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AUGUST 2009 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 8 K-SWISS SPECIALTY ENTERS RUNNING Photo courtesy of Bakke-Svesson/Ironman STORY ON PAGE 6 www.sofsole.com | (800) 446.7587 The NEW Sof Sole® Airr ® Performance Insole The first performance insole to incorporate air chamber technology in the heel and arch. UPDATES Magazines Newsletters Sports Executive Weekly News · Analysis · Insight Week 0846 © SportsOneSource, LLC The Week’s Top Stories Titleist Pro V1 future shifts with Callaway suit decision… (Page 2) Crocs posts $148 million loss after (Page 3) charges… JULY2009 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 7 2010PREVIEW SPRING SPORTS BASEBALL, SOFTBALL AND MORE While much of the U.S. is concerned about job cuts, the sporting goods industry appears to be experiencing a tougher job market of a different type. The B.O.S.S. Report Week3)0846 (Page and 11% will hire over 100 employees. November 17, 2008 News · Analysis · Insight With depressed housing values and the mortgage crisis impacting the ability of many to relocate for career opportunities, survey respondents indicate that relocation remains the most common given whenTrade a candidate The Bicycle, Outdoor, andreason Snow-Sports Newsletter Sport Chalet focuses on inventory turns down an offer. Forty seven percent of respondents have encountered at least one to two candidates unable to relocate due to LLC housing market iscontrols in Q2… (Page 4)0846 Week © SportsOneSource, November 17, 2008 sues, with 23% of respondents citing “commute too far” as a common rea Easton-Bell looks to new products son given when a candidate turns down an offer. This statistic is up signifiDiamonds in the Rough: Niche Brands Still Thriving... to drive Q3 sales… (Page 4) Week’s The Top cantly from 13%Stories last year. In addition, 55% of respondents state that “not willing to relocate” is one of their challenges in recruiting strong talent. At atop time when retailers have backed off pre-season orders and are inclined Orange 21 breaks even in third Niche Brands still thriving in to stayCalifornia with tried true product, it’s when hard to imagine how lesser known “It’s a challenge because southern is and extremely expensive quarter… (Page 4) tough economy… (Pages 1-2) continue toelse grow. a reminder candidates are trying to sell a brands home somewhere andYet buyinone in our lo-that the economic downturn is not affecting equally, some“We smaller Head NV Q3 winter strength cation,” saidwinter Jessica Clayton, who works oneveryone Patagonia’s HR team. defi- brands are doing it at a pace offset Head NV sees Q3 strength that would be stunning in good times. nitely have had people that we have interviewed and,even when it comes down by weakness elsewhere… (Page 5) offset by weakness elsewhere… to it, they have decided accept the position because of living some of these brandsthe arecost building off smaller bases or are simply in (Pagenot 3) toClearly, Adams Golf sees good news deis too expensive in southern California.” the right place at the right time. Some are offering low-cost, high-margin spite Q3 sales decline… (Page 6) posts $148 million loss after product at a time when consumers don’t have much money to spend. Others Crocs With nearly one in five homeowners owing more to banks than their propercharges… (Page 4) are helping in on a high-end fashion trend. A few ties are worth, relocation will continue to beoutdoor a trend retailers affecting cash recruitment. Sher-Wood in final stages of TPS even attribute their success to manufacturing in North America, claiming it Hockey acquisition… (Page 6) Zappos off 8% of its Aslays companies consider new employees, the to survey shows the quality allows them replenish asthat needed and toofcustomize product for untradiworkforce… (Page 4) hire and retaining key employees hasmarkets. increased in importance, as has reductional Mizuno first half sales dip 2.5%… are seeing an increase in the volume of re(Page 6) ing hiring costs. Respondents Among these brandinisquality. Canada Goose, which according to independent re Cabela’s finedvs. again for exports sumes 2007 without a corresponding increase search, is the fifth fastest growing brand in insulated jackets in the U.S. so (Page 4) violations… ASICS sales increase in first half, far this year. The company has broken out of its beachhead in New York City but net drops… (Page 6) Sport Chalet tightens inventory in theMovers past 22 months. Fiscal year-to-date sales are Market Report and added 60 doors Market controls in Q2… (Page 5) up 25% in the U.S. said company CEO Dani Reiss. While that rate is only a Gander Mountain expects 4.3% fraction of the 67% growth set in+/the fiscal year ended March 31, the Index 11/14 11/7 +/Company 11/14 pace 10/7 Q3 sales growth… (Page 7) Easton-Bell third quarter boosted increase is still seen as impressive in the current climate. by newIndustry introductions… 860.06 (Page 936.145) -8.1% Spt Chalet 1.35 1.80 -25.0% Perry Ellis slashes fiscal 2009 Reiss attributes the growth to a methodical leveraging of the brand’s 50guidance… (Page 7) Footwear 1,105.72 -6.3% Lululemon 8.24 over11.02 -25.2% Confluence parent1,036.60 cuts dividend year heritage and a cross into the fashion space. The National Science to preserve cash… 1,042.66 1,121.97 (Page 5) -7.1% Foundation issues the company’s Expedition parkas – which retail for Apparel Quiksilver 1.62 2.18 iconic -25.7% Aldila Q3 sales decline 11% … $457.50 at Paragon Sports Sunday – as standard gear to U.S. researchers (Page 7) Hardlinesto be659.65 720.43 -8.4% App 9.12 12.41also -26.5% NRF: retailers more lenient stationedG-III in Antarctica. They are used by the Royal Canadian Mounted with returns for Holiday… (Page 5) Police. That helped Canada Goose break into Europe, where the NRF: Retailers to be more lenient Golf 951.47 1,001.38 -5.0% Shoeheritage Crnvl 10.18 14.03 -27.4% brand has become something of a fashion item. That, in turn, set the stage with returns for Holiday… (Page 7) Fox Shocks poised 399.36 to grow beyond Spec Retail 464.63 -14.0% Nautilus 1.68 2.36 in 2006 for a more ambitious assault -28.8% on the crowded U.S. outerwear marMTB after strong Q3… (Page 6) Other Stories include Cabela’s, ket, said Brunswick Reiss. Only in the last3.50 year have they assembled a U.S rep force. Dept Store 1,206.31 1,300.02 -7.2% 2.44 -30.3% Quiksilver, Rossignol, Modell’s, REI seeks to dispel 802.49 “myths”888.87 to Reiss credits BOSS -9.7% Gandrthe Mtn growth 1.17 to two 1.99 factors, -41.4%including the authenticity of the Converse, Trek, Under Armour, sustain big bike gains… (Page 6) brand, which is made exclusively in Canada. “When you buy our product, PGA, Columbia and many more... S&P 500 873.29 930.99 -6.2% Crocs real product 1.14 2.23is iconic -48.9%and classic and part of that landyou are buying that Survey: Housing market, gas scape as Pac opposed to buying something made at one of [a] few limited factoDow Ind. 8,497.31 8,943.81 -5.0% Sunwr 1.22 3.11 -60.8% (Page 7) prices affecting hiring… ries in Asia, where everyone goes to make their stuff and then tells a different marketing story,” he said. Continued >>> Page 1 © SportsOneSource, LLC Lafuma sales increase 5.2% in Phoenix FW sales drop for third (Page 3) quarter… PLUS BEST PRACTICES for Fall Selling: Football, Soccer RUNNING and Volleyball THROUGH THE STORM Athletic Directors Provide Words Changing consumer of Wisdom spending presents Photo courtesy of Saucony, Inc To download a digital version of this magazine, go to: sports retailer. com According to the Generator Group’s 2008 Hiring Trends Survey, the housing market and fluctuating gas prices are having an increasing impact on companies’ ability to attract and retain key talent. Generator said 25% of the companies surveyed said that the economy was making recruiting more difficult; while 48% reported it had no impact. Taking into consideration growth and attrition, about half (52%) will hire zero to five new people in the remainder of 2008, the remaining half will hire more, The B.O.S.S. Report Zappos lays off 8% of workforce… Team Dealersnew opportunities. For many outdoor recreation Cope with New product categories, 2009 has been Competition a challenging year, but running – at www. performance November 17, 2008 Report: Housing, Gas Prices Impact Recruiting... Survey: Housing market, gas prices affecting hiring… (Page 1) VOLUME 42 | ISSUE 5 least at the macro level – appears to be a bit more resilient than most other categories. Within running, the consumer is finding ways to maintain their lifestyle, (albeit at a lower cost) but the vast numbers of new participants over the last decade still makes the category one that continues to draw promising new brands, create innovative technologies and develop new opportunities. The weakened state of the economy may even be creating some opportunities for certain specialty retailers and vendors as SUMMER 2009 fiscal 2008… (continued on page 7) (Page 7) OIA: Outdoor execs see recovery coming in Q3 2009… (Page 7) Gander Mountain expects 4.3% (Page 7) Q3 sales growth… Orange 21 breaks even in third quarter… (Page 8) Other Stories include Columbia, Trek, nuun, Skins, Kjus Skiwear, Spyder, Quiksilver, Rossignol and many more... © SportsOneSource, LLC Market Report Index 11/14 11/7 Market Movers +/- Company BOSS 802.49 888.87 -9.7% LaCrosse Vendors 972.40 1,058.06 -8.1% Columbia App/FW 741.54 826.76 -10.3% 1,066.68 1,153.28 -7.5% Hardlines Retail 11/7 +/- 13.36 12.57 36.00 34.62 4.0% 9.21 11.39 -19.1% Spt Chalet 1.35 1.80 -25.0% 6.3% 8.24 11.02 -25.2% 680.91 -14.3% Lululemon 936.14 -8.1% Quiksilver 1.62 2.18 -25.7% S&P 500 873.29 930.99 -6.2% Gandr Mtn 1.17 1.99 -41.4% Dow Ind. 8,497.31 8,943.81 -5.0% Crocs 1.14 2.23 -48.9% SEW 583.76 11/14 Volcom 860.06 Page 1 FRANK HUGELMEYER OIA PLANS FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS APPAREL APPAR APPARE L TREND DS S WHAT’S S HOT T FOR 2010 WHO MAKE MA M AKE KES THE KES KE HE E CUT? CUT C UT? SGB G R RE ETAIL TA AIL IL TO OP100 OP1 P100 P 1 Research Services Career Services • Syndicated Research Reports • Custom Brand and Retail Studies • Consumer and Retailer Panel Data • Outsourced Market Research Programs • SportsScanINFO Retail Point-of-Sale Data • SportsJobSource.com Industry Job Board • Free Job Search • Rep Search Directory • Executive Recruiter Packages Event Services Weekly Market Trend Report -- FOOTWEAR -- A Service of The SportsOneSource Group Week Ending 11/1/2008 • 40 Under 40 Awards • New Expanded Format FOOTWEAR SALES SUMMARY Weekly Variance SPORT FOOTWEAR BASKETBALL S S RESEARCH NOTES YTD Variance Units Dollars Units Dollars -3.9% -2.1% -1.4% +0.8% +1.3% -10.4% -11.2% -2.9% CLASSICS -11.3% -7.7% -8.6% -0.1% FASHION ATHLETIC -15.3% -17.8% -9.2% -11.1% RUNNING ACTIONS SPTS FW -2.4% +1.0% +1.9% +6.1% +16.0% +12.3% +19.8% +16.9% OUTDOOR FW -3.1% -3.0% -3.5% -0.5% ALL BOOTS +1.4% +0.8% +2.9% +9.3% Another sluggish week as Sport Footwear sales declined in the low-single-digits in dollars and mid-single-digits in units, pulling the year-to-date number ever closer to the red. The only channels to see Sport Footwear sales grow for the week were family footwear and mid-tier department stores, both of which were up mid-singles in dollars. Full-line SG was down low-singles, while mall specialty was down high-singles. The softness at mall specialty can be attributed to a strong promotional stance last year that artificially boosted sales. Men’s Sport Footwear sales declined low-singles for the week, but women’s continued to be the larger drag on results, down mid-singles. However, the Women’s business drove the gains at mid-tier, growing in low-teens for the week. MARKET SHARE REVIEW -- RUNNING FOOTWEAR* DOLLARS YTD This YTD Last Point Chg NIKE 61.9% 56.5% +5.40 ASICS +0.41 UNITS NIKE YTD This YTD Last 55.2% 50.6% SAUCONY 2.9% 2.5% +0.38 -1.10 AVIA 2.7% 2.4% +0.38 +0.13 PUMA 1.1% ADIDAS 6.6% 7.0% 2.0% 2.8% NOTES For the trailing four-week period, Running Footwear sales declined in the mid-singles in units, but improved low-singles in dollars. +0.19 1.2% 18.2% 10.0% Sales increased low-singles at full -0.64 2.2% 3.0% AVIA 13.6% -0.48 6.1% -4.30 11.0% +0.99 14.2% 2.4% 1.9% ASICS +4.60 11.6% 9.9% 5.4% SAUCONY NEW BALANCE Point Chg 12.0% NEW BALANCE ADIDAS PUMA -4.55 -0.88 MIZUNO 1.1% 1.0% +0.10 REEBOK 1.6% 1.8% -0.27 BROOKS 1.0% 0.8% +0.14 BROOKS 0.9% 0.8% +0.15 SALOMON 0.8% 0.6% +0.28 MIZUNO 0.9% 0.8% +0.08 line and mid-singles at mall specialty, but declined at mid-tier department stores and family footwear for the four-week period. Kids’ sales grew mid-singles with sales of men’s Running Footwear increasing low-singles and women’s just above flat for the trailing four-week period. * Does not include Running Specialty CATEGORY FOCUS -- RUNNING FOOTWEAR* Top Sellers for Week -- RUNNING FOOTWEAR* Rank PUMA NEW BLNCE 2 ADIDAS Market Share Change -- RUNNING FOOTWEAR Trailing Four Weeks -8 This week in Sports Executive Weekly: Retailers Report October Comps Results… K-Swiss's Q3 Revenue Drops 10.7%; Warns of Q4 Loss… Big 5 Reports Third Quarter Comps Down 6.6% Quarterly Results for Heelys, Golfsmith and more... BROOKS AVIA MIZUNO SALOMON -6 SAUCONY -2 -4 NIKE 0 ASICS Share Change (Points) 6 4 Brand Style ASP 1 NIKE W NK SHOX NZ WHT/SLV $106.24 2 NIKE M NK SHOX NZ SI BLK/GRY $113.31 3 NIKE W NK SHOX DELIVER WHT/SLV $118.52 4 NEW BALANCE NB M992GL D $116.56 5 ASICS M AS GT-2130 WHT/SLV/RYL $81.95 M NK SHOX DELIVER BLK/BLK $118.20 6 7 8 NIKE ASICS ASICS M AS KAYANO14 WHT/BLK/RYL W AS KAYANO WHT/TURQ $125.48 $121.25 9 NIKE M NK AIR MAX WRIGHT WHT/WHT $98.70 10 NIKE W NK SHOX DELIVER BLK/MTSLV $118.14 The Weekly Market Trend Report is produced each week by analysts and editors at The SportsOneSource Group exclusively for SportScanINFO subscribers and retail reporting partners. All data is compiled utilizing SportScanINFO’s comprehensive platform that presents weekly retail POS data across the Footwear. Apparel, Licensed Products, Hardgoods, and Outdoor market segments. For more information regarding Custom Reports, contact your Regional Business Manager or contact us directly at SportScan@SportsOneSource.com. One Source. Unlimited Solutions. Research/Events/Career Services Katie Bolick 704.987.3450 x110 kbolick@SportsOneSource.com Subscriptions/Advertising Subscriptions/Advertising Joy Joy Matheny Matheny 704.987.3450 x107 704.987.3450 x107 jmatheny@SportsOneSource.com jmatheny@SportsOneSource.com AUGUST2009 EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief James Hartford (704-987-3450) james@sportsonesource.com Senior Business Editor Thomas Ryan (917-375-4699) tryan@sportsonesource.com Contributing Editors Nancy Prichard Bouchard Ph.D., Pat Carpenito, Kyle Conrad, Lou Dzierzak, Dr. hPaul Langer CREATIVE Creative Director, Teresa Hartford Graphic Designer, Brett Shippy PRODUCTION Product Development Manager Jeremy Noel production@sportsonesource.com ADVERTISING Director, Specialty Business Kris Versteegen (704-987-3450 x102) krisv@sportsonesource.com Director, Key Accounts Barry Gauthier (774-553-5312) barry@sportsonesource.com Senior Advertising Sales Manager Susan Tauster (630-858-1558) stauster@sportsonesource.com Advertising Sales Manager Sam Selvaggio (212-398-5021) sselvaggio@sportsonesource.com BUSINESS Circulation & Subscriptions Joy Matheny (704-987-3450 x107) subs@sportsonesource.com TECHNOLOGY Chief Information Officer, Mark Fine VP Research & Development, Gerry Axelrod Director Information Management, Ruben Desangles Manager Database Operations, Cathy Badalamenti BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT President & CEO, James Hartford VP Business Development, Bill Bratton Research Sales & Marketing, Katie Bolick OTHER SPORTSONESOURCE PUBLICATIONS SGB SGD TEAM Business The B.O.S.S. Report Sports Executive Weekly SGB UPDATE Outdoor Business UPDATE Footwear Business UPDATE Sportsman’s Business UPDATE Team Business UPDATE © SportsOneSource, LLC 2151 Hawkins Street | Suite 200 | Charlotte, NC 28203 704-987-3450 | fax: 704-987-3455 www.sportsonesource.com Photo courtesy of K-Swiss NEWS 4 Mizuno Corp. Fiscal Q1 Profits Halved On Global Revenue Declines Asics America Seen Outpacing U.S. Running Market 5 Under Armour Rethinks Running Footwear Strategy FEATURES 6 K-SWISS Enters Specialty Running 10Form, Function, Fashion Running Apparel for Spring 2010 Addresses all three elements 12Completing The Runner’s Uniform Accessories Cover Runners From Head To Toe 14 The Straight Story I Part 2 Dispelling Running Footwear Myths Copyright 2009 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers & contributors to PERFORMANCE SPORTS RETAILER (PSR) are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. PSR is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in PSR may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. PERFORMANCE SPORTS RETAILER, Volume 4, Issue 8, is published monthly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Streeet, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; (704) 987-3450. Subscription: one year, $99.00 (U.S. funds) in the U.S. and its possessions; Canada and Mexico, $149.00 (U.S. funds); all other foreign delivery, $249.00 (U.S. funds); Printed in USA. Postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additvional locations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PERFORMANCE SPORTS RETAILER, 2151 HAWKINS STREET, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE, NC 28203; (704) 987-3450. NEWS MIZUNO CORP. Fiscal Q1 Profits Halved On Global Declines Mizuno Corporation got a little help outside of its native Japan in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 as all nondomestic regions posted strong double-digit declines for the period. Total worldwide revenues declined 9.3% to ¥40.9 billion ($420 mm), compared to ¥45.2 billion ($433 mm) in the year-ago quarter. Revenues in Japan inched lower 2.9% to ¥30.3 billion ($311 mm), while Europe, the Americas and Asia all declined more than 20% for the period. The Baseball business declined 4.6% for the quarter to ¥12.5 billion ($128 mm) and Sports Apparel declined 4.8% to ¥7.9 billion ($81 mm), while Sports Footwear decreased 13.1% to ¥7.3 billion ($75 mm) and the Golf business posted the biggest decline, falling 25.0% to ¥6.0 billion ($62 mm) in the fiscal first quarter. Worldwide gross margins declined 220 basis points to 40.0% of sales from 42.2% of sales in the year-ago period. SG&A dipped 5.5% for the period, but grew 150 basis points as a percent of sales to 35.2% from 33.7% of sales in fiscal Q1 last year. Fiscal first quarter net income fell 46.5% to ¥1.0 billion ($10 mm) versus ¥1.9 billion ($18 mm) in the year-ago period. Inventories at quarter-end were down nearly 5.0% to ¥26.7 billion ($279 mm) at June 30, 2009. The company’s forecast for the fiscal year remained consistent at ¥160 billion. ASICS AMERICA Seen Outpacing U.S. Running Market Asics America Corporation is forecasting high-single-digit growth for the 2010 fiscal year, thanks to continued growth in its running footwear business and strong sell-in for its apparel business. The U.S.-based subsidiary of Asics Corporation is estimating that revenues will increase between 6% and 7% for the first half of the year, and about 8% for the entire year. “Our running category is growing even in these tough times,” says Rich Bourne, president and COO at Asics America. “We have strong brand recognition, excellent product and we are performing well at retail. These are all indicators that we have a sound strategy in place, and despite the challenges of the economy, are continuing to build a platform for continued growth in the future.” The company said their running business in particular is strong, with an 11% increase for the year-to-date period. The growth was said to be driven by a stable of top-selling performance running styles including the GT- 4 PSR | performancesportsretailer.com 2140, GEL-Nimbus and GEL-Kayano. Women’s running also continues to be a main driver of the growth. According to retail point-of-sale data compiled by SportScanINFO, Asics posted growth in the mid-teens in Sports Footwear, the overall Running category and the Performance Running sub-category for the retail year-to-date period through June. Based on the SSI data, the trend for Asics in Running is outpacing the market as a whole, which increased in the mid-single-digits over the same period. “The gap between sell-through and sell-in is roughly in line with what we see at retail this year,” said James Hartford, chief market analyst at The SportsOneSource Group, which manages the SportScanINFO platform. “Retailers are clearly reducing inventories and that is creating a five point gap on average between what we see sold in and what is selling through. The indications are that retailers are running very lean going into back-to-school.” The SSI data indicates that Asics continues to pressure Nike for the top spot in Performance Running market share. Based on the SSI data, Asics has pulled to within approximately 400 basis points of the Nike brand in Performance Running Footwear for the year-to-date period through June after gaining three full points of share this year. As reported by SportsOneSource in May, financial results for the 2008 fiscal year ending March 31 showed the Asics America’s revenue at $510 million, a 20% increase over the previous year. In addition to the domestic growth, Asics America’s Brazilian subsidiary continues to benefit from a strong performance brand position resulting in high doubledigit growth over the last year. Total revenues were pegged at $529 million for the year. Asics America’s growth has contributed to the overall financial growth of parent company Asics Corporation, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, which posted a 7.0% increase (in yen) to ¥241.9 billion ($2.4 bn) for the 2009 fiscal year ended March 31, compared to ¥226.2 billion ($2.0 bn) for the prior year. Asics Corporation posted a 16.0% decrease in revenues for the fiscal first quarter ended June 30. Total consolidated worldwide revenues were ¥54.9 billion ($563 mm), compared to ¥65.3 billion ($625 mm) in the year-ago quarter. Gross margins contracted about 140 basis points to 43.5% of sales in the fiscal first quarter. Net income plummeted 84.8% to ¥1.15 billion ($12 mm) versus the prior-year quarter. Inventories at quarter-end were down roughly 2.5% to ¥39.6 billion ($415 mm). The company’s forecast for the fiscal year remained somewhat stable at ¥225 billion, which would represent a 7.0% decline in revenues from the last fiscal year ended March 31. Net income is now expected to come in at ¥8 billion versus a previous forecast of ¥10 billion and prior fiscal year net income of ¥13 billion. UNDER ARMOUR Rethinks Running Footwear Strategy Under Armour indicated that it plans to revamp its running footwear strategy as it looks for a better path to break into the crowded category. Among the changes, the company is looking at modifying the price of its running shoes, upgrading the technology and paying more attention to what time of the year the shoe sells best. Executives revealed its new plans for running footwear, which was first launched at the start of the year, during a conference call discussing second quarter earnings. The footwear business fell 18.5% to $37.5 million for the quarter as deliveries of running and training footwear failed to anniversary the much-hyped training launch in the prior year’s quarter. The call came a week after the company announced a shake-up in leadership at its footwear division with the hiring of Gene McCarthy, a former executive at Timberland. Prior to taking his new post at Under Armour as SVP, Footwear on August 10, McCarthy served as co-president of the Timberland brand and was was part of the executive team responsible for developing strategies for all aspects of the $1.4 billion global company, including brand voice, consumer activation, and product direction. During his his three years at Timberland, he also posts as president of the authentic youth division as well as group VP for product and design. The company indicated that the push for change was not a sign that the running shoe launch wasn’t successful. “We took a fairly aggressive approach to the running footwear market in Year One and now that we are here, we have a better understanding of the things that we did right and certainly some opportunities to improve,” said Kevin Plank, Under Armour’s chairman and CEO, on the call. David McCreight, Under Armour’s president, also noted that the shoe was well received by people who bought it and has enabled it to further expand into the running specialty channel. But he indicated the shoe needed to evolve. McCreight said the company will “further dial in” the price value offering to the consumer, with improved sourcing, product and material engineering all seen as parts of the equation. There was also acknowledgement that they came away from the first six months of the running footwear experience feeling they were priced above the market by about $10. UA will also offer more price/value in core apparel basics this fall. Brad Dickerson, Under Armour’s chief financial officer, also said the company had to discount more shoes than expected during the latest quarter. Dickerson also noted that many of the changes in the running shoe would not be seen until late next year or early 2011. The company could lower prices or create a more technologically enhanced shoe that would justify higher prices, Dickerson said. The appointment of McCarthy followed an extensive search by the company to fill its top footwear post. In mid-June, Raphael Peck, Under Armour’s SVP of footwear, resigned to pursue other opportunities. Free Sample* Try a free sample of Pinnacle, the most advanced foot orthotic yet for exceptional relief from heel and arch pain. Pinnacle features a unique 4-step system for unexcelled comfort: 2. Life-long resilient cushioning 1. Prescription level support with spring for comfort 3 Hypurcel EVA 2 1 4 3. Anti-slip fabric for dryness 4. Stabilizing heel contours Contact Us for your free sample: Toll-free: 1-888-237-3668 Email: info@Powersteps.com • Eliminates excessive inward rolling motion of the foot • Relieves heel and arch pain • Reduces ankle, knee and back pain *Limited to new Pinnacle retail customers performancesportsretailer.com | PSR 5 K-SWISS ENTERS SPECIALTY RUNNING Racing For Success In The Long Run By Lou Dzeirzak Founded in 1966, K-Swiss may be best known for its signature leather model tennis shoe, its “Classic” that made its debut at Wimbledon the same year as the brand’s inception. Over time, the “Classic” has evolved from a highperformance shoe into a casual, lifestyle shoe. Still sold today, the model remains one of the brand’s most visible products. In 2008, K-Swiss reclassified its footwear products into two product categories - lifestyle and performance. At the same time, K-Swiss announced a serious long-term commitment to enter the performance running segment. “We’re the newest addition to specialty running,” says Mark Sheehan, director of performance running for K-Swiss. Sheehan, who has created running products for Nike, Reebok and Puma, says K-Swiss has “points of difference” that sets it apart from competitors. “We have attractive story lines that can be told at the retail level to make people say, ‘Wow. K-Swiss does know how to make running shoes,” he says. In order to quickly establish credibility with consumers and specialty running retailers, K-Swiss signed a long-term licensing and sponsorship agreement with World Triathlon Corporation, owner of the Ironman triathlon brand. Under the agreement, K-Swiss will be the exclusive footwear and apparel provider of a collection of co-branded K-Swiss/ Ironman performance/lifestyle footwear and apparel. Andy Giancola, director of sponsorship/licensing for Ironman, says K-Swiss needs a brand like Ironman to help it segue more smoothly into the performance running market. Ironman, he adds, gives K-Swiss credibility within the performance running market and helps validate the brand’s running products. “When somebody associates the Ironman attributes with a product, they think durable, performance, best in 6 PSR | performancesportsretailer.com class, authentic, dream fulfillment and leadership,” Giancola says. “That’s what draws people to the brand.” “We saw the partnership as an opportunity to create interesting product that would be immediately worn by athletes,” he continues. “We want to be a performance running company. That’s our long-term goal. Our shortterm strategy was to create a product that would enhance a triathlete’s ability to perform and then learn from their insights and apply that into a longerterm approach to running product.” Sheehan adds that while K-Swiss doesn’t necessarily expect huge growth in the first or second year, the brand does expect to establish and maintain a prolonged presence in the performance running market. “Our association with Ironman as the official footwear and apparel sponsor should (assure) the retailer and the consumer that we’re not going away,” Sheehan says. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.” In addition to co-branded Ironman footwear and apparel, K-Swiss will support Ironman events in 2009 as the official run course sponsor of Ironman 70.3, Boise; Amica Ironman 70.3, Rhode Photo courtesy of Bakke-Svesson/Ironman In February 2009, K-Swiss launched miSOUL technology in its performance running footwear. With its interchangeable midsoles, or “miSOULS,” the Run 1 miSOUL is the only running shoe that easily transitions from a neutral cushioned shoe to a lightweight race/trainer to a stability shoe in a matter of seconds. Island; and Ford Ironman, Louisville, among several others. K-Swiss will also serve as a sponsor for all other Ironman and 70.3 events domestically as well as Ironman UK and both 2009 Ironman events in Germany. Partnering with the Ironman is more involved than paying a fee for sponsorship or licensing. When K-Swiss initially approached Ironman with the idea of entering the performance running market, Giancola says Ironman suggested the shoe be tested in the Kona fields in Hawaii. “We were not going to let them come out with a shoe that looked nice but did not perform well,” he says. While the testing process took a year, Giancola maintains that both sides are confident the response for the finished product will be favorable. In entering a market dominated by other specialty brands, K-Swiss has had to overcome a credibility gap with Ironman participants. Traditionally, says Giancola, K-Swiss has been tabbed as lifestyle or tennis brand. However, Giancola maintains he has yet to hear one negative comment from triathletes who have tried the shoe on. The extensive research K-Swiss has conducted has validated the product, he adds, and Ironman triathletes have been “amazed” by the shoes. “It’s not just that (K-Swiss is) sponsoring athletes, but they are getting (athletes) involved in the design process,” Giancola says. Sheehan acknowledges the initial skepticism within the triathlete audience. “At the first ten Ironman events, I saw a puzzled look across their face,” he says. “The next comment that comes is ‘K-Swiss makes running shoes?’” “It’s the first question mark,” he admits, “but once they get our shoe on their foot, all those questions go away very quickly.” Strategically, K-Swiss is investing in relationships with elite triathletes to support product design and marketing efforts. “Some of the best athletes in the world are wearing our products and are part of our wear test team,” says Sheehan. Sheehan lauds the company’s partnership with professional triathlete Chris Lieto from day one in the design and development of its shoes, and notes that the trust Lieto has put in the initiative has been invaluable in helping the brand spark interest within the performance running market. “That’s why we are spending a huge amount of time working with specific athletes,” he adds, “…(we know) if we can make a product for them to perform better, the participant can look to K-Swiss and have the faith and trust that (K-Swiss) has spent the time creating the product that will work for (them.)” performancesportsretailer.com | PSR 7 The K-Swiss/Ironman product will initially be sold through online distribution channels, on-site at the events, and ultimately through strategic performance retail partners. Looking to future performance running footwear models, Sheehan expects a carryover effect from success in Ironman competition. “We have a sincere belief that there is a halo effect down the road,” he says. “Our intention is to be able to become a full on running company. We will create product that will meet the needs of every specific runner in the marketplace.” Addressing K-Swiss’ entry into performance running, Matt Powell, senior analyst at SportsOneSource Group, says K-Swiss’ transition is interesting since it counters the fashion approach that has traditionally been the brand’s “bread and butter.” “They have always had very credible technical tennis product,” Powell says, “but they made their name and money on fashion.” Powell notes that he has also seen a marked shift away from true performance footwear to a more fashion-driven business. K-Swiss, he says, may find itself chasing a shrinking marketplace. In addition to building awareness of the brand’s entrance into performance running, K-Swiss has created a technology platform to differentiate the product from existing players in the market. In February 2009, K-Swiss launched miSOUL technology in its performance running footwear. With its interchangeable midsoles, or In 2009, K-Swiss signed a 4-year long licensing agreement with World Triathlon Corporation, owners of the brand Ironman. Under the agreement, K-Swiss will be the exclusive footwear and apparel provider of collection of cobranded K-Swiss/ Ironman performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel. The K-Ona is an ultra-light (9 oz.) and stable running shoe designed for fast training, races and triatholons. MSRP $120 8 PSR | performancesportsretailer.com “miSOULS,” the Run 1 miSOUL is the only running shoe that easily transitions from a neutral cushioned shoe to a lightweight race/trainer to a stability shoe in a matter of seconds. The shoe also allows runners to address stability issues on one foot without affecting the other foot. Previously, only an expensive orthotic could accomplish this. In Running Network’s Spring 2009 review of running footwear from all competitive brands, the K-Swiss miSOUL running shoe won “Best New Shoe” based on the wear testing and review of independent wear testers. Running Network represents twentyfour regional and national specialty running magazines and web sites in North America. “We knew it was important to have a technology story,” Sheehan says. “We wanted to tell a story no one has ever told before. It’s a new way of thinking about making running product.” MiSOUL technology allows runners to customize their shoes based on their workout with inserts that allow the runner to go from a 12.5 oz. training shoe to a less-than-11 oz. fast-paced running shoe. K-Swiss plans to introduce additional inserts later to provide runners with more customization options. Sheehan says K-Swiss’ technology story bridges the gap from a triathlonspecific running shoe to a full range of complementary running product by simply changing the inserts within the scope of a single chassis. MiSOUL technology, says Sheehan, is something K-Swiss is going to “hang its hat on for quite a while.” Sheehan adds that K-Swiss is taking the “long view” in developing additional technology features and product attributes. “We’re learning as we go,” he says. “…we are fine-tuning our ability to create, design, develop and produce product that can enhance an athlete’s ability to perform. We can learn from others and take our time to develop a hybrid technology that we think can really stand for what K-Swiss is all about going forward.” K-Swiss has launched an aggressive strategy to carve out a share of the performance running market, and Sheehan says he is pleased with the initial steps. “We’ve grown inside K-Swiss almost astronomically when it comes to the quality and look of running apparel and footwear,” he says. “It’s critical to where we are going to have patience inside our building to be able to say not only do we need to make great products but we also need to align ourselves with key retailers and movers and shakers.” The consistent growth rate of running participation and the purchasing power of running and multisport enthusiasts has made the performance-running segment attractive for new competitors and while the move into running may be difficult for any one brand, Matt Powell says a brand that proves its long-term commitment to retailers can make the transition a success. “In order to establish a beachhead in performance running, a brand needs to look at it as a 5-year plan, before even moderate success can be achieved,” Powell says Sheehan understands there’s a lot more work to be done before the success of the endeavor can be measured. “…our biggest task has less to do with product and more to do with building the mindset that it takes to be a running company in this highly competitive market,” he says “As long as we continue to make good product and keep telling our story, people will discover us. My job is to make us the most sought-after running company.” IQ 2 3 All Trail Running Footwear dollar sales for 2009 retail second quarter through July were: a. Flat b. Down Low-Teens c. Up Mid-Singles d. Up Low-Singles 4 Which brand had the top selling Fashion Trail Running Footwear product in second quarter? a. Asics b. New Balance c. Nike d. adidas 5 Performance Trail Running Footwear dollar sales for second quarter were: a. Up High-Singles b. Down Low-Singles c. Up Mid-Teens d. Down Low-Teens 6 Fashion Trail Running Footwear dollar sales were down in the lowsingle-digits for Q2. a. True b. False 7 Which brand had the highest Fashion Trail Running Footwear market share in the second quarter? a. New Balance b. Asics c. Adidas d. Saucony 8 Fashion Running had the highest growth percentage in which retail channel in Q2? a. Sports Specialty b. Family Footwear c. Mall Specialty d. Full-Line Sporting Goods 9 Know More.NOW. 10 Which brand had the highest Performance Trail Running Footwear market share in Q2? a. Asics b. Columbia c. Salomon d. Vasque Average Selling Prices for Running Apparel for the second quarter were: a. Flat b. Down Low-Singles c. Up Low-Teens d. Up Mid-Singles Asics had the top selling Performance Trail Running Footwear product for Q2. a. True b. False Performance Running had the highest growth percentage in which retail channel in the second quarter? a. Mall Specialty b. Sport Specialty c. Full-Line Sporting Goods d. Family Footwear A Service of The SportsOneSource Group www.SportScanInfo.com For more information about SportScanINFO contact 704.987.3450 SportScan@SportsOneSource.com. Answers: d, b, a, b, a, b, c, b, b, a 1 NOTE: Answers are for trade channels covered by SportScanINFO only. Does not reflect specialty retail, better department stores, big box outdoor stores, Walmart or Target. FEATURE FORM, FUNCTION, FASHION Running Apparel For Spring 2010 Addresses All Three Elements By Lou Dzeirzak As the summer of 2009 nears an end, sales performance of running apparel have emerged from the storm with minimal damage. Traditionally, sales of apparel tend to be more elastic than those of footwear, but many running specialty brands are reporting modest successes in a challenging retail environment. Data compiled by retail point-of-sales data compiled by SportScanINFO confirms that overall performance apparel has seen a slight improvement for the year-to-date, which is a significant accomplishment when considering many apparel segments have fallen double-digits in fiscal 2009. When broken out further, SportsScanINFO found that while the overall performance apparel category was up single-digits, runner’s short sleeve and long sleeved shirts jumped double-digits while running shorts were up high-single digits – fairly impressive considering the current “flat is the new up” mentality exhibited by most brands and retailers. At New Balance, apparel sales are reportedly two percent ahead in the elite dealer segment, and also overall, though many running specialty brands are reporting modest successes in this difficult retail environment. Peter Soorenko GM of Apparel at New Balance, says the company is encouraged by that – especially considering the condition of the market. Smaller brands are also seeing positive Photo courtesy of JMKphotography.com reactions from specialty retailers despite the lingering impact of an economy that is struggling to rebound. Eric Schenker, Craft general manager, says sales are up double-digits to-date in 2009. Craft, which Schenker says is the largest specialty running apparel brand, is still establishing itself in the US market. From his perspective, Schenker says specialty retailers can dampen the impact of a weak market by carrying a wide variety of brands. “The feedback I get from retailers is that apparel is a more difficult sell right now than footwear,” he says. “It’s critical that they provide special products for their customer base (in order to) differentiate them from big box stores.” Retailers, Schenker adds, need to give customers a reason to walk through the door. “They don’t need clowns and balloons out front, but (they should carry) products that will make a difference and offer a better experience for the athlete...” he says. Strong, stable running participation rates and the need to present specialty retailers with complete footwear and apparel lines has kept competition fierce across the product categories. Julie Baxter, VP of Moving Comfort, says there have been brands entering the sports bra marketplace that “clearly don’t know what they are getting into.” She The Saucony P.E. Short returns with an engineered elastic waistband that rolls over to reveal a cheeky message “faster than you” while keeping the crepe liner out of sight. 10 PSR | performancesportsretailer.com continues, “The reality of it is that it’s really difficult to make a good sports bra. The barriers to entry are very high. In this economy - where apparel continues to lag and we’ve seen better seasons sports bras are holding up well.” Looking ahead to Spring 2010, apparel brands are delivering innovation in form, function and fashion. Michelle Ave, global apparel director for Brooks Running, says there is a movement toward functionality balanced with fabrications and constructions that have been designed especially for women. “It’s a time where she feels she can have it all,” Ave says. “She can have beautifully designed products that are highly functional.” Ave suggests simplicity in design will be apparent in future apparel collections, and adds that there has been a move away from overdesigned, overbuilt product with constructions that bring a piece of apparel together - but not necessarily with great functionality. In December 2007, New Balance acquired the Vital Apparel Group, one of the leading active apparel companies in the United States. Soorenko points out that Fall 2009 was the first opportunity to see New Balance’s influence on the apparel offerings. “For Spring 2010,” he says, “(New Balance) has made some significant changes in styling. Our products are more modern. Between the styling and fit, we’ve made some revolutionary steps forward.” New Balance’s spring line will include a new apparel collection for men and women called New Performance, or “NP.” There will be eight colors for women and five for men. Dalhausser sees several trends coming in Spring 2010. First are synthetics that are as soft as cotton, which is something that he says several brands have accomplished. Second, people are looking for more lifestyle fashion in their performance products, and Dalhausser says customers are seeking product with versatility and the ability to perform in multiple sports. In response to the interest in lifestyle options, Saucony will introduce the Run Luxury collection of coordinated apparel pieces. While the fashion look is important, apparel brands will continue to promote cutting edge technical innovations. Schenker notes the importance of developing new performance apparel fabrications to differentiate the Craft brand. “Everybody’s [apparel] wicks,” he says. “For me to come in and say my shirt wicks better than their shirt doesn’t do anything for that dealer or customer.” Schenker says Craft has placed an emphasis on temperature regulation and technology designed to help optimize the runner’s core body temperature. Asics has introduced a high performance apparel collection with Advansa ThermoºCool ECO set to launch in Spring 2010. Advansa ThermoºCool garments are made with a fiber mix that provides evaporative cooling technology designed to keep the wearer dry and cool when his or her body temperature increases. Likewise, “thermobuffering” properties help keep the user warm when the temperature falls. Runners wearing these technical apparel pieces will remain in their comfort zones without their bodies overheating or cooling off too rapidly after a workout. Asics is the first running company to incorporate this technology in their apparel line. Soorenko says New Balance has taken the necessary steps to achieve a balance between form and function and to manufacture technical apparel that performs up to standards while also possessing design and style elements that allow it to look and fit great. Craft follows a similar approach, concentrating on function first while striving to stay the course and resist the temptation to utilize gimmicks or jump on trends. Schenker references a quote that is on display above his desk, ‘it can’t be beautiful if it’s not functional.’ Photo courtesy of Saucony Concerns about environmental sustainability continue to influence apparel designs and manufacturing processes. “The good news is that more and more materials are coming to market that give us options for ecofriendly construction but also maintain the performance attributes that we require,” Ave says. Moving Comfort is increasing the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, but Baxter points out that many consumers aren’t willing to make compromises on performance. “We know customers don’t want to pay more for it; they don’t want it to feel different or perform any less,” she says. Collectively, the voices of brand managers are filled with enthusiasm about Spring 2010 offerings. However, that excitement is tempered as the state of the market has forced brands and retailers to be more conscientious about the way they do business. “The challenge will bring the best to the top,” says Ave. “That means offering dialed in lines that are easy to understand so retailers can see the benefits and value… that’s the goal.” performancesportsretailer.com | PSR 11 COMPLETING THE RUNNER’S UNIFORM Accessories Cover Runners From Head To Toe By Lou Dzeirzak Running specialty retailers visiting the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show in Salt Lake City had more to see than just the products offered by the major brands. (See PSR July for a review of 2010 footwear product). Collaborations between specialty running retailers and accessory brands resulted in new product offerings tailored to address the specific needs of retailers and their customers. Nathan Performance Gear, a subsidiary of Penguin Brands Inc., has launched the Run Safe Initiative. Nathan’s Run Safe Initiative products focus on basic runner safety concerns such as utilizing reflective clothing and carrying identification and a cell phone. “Sadly, a lot of stories Nathan was hearing from retailers revolved around tragic accidents,” says Megan Russell, VP of sales and marketing for Penguin Brands, Inc. “We wanted to act proactively. We can’t sit and wait until there is an injury.” JP Huseby, general manager of FootWorks Miami in South Miami, Fl. says it was a wake-up call for him and others when one of the store’s customers was struck and killed by a motorist during a training run. Huserby suggests wearing a sleek pouch that can carry a cell phone, car keys and gels. “Those have been very well received in the marketplace,” he adds. “People are really starting to care more about safety and function over fashion.” Russell stresses the importance of carrying identification but says many runners don’t carry identification 12 PSR | performancesportsretailer.com because they don’t like to switch their driver’s licenses from pocket to pocket. Penguin’s Reflective Belt includes an identification card inside the pack that is marked with an embroidered I.D. to signal emergency personnel who may need to look for critical information. The Shadow Pak features a mesh pocket to accommodate any size cell phone. The Run Safe Initiative promotions include in-store signage, merchandising and give-aways from participating retailers. “We’re helping retailers sell important products to increase runner’s safety on the road,” says Russell. After ensuring that customers are carrying appropriate safety products, running specialty retailers can look to headwear for add-on sales and further promotional opportunities. Kay Martin, president of Headsweats, has seen the company’s custom headwear business explode as retailers understand the value of promoting their businesses. “The smarter retailers are branding themselves,” Martin says. “Now, when you go to an event, you are seeing Luke’s Locker, Runner’s Roost or Boulder Running Company on the heads of the athletes branding the stores.” New products associated with sports outside of running are also attracting attention. Used by twotime Olympic gold medal volleyball player Kerri Walsh and Tiger Woods’ trainer, Dr. Keith Kleven, KT Tape is the first kinesiology tape to be designed and offered specifically for consumers. Specialty retailers like Runner’s Corner, St. George Running and Salt Lake Running Company are taking advantage of the media buzz surrounding the brand. By carrying brands like Nathan, Headsweats, Buff and KT Tape, running specialty retailers can find accessory options to address every Photo courtesy of Buff customer’s needs from head to toe. A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HEADSWEATS Through Headsweats custom headwear program running specialty retailers can promote their stores by offering their customers branded caps and visors. Minimum orders are required depending on type of headwear selected. KT TAPE KT TAPE provides pain relief and support before, during, and after activity without restricting motion. KT TAPE works by gently lifting the skin off of the muscle, relieving pressure on the nerves and reducing pain without chemicals or medication. KT TAPE can also improve circulation and reduce inflammation around strained muscles and joints. It acts like an external layer of muscle that distributes the strain on the affected area, allowing the muscle to relax and heal faster. Available in black, beige, pink and blue. Twenty pre-cut strips per roll. SRP $12.99 NATHAN Working closely with its retailers, Nathan Performance has launched the Run Safe Initiative. The program offers a collection of running-oriented waist belts, identification holders, cell phone cases and reflective aids designed to create a safer experience for runners. Participating retailers also receive merchandising and point-of-sale support. The Reflective Belt and the Shadow Pak are shown. Shadow SRP $20, Reflective Belt SRP $25. The Straight Story I part two B y P a u l L a n ger, DPM DISPELLING RUNNING FOOTWEAR MYTHS In the July issue of PSR, I outlined five examples of “urban legends” concerning running footwear construction, technology and performance that most often arise in the retail environment. An alarming number of shoe fitters, runners and even medical practitioners regard these common misconceptions as unquestioned “truths.” It’s time to set the record straight and correct the remaining falsehoods that routinely confuse consumers and lead to poor purchase decisions. 1 A cushioned insole extends the life of the shoe Adding cushioning inside the shoe will not safely extend the life of the shoe. Running shoes do not wear evenly because impact forces are not distributed evenly and thus the shoe tends to wear out in certain areas faster than others. Heel strikers tend to wear out the outside (or lateral) portion of the heel. Cushioned insoles cannot compensate for the uneven wear of the midsole material and in fact can make the shoe less stable, making it more difficult for the body to absorb impact efficiently. 2 Shoes should be selected based on foot shape and foot type The size and age of the runner are often overlooked aspects of selecting shoes. According to Robert Lyden, holder of numerous shoe patents and author of Distance Running, prototypical running shoes are designed and wear tested for a 165-lb male runner with a size 9 foot. Bigger runners could literally bottom-out their shoes if they are too soft or too light. I place most runners who weigh more than 180 lbs into shoes with denser midsoles. Sometimes that means something with a medial post. Another option is placing them in a shoe with a polyurethane midsole instead of EVA. Bigger runners will have more protection and get more miles out of stability and motion control shoes and will be less likely to crush the shoes into oblivion after 50 miles. 14 PSR | performancesportsretailer.com Recent research suggests that older runners absorb impact less efficiently than younger runners. As we age, nerve signals travel slower, muscles contract with less force, tendons become less elastic, joints lose range of motion and the fat pads on our feet shrink. These physiological changes may require alterations in footwear, which may include adding a more supportive insole or using a show with more forefoot cushioning. 3 A runner’s stride is constant and unchanging A runner who appears to be efficient when fresh can become a runner who overpronates as fatigue sets in. For those who run marathon distances and beyond, stability shoes may help delay the onset of fatigue and help support the lower extremity as it fatigues. As a runner fatigues and his or her gait changes, muscles that absorb impact tire and are less able to protect joints and muscles from the vibrations. This can lead to more stress on tendons, bones and joints. 4 Alternating two shoes will make a runner less prone to injury While the idea may be appealing, there has not been any research suggesting runners are less likely to be injured if they alternate footwear. Some claim that resting a shoe will allow the EVA midsole to recover. However, research does implicate hard training surfaces such as asphalt and concrete in some running injuries, so I advise my running patients to vary the running surface before they vary the running shoe. 5 A runner with a high arch should be in a cushioned running shoe The most common fallacy I have seen perpetuated in the running community is that high arches equal maximum cushioning. While this approach may work for some underpronating runners, it does not apply to all – especially to those who are injured or prone to ankle sprains. The problem with the most cushioned shoes is that they raise the foot farther off the landing surface and compress more than stability or lightweight training shoes. Underpronators already tend to strike excessively on the outside of their foot and soft, raised shoes will exaggerate this tendency and increase strain on PSR_hor:Layout 1 3/11/09 10:33 AM the ankle joint and ankle stabilizing tendons and ligaments. For my injured patients with high arches who are already in cushioned shoes, I will often steer them toward a lightweight training shoe, sometimes with stability devices or a stabilizing insole. By keeping the foot closer to the ground and minimizing the midsole compression, there is less strain placed on the ankle. We cannot control an underpronating (or supinating) foot as well as we can an overpronating foot but we can try to minimize some of the negative effects of the elevated and soft midsole. Page 1 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Paul Langer is a podiatrist and serves as a clinical faculty member at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He is a member of the Clinic Advisory Board of the American Running Association and is the author of Great Feet For Life: Footcare and Footwear For Healthy Aging. Shin Splint Compression Sleeve Size Us Up! The fact is that all athletes are not alike. 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