Mark Lunblad, Team Manager for Team Inov-8, takes a moment to answer your questions regarding shoes, training and racing.
BRC: Let's talk about lacing systems. How can tying methods like the Loop Lock Low boost my performance and/or comfort on the trail, rather than just using a standard bow?"
Lundblad: Our shoes come out of the box with a high loop lock lacing system in place for extra heel hold. This lacing system ensures a secure heel and forefoot hold. It also locks off the lacing while distributing pressure across the metatarsals through utilizing the top two eyelets. This is in conjunction with our lower heel cut which gives the ankle joint a larger range of motion and less pressure on the Achilles heel. It cradles the foot more evenly.
BRC: How can performance footwear be designed to accommodate the varying levels of sensitivity preferred by different athletes? In other words, how does Inov-8 equip such a wide range of athletes who require such a wide range of comfort on the trail?
Lundblad: For technical footwear a good fit is essential to enhance your performance while running. We achieve this by combining key elements such as the last of the shoe and the lacing system previously mentioned. We have several lasts modeled around the actual shape of a foot, ensuring a secure heel hold while allowing the forefoot to assume a natural unrestricted position throughout the running cycle. Our performance last has a more precise fit ensuring minimal internal movement in the shoe when contouring, ascending and descending. Our endurance last is a more generous fitting last offering a comfortable fit more ideal for longer distances. We have a range of midsole cushioning levels denoted by an arrow system of 1-4 levels. Our performance lasted shoes have 1-2 arrow cushioning while the endurance last has 3-4 arrow cushioning. The lower the arrow the less cushioning and more ideal for shorter runs or racing with greater flexibility in the shoe. The higher the arrow level helps to provide more cushioning for long up to ultra distances. We offer 25+ models of trail type footwear so there is definitely a shoe in our lineup that will have the fit and functionality for every type of athlete.
BRC: What sorts of rubber compounds does Inov-8 use to handle the different surface types on the trails? How do your shoes grip the terrain?"
Lundblad: We have 3 different sole compounds to match up well with all types of terrain. We have sticky rubber compound specifically developed using climbing rubber technology. This sticky rubber optimizes grip in wet conditions and is available in all our Goretex models and the majority of our performance lasted shoes. The sticky rubber outsole does tend to wear a bit faster. Our endurance rubber compound has been formulated for an optimal balance on wear and mixed terrain grip. The endurance rubber lasts longer and is found in most of the endurance lasted shoes. Finally we have a translucent outsole that is used in most of our Parkour and Urban models utilizing a non-marking sticky rubber compound.
We have several different outsoles providing grip for all trail and even road surface types. The Roclite outsole is very popular because it is so versatile. It can handle the muddiest trail and still feel comfortable running on paved or hard compact surfaces. The Mudclaw and Mudroc outsoles are best utilized for grass, mud and snowy conditions. The Terroc and F-lite outsoles are perfect for hard compact surfaces on trail and some road use. Whatever the surface we have you covered.
BRC: How are the Inov-8 Teams doing this year? Will they be making any future stops in the Southeast?”
Lundblad: Yes, we have several races that our athletes are competing in the SE this year. The US Team is comprised of 37 individual athletes representing disciplines of trail running, Mountain Running, Xterra, Ultra Running, speed hiking and climbing. We also have sponsored 5 Adventure Race teams who have been putting up some incredible performances thus far in 2008. An amazing stat is that Team Inov-8 athletes have won 33 races and have finished in the top three, 47 times just through May of 2008.
(Team Inov-8 runners Shiloh Mielke and Meadow Tarves will be making a splash in Spruce Pine, NC in August at the Springmaid Splash Trail Race10K – an official Blue Ridge Cup race.)
BRC: How do interested runners learn more about joining the Inov-8 team?
Lunblad: Anyone interested in sponsorship for the 2009 season needs to contact Mark Lundblad, mark@inov-8.us. The 2008 application process is closed.
--------------------
Want to know more?
Please send any questions you might have about racing, training or shoes/apparel to Chris Weller, chris@blueridgeoutdoors.com. We’ll do our best to get answers for you from the folks who know it best.
|
