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We had a previous thread on the new minimalist TopoAthletic running shoes that were launched a couple of yrs ago with some big backers and a lot of fanfare. This launch happened just at the same time that the minimalist running shoe market was starting to collapse - what could be worse than launching a product in a declining market for that product?. That market now only makes up around 3-5% of the running shoe market, so TopoAthletic were fighting for a share of that 3-5% and at the same time the Hoka's brand is outselling that entire category of minimalist shoes!

TopoAthletic had to do something. What did they do? They appear to have abandoned their minimalist roots and added a whole lot of cushioning! (they still have the minimalist shoes, but have dropped the split toe version which was the initial flagship shoe).

They call it the Runduro.
http://shop.topoathletic.com/mens/run.html?colorid=1538&model=Runduro

The fan boys are not going to be impressed! They were ****** when the Altra's added a whole lot of cushioning!
(thanks to Roger for the heads up on this)

 

Looks like they ripped off the old Puma Disk of 1993!! After they ripped of the Tiger Tabi circa 1954 with the split toe!!

 

And I also heard that Chris McDougall is planning on writing a new book due to recent events in running shoe buying trends. It's title?

Born to Run: In Cushioned Shoes ;)

 

TopoAthletic now have a blog post on the Runduro:
http://topoathletic.com/blog/close-and-personal-with-the-runduro

anyone seeing that in the Hoka? ..... nope.
Why do brands that want credibility just make stuff up for?

 

Aloha,

Again we suffer from a lack systemization and consensus on the definition, materials, and manufacture of minimalist and maximalist shoe and Orthotic gait systems. Real science is getting lost in the marketing noise of foam.

I am working on The First Book of Maximalism called "Born to Run Faster" by Dr. Steven King.

Perhaps it will get a spot on Dr. Kirby's coveted book shelf.

A hui hoe,
Steve

Please consider supporting our mission called BOOTS FOR TROOPS on Kickstarter,com

 

REVIEW: Runduro Running Shoes from Topo Athletic

 

Review-Topo Athletic Ultrafly: Natural Ride Gets Cushion and a Touch of Stabilty

 

And here is what Topo Athletic said just two years ago about running shoes:

I suppose the saying, "Better to join them than to fight them" applies in this case? Or maybe they forgot what they said "that cushioning can insulate the foot from the feedback it needs to stabilize the body naturally during the gait cycle"?

Great example of a running shoe company "eating crow" but not even admitting to it. What a joke!:boxing::butcher:

 

$$$$$$$ and to give the rest of us something to talk about.

 

There is good news that some of our children's stories recognize this aspect of our culture.
It is too bad that the shoe companies do not...

In the early 1960's blown foam was added to the heels and soles of some running shoes.
In 2016 same same, why?
What innovations have we devised to improve the efficiency, stability and safety of our footwear?

Exerpt from Wall E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xToQ4cIHkk

Did you know (and hopefully care) that every year after year approximately 35 billion cubic liters of shoe foam waste is "disposed of" (hidden away) in our soils and seas?

Is Blue really the next Red?

Doing nothing is not doing Pono. S.K.

"Action expresses priority" - Mohandas Gandhi

"The only true love is love with action." J.C.

 

Press release in the other thread on the Topo Ahtletic shoe had this comment:

...so much for giving up their minimalist roots.