
(d) The old paradigm of impact loading and related overloading was challenged and a new paradigm was proposed for impact forces, relating them to soft tissue vibrations and muscle tuning^{27,28,30,41,42,43}.
(e) The old paradigm for movement control, suggesting that foot eversion/pronation should be minimized was challenged and a new paradigm was proposed, relating joint movement and corresponding muscle activity to a “preferred movement path”³⁰.
(f) The paradigm of shoe stability was challenged through the construction of unstable shoes with surprising effects related to pain and performance.
(g) Comfort has been established as an important functional variable of footwear research²⁵.

Positive outcomes of the last ten years of research:

Negative outcomes of the last ten years of research:

Future (2005-2015)

It is impossible to predict the future. However, one can suggest what should be done in the next few years. The major research investments for future projects related to footwear should concentrate on:

(a) Frequency of input signals
Each force acting on the human foot can be described with amplitude and frequency. It has been suggested that the frequency component of this input signal is important³⁰, that it has been neglected in past research and that many performance and injury related questions can be addressed by studying the frequency component of input signals.

(b) Kinematic and Kinetics and injury development
Injury development has often been studied by using statistical correlations between variables²³. It is suggested that the understanding of the development of specific sport injuries will make substantial progress if the studies use functional approaches, connecting local internal forces to overloading and failure of tissue.

(c) Control systems
Forces acting on the musculo-skeletal structure of the human body produce not only mechanical changes but produce changes in the biochemical composition and changes in the sensory feedback^32,36. The quantification of those changes (e.g. through functional biological markers) will allow understanding changes in the tissue and/or the movement that may be related to injuries or changes in performance.

(d) Biological adaptation
Every force acting on the human body sends signals to the various tissues. Some of these signals may be responsible for bio-positive or bio-negative effects in structures of the locomotor system. Understanding the effects of such signals and understanding to send the right signals may be a strategy to prevent injuries and/or to improve performance. The knowledge in this area of research is very limited. However, it may be possible to make substantial and relevant steps in this direction.

(e) Biomechanical shoe-foot models
Footwear research has only rarely used mathematical models to predict behavior of the locomotor system in systematically changed situations. However, this approach would probably provide more insight into loading, performance and injury conditions.

(f) Intelligent footwear
Shoes could/should/will be developed that “understand” the needs of the individual and adapt to those needs.

(g) Performance and footwear
Certain shoe constructions do affect performance positively or negatively. Research should concentrate to identify the reasons for these effects. The understanding of these functional correlations may provide insight into the basics of shoe construction.
 

Final comment

Footwear research has made substantial progress in the last 30 years. The new methodologies and the bright young researchers joining the field will provide additional substantial and exciting development and progress in the next ten years.

References

1. Bergmann, G., Kniggendorf, H., Graichen, F. and Rohlmann, A. (1995). Influence of shoes and heel strike on the loading of the hip joint. J. Biomechanics 28:817-827.
2. Bobbert, M.F., Schamhardt, H.C., and Nigg, B.M. (1991). Calculation of vertical ground reaction force estimates during running from positional data. J. Biomechanics 24: 1095-1105.
3. Burdett, R.G. Forces predicted at the ankle joint during running (1982). Med Science Sports Exercise 14: 308-316.
4. Cavanagh, P.R. (1980). The running shoe book. Mountain View, CA. Anderson World, Inc.
5. Cavanagh, P.R. and Lafortune, M.A. (1980). Ground reaction forces in distance running. J. Biomechanics, 13: 397-406.
6. Clarke, T.E., Frederick, E.C. and Hamill, C.L. (1983). The effects of shoe design parameters on rearfoot control in running. Med. Science Sports Exercise 5 376-381.
7. Clement, D.B., Taunton, J.E., Smart, G.W. and McNicol, K.L. (1981). A survey of overuse running injuries. The Physician and Sportsmedicine 9: 47-58.
8. Cook, S.D., Brinker, M.R. and Mahlon, P. (1990). Running shoes: their relation to running injuries. Sports Medicine 10: 1-8.
9. De Wit, B., De Clercq, D. and Lenoir, M. (1995). The effect of varying midsole hardness on impact forces and foot motion during foot contact in running. J. Applied Biomechanics 11: 395-406.
10. Denoth, J. (1986) Load on the locomotor system and modelling. In B.M. Nigg, (Ed.), Biomechanics of running shoes. Human Kinetics Publ., Champaign, IL, USA, pp 63-116.
11. Eichner E.R. (1989) Does running cause osteoarthritis? The Physician and Sportsmedicine 17:147-154.
12. Frederick, E.C. and Hagy J.L. (1986). Factors affecting peak vertical ground reaction forces in running. J. Sports Biomechanics 2: 41-49.
13. Hamill, J., Bates, B.T., Knutzen, K.M. and Sawhill, J.A. (1983). Variations in ground reaction force parameters at different running speeds. Human Movement Science 2: 47-56.
14. Hamill, J., Freedson, P.S., Boda, W. and Reichsman, F. (1988). Effects of shoe type on cardiorespiratory responses and rearfoot motion during treadmill running. Med. Science Sports Exercise 20: 515-521.
15. James, S., Bates, B. and Osternig, L. (1978). Injuries in runners. Am. J. Sports Medicine 6: 40-50.
16. Konradsen, L., Berg-Hansen, E.M. and Söndergaard, L. (1990). Long distance running and osteoarthritis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 18: 379-381.
17. Krissoff, W.B. and Ferris, W.D. (1979). Runner’s injuries. The Physician and Sports Medicine 7:55-64.
18. Lafortune, M.A. (1991). Three-dimensional acceleration of the tibia during walking and running. J. Biomechanics 24: 877-886.
19. Lafortune, M.A. and Hennig, E.M. (1991). Contribution of angular motion and gravity to tibial acceleration. Med. Sci. Sports Exercise 23: 360-363.
20. Lane, N.E., Bloch, D.A., Jones, H.H., Marshall, W.H., Wood, P.D. and Fries, J.F. (1986). Long-distance running, bone density and osteoarthritis. JAMA 255: 1147-1151.
21. Light, L.H., MacLellan, G.E. and Klenerman, L. (1979). Skeletal transients on heel strike in normal walking with different footwear. J. Biomechanics 13: 477-488.
22. M^cClay, I. and Manal, K. (1997). Coupling parameters in runners with normal and excessive pronation. J. Applied Biomechanics 13: 109-124.
23. Mechelen W. van, (1992). Running injuries, a review of the epidemiological literature. Sports Medicine, 14: 320-335.
24. Milani, T.L., Schnabel, G. and Hennig, E.M. (1995). Rearfoot motion and pressure distribution patterns during running in shoes with varus and valgus wedges. J. Appl. Biomechanics 11: 177-187.
25. Mündermann, A., Nigg, B.M., Humble, N. and Stefanyshyn, D.J. (2004). Consistent immediate effects of foot orthoses on comfort and lower extremity kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity. J. Appl. Biomech. 20: 71-84.
26. Nawoczenski, D.A., Cook, T.M. and Saltzman, C.L. (1995). The effect of foot orthotics on three-dimensional kinematics of the leg and rearfoot during running. Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy 21: 317-327.
27. Nigg, B.M., Cole, G.K. and Brüggemann, G.P. (1995). Impact forces during heel-toe running. J. Appl. Biomechanics 11: 407-432.
28. Nigg, B.M. (1997). Impact forces in running. Current Opinion in Orthopedics 8: 43-47.
29. Nigg, B.M. and Morlock, M. (1987). The influence of lateral heel flare of running shoes on pronation and impact forces. Med. Sci. Sports Exercise, 19: 294-302.
30. Nigg, B.M. (2001). The role of impact forces and foot pronation -a new paradigm. Clin. J. Sports Medicine 11: 2-9.
31. Nigg, B.M., Eberle, G., Frei, D., Segesser, B. and Weber, B. (1977). Bewegungsanalyse für Schuhkorrekturen (Movement analysis for shoe corrections). Medita 9a:160-163.
32. Nurse, M.A. and Nigg, B.M. (1999). Quantifying a relationship between tactile and vibration sensitivity of the human foot with plantar pressure distributions during gait. Cl. Biomechanics. 14: 667-672.
33. Radin, E.L. and Paul, I.L. (1971). Response of joints to impact loading. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 14: 356-362.
34. Radin, E.L., Orr, R.B., Kelman, J.L., Paul, I.L. and Rose, R.M. (1982). Effects of prolonged walking on concrete on the knees of sheep. J. Biomechanics 15: 487-492.
35. Reinschmidt, C., van den Bogert, A.J., Murphy, N., Lundberg, A. and Nigg, B.M. (1997). Tibiocalcaneal motion during running -measured with external and bone markers. Cl. Biomechanics, 12: 8-16.
36. Robbins, S.E. and Gouw, G.J. (1990). Athletic footwear and chronic overloading. Sports Medicine, 9:76-85.
37. Schwellnus, M.P., Jordaan, G. and Noakes, T.D. (1990). Prevention of common overuse injuries by the use of shock absorbing insoles. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 18: 636-640.
38. Scott, S.H. and Winter, D.A. (1990). Internal forces at chronic running injury sites. Med. Sci. Sports Exercise 22: 357-369.
39. Stacoff, A., Nigg, B.M., Reinschmidt, C., van den Bogert, A.J. and Lundberg, A. (2000). Tibiocalcaneal kinematics of barefoot versus shod running. J. Biomechanics 33: 1387-1396.
40. Stefanyshyn, D.J. and Nigg, B.M. (1997). Mechanical energy contribution of the metatarsalphalangeal joint to running and sprinting. J. Biomechanics, 30: 1081-1085.
41. Wakeling, J.M. and Nigg, B.M. (2001). Modification of soft tissue vibrations in the leg by muscular activity. J. Appl. Physiology, 90: 412-420.
42. Wakeling, J.M. and Nigg, B.M. (2001). Soft-tissue vibrations in the quadriceps measured with skin-mounted transducers. J. Biomechanics 34: 539-543.
43. Wakeling, J.M., Pascual, S.A, Nigg, B.M. and von Tscharner V. (2001). Surface EMG shows distinct populations of muscle activity when measured during sustained sub-maximal exercise. Eur. J. Appl. Physiology, 86: 40-47.
44. Walter, S.D., Hart, L.E., Sutton, J.R., McIntosh, J.M. and Gauld, M. (1988). Training habits and injury experience in distance runners, age and sex related factors. The Physician and Sportsmedicine 16: 101-111.
45. Williams, K. (1985). The relationship between mechanical and physiological energy estimates. Med. Sci. Sports Exercise 17: 317-325.

 

a³® Midsole
A four-element technology including: cushion to absorb impact forces, neutral footstrike guidance, stability protecting against pronation, and the transition plate transfering energy from the rearfoot to the forefoot.

adiDRY®
A waterproof, breathable, internal membrane with heat-sealed seams and waterproof tape keeps the foot dry and comfortable in a variety of outdoor climates.

adiPRENE®
Shock-absorbing material provides extra protection from harmful impact forces with additional cushioning.

adiPRENE® Forefoot
Shock-absorbing material provides extra protection from harmful impact forces with additional cushioning.

adiPRENE® Heel
Shock-absorbing material provides extra protection from harmful impact forces with additional cushioning.

adiPRENE® Midsole
Shock-absorbing material provides extra protection from harmful impact forces with additional heel cushioning.

adiPRENE®+
Maintains natural forefoot propulsion and efficiency with forefoot cushioning to boost energy return during the stride.

adiTUFF™
A highly abrasion-resistant material used in the toe and/or lateral forefoot area of a shoe’s upper to help protect the upper from excessive wear.

adiWEAR® Outsole
A non-marking rubber outsole compound offering better abrasion resistance and durability than any other comparable adidas outsole material.

Clima365™
This temperature-controlling system combines three key pieces of adidas technology; ClimaCool®, ClimaWarm®, and ClimaProof®. The result is apparel that maintains an optimal body temperature, in whatever season you train.

ClimaCool®
Supplies ventilation and moisture management to create a cooling effect. Increases breathability, and reduces discomfort due to moisture build-up and overheating.

ClimaLite®
A lightweight synthetic fabric that moves moisture away from the skin and throughout the fabric to evaporate, maintaining temperature and comfort during activities.

ClimaProof®
A breathable, highly water and wind resistant design used for a lining-bootie or outer shell.

ClimaWarm®
A lightweight, breathable synthetic insulation that traps air for warmth, while allowing moisture to escape through evaporation.

Engineered Forefoot Ride
A unique outsole construction used in running and walking shoes that combines an inner layer of blown rubber or EVA for a more responsive ride with an outer layer of carbon rubber for durability.

EVA
Ethyl Vinyl Acetate is a durable and resilient rubber-like compound used for varying layers of cushioning or support.

EVA Insole
Ethyl Vinyl Acetate is a durable and resilient rubber-like compound used for varying layers of cushioning or support.

ForMotion™ 3-D
A technology based design that places compression fabrics in specific body locations to control and enhance muscle activity, while maintaining proper form.

GeoFiTFRAME™
Designed inside the midsole and the upper, a single-piece extended Torsion® bar moves around the heel and up to the laces, reducing weight. This provides stability without the use of an external heel counter.

GeoFit™
An internal footwear technology that enhances fit and comfort by placing padding in anatomically correct areas.

GORE-TEX® Lining
A waterproof and breathable membrane laminated to the interior of a shoe or boot, which keeps feet dry and comfortable by allowing perspiration vapor to pass through and out of the footwear.

GORE-TEX® XCR
A microporous membrane that is highly breathable, durable, and waterproof. It is 25% more breathable than ‘classic’ Gore-Tex®.

Ground Control System
Within the back section of the midsole are freely moving internal plates, which are designed to adapt to terrain by creating a ground-leveling effect under the foot, enhancing agility and safety.

HUG System™
adidas’ own fit technology that lets you adjust a shoe’s fit with a lever on the back of the shoe that flips down at the heel. This lever lets you dial in a looser or tighter fit with the internal compression system. Slide your foot in and put the lever back in upright position for full performance fit.

Intelligent Cushioning System
A micro-computer in the midfoot measures compression and impact with every step. The information is relayed to an internal motor which tightens or loosens the heel box, depending on your unique stride. Comfort and support is thereby customized to your running style, regardless of running surface.

LightStrike™ EVA Midsole
An exclusive EVA compound to provide additional lightweight cushioning, 15% lighter and 10% more durable than traditional EVA.

LightStrike™ III
An exclusive EVA compound to provide additional lightweight cushioning, 15% lighter and 10% more durable than traditional EVA.

LoadSpring™
A design within the shoulder strap that flexes for optimal weight distribution.

Low Light Reflectivity
Reflective portions of the shoe upper increase the wearer’s visibility in darkened conditions, greatly improving safety.

Ortholite Technology
An insole technology reducing the growth of bacteria and managing moisture for dry, healthy feet.

P.T.P.P. Midsole
Push Through Protection Plate. A midsole plate protecting the base of the foot from uneven terrain and impact.

Polar® WearLink Compatible
Soft transmitter nodes built into the fabric are compatible with Polar WearLink heart monitors.

Predator®
Predator® technology features thin rubber strips on the forefoot for added ball feel and control.

Pro-Moderator™
A lightweight, stable, and durable midsole design for motion control, which enables greater toe-off results.

QuickStrike™
An extremely durable, non-marking rubber used primarily for high-abrasion areas within the outsole.

TorSion® System
Lightweight arch support that allows the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently, for better surface adaptation and stability.

TraXion™ Outsole
The TraXion™ Outsole provides maximum grip in all directions, with optimal ground penetration and a larger surface area to increase potential acceleration.

UltraStrike™
A two-piece heel design in running shoes that combines adiWEAR® carbon rubber with a molded TPU insert to enhance protection and durability.

X-STATIC®
Silver-embedded fabric that kills 99.9% of bacteria for effective odor control and heat conduction.

Z-TraXion™
It takes fewer of the adidas Z-shaped lugs to maximize ground contact, and fewer lugs means reduced shoe weight. Z-TraXion™ also provides better multi-directional grip for trail running.

Click here to visit the Innovation Zone.

The melted snow reminded me that I had no light hikers (or hike runner) for the warm season yet. Planned to get a pair of The North Face Plasma XCR Boa,  I found the fit of that pair really disappointing. By chance, I tried the Salomon Pro 3D XCR on and it amazed me right away. I have never ever owned any Salomon’s before, seeing the company as just a great ski manufacturer. However, once my feet slided into the Pro 3D, hands down. Below are some highlights of the Pro 3D XCR. In-depth review is to be continued in soon…

Quickfit lacing system: This type of speed lacing is usually seen on the inner bootie of snowboard boots. Easy-on and easy-off. So far, I like it and durability will be my only concern on it.

3D Chassis: The most interesting Salomon tech to me. The low profile chassis goes through midsole intended to provide stability. The key idea behind, I think, is to provide independent suspension. How well does it work? Stay on tune.

Contagrip: Salomon’s own outsole tech. I will see how well it could grip.

Ortholite: The sockliner is so beautifully crafted that misleading me to think it was pulled out from an Asics. Another thing new to me was the EVA-made side wall at the heel cup of sockliner.

Okay, this is pretty much for today. It will hit the road tomorrow and more is coming… 

Click here for more information on Technologies from Salomon.