LEXINGTON, Mass., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Saucony, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands (NYSE: PSS), unveiled today the much-anticipated Kinvara 3 line of minimal running shoes and performance apparel that builds on the award-winning Kinvara launched in early 2010, which was among the first minimal running shoes available in the marketplace and positioned Saucony as an industry-leader in the minimal running footwear category.
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Defined by the Kinvara, the new collection introduces the all-new Kinvara 3, a lightweight, highly responsive training shoe featuring FlexFilm™ technology -- a thin, flexible film welded onto the upper that stabilizes the foot while reducing layers; the Kinvara TR, a low profile trail running shoe that fuses the award-winning fit and technologies of its namesake with off-road traction, protection and durability; and a range of eye-catching, brightly hued performance apparel items including shorts, tights, shirts, sportops and jackets made of advanced moisture-wicking fabrics, superior fit silhouettes, innovative performance features and FlexFilm™ aesthetics.
"The bottom line is that we want to be part of the runner's run every day," said Richie Woodworth, Saucony brand president. "To succeed in this goal, we need to deliver more than a great shoe, we need to inspire an incredible running experience and our new Kinvara collection is aimed at doing just that. The focal shoe in the line, Kinvara 3, is an ultra-lightweight, yet durable performer with a re-engineered outsole that delivers an even smoother transition than its predecessor. Without a doubt, this is the future of running."
Minimal shoes are lightweight and minimally constructed footwear with a lower heel-to-toe offset. The Kinvara 3 weighs only 7.7 ounces (based on a men's size 9). It is a performance training shoe with a 4mm heel-to-toe offset that positions the runner's foot during impact in a way that creates a greater range of motion than traditional running shoes (which typically have a 12mm heel-to-toe offset) for the Gastrocnemius-Soleus-Achilles tendon system, allowing for a more powerful running stride.
After studying wear patterns on thousands of test shoes, Saucony footwear designers adjusted the outsole design on the new Kinvara 3 to increase durability and promote an even smoother transition. XT-900 carbon rubber pods were strategically placed on areas of the Kinvara 3's outsole for enhanced durability without adding weight. The re-engineered outsole includes a beveled heel to better facilitate a natural rolling movement from heel-to-toe.