ASICS launches all-in-one fuzeX TR

Source: ASICS. The fuzeX TR training shoe.

ASICS has launched fuzeX TR, a training shoe that leverages lightweight cushioning and cross-functional design to offer greater workout efficiency. The all-in-one shoe that delivers support to athletes across a variety of fitness backgrounds and levels of expertise, from high intensity interval training (HIIT), lifting free weights to running on a treadmill.

The launch of fuzeX TR is the latest step in ASICS’ expansion into the training category, a category projected to grow to more than US$55 billion globally by 2020. ASICS’ expertise in developing innovative footwear leaves it ideally positioned to develop training footwear that will allow people to maximise their potential and continuously improve their performance.

Workout efficiency is typically hampered by the inverse correlation between weight and cushioning in footwear. In developing fuzeX TR, the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) was able to overcome this through its proprietary lightweight fuzeGEL midsole, so the shoe still provides effective cushioning for training, but with a thinner and lighter sole. Weighing about 260g (US Men’ Size 9 Half pair), fuzeX TR is 5% lighter than other ASICS training shoes in the same category*.

Built with versatility in mind, fuzeX TR offers broad-spectrum training features, including flexible forefoot grooves that deliver excellent floor traction for multidirectional training movements. Positive patterns on the outsole offer added traction across multiple terrains.

The no-sew upper also provides comfort in all movements. With a sole positioned closer to the ground fuzeX TR delivers a light and direct ride in the heel portion. The shoe’s low profile offers a comfortable and stable base, functional across a wide variety of training activities.

“FuzeX TR marks the beginning of a series of products developed specifically to meet a wide range of training needs,” commented Paul Miles, Senior General Manager, Global Marketing Division, ASICS Corporation. “In the spirit of ASICS’ ongoing WANT IT MORE campaign, we hope to engage with and motivate fitness enthusiasts to achieve their goals.”

Interested?

Available for men and women, fuzeX TR will go on sale in Singapore at ASICS stores on August 1, retailing for S$179 a pair.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the ASICS Dynaflyte

Hashtag: #wantitmore

*Quantified research results measured against ASICS’ footwear products in the same training category by ASICS Institute of Sport Science with standard error up to +/-5g.

ASICS launches lightest-ever cushioning shoe for runners

Source: ASICS. The DynaFlyte.

ASICS has launched its lightest-ever cushioning shoe for runners. Delivering both light weight and cushioning, DynaFlyte features a full-length FlyteFoam midsole, ASICS’ patented* midsole technology in its purest form. With less weight to swing forward, runners experience less energy loss, more efficient running and the potential to unlock speed at any distance, the company says.

Maintaining effective cushioning while simultaneously reducing a shoe’s weight is a key challenge in running footwear development. Weighing in at about 270g***, DynaFlyte has become the lightest running shoe in the ASICS family**. 

At the core of DynaFlyte is FlyteFoam, ASICS’ patented lightweight and responsive cushioning technology — first trialled in the MetaRun shoe in November 2015. FlyteFoam is the result of about three years of development and over 300 prototypes tested at ASICS’ Institute of Sport Science (ISS), ASICS’ research & development center in Kobe, Japan. Built with reinforced fibres that work to maintain cushioning, it is approximately 55% lighter than the industry standard and is ASICS’ lightest midsole to date. Equipped with a full-length FlyteFoam midsole, DynaFlyte meets the highest level of cushioning standards among ASICS running footwear.

Interested?

DynaFlyte is available for men and women at ASICS stores and selected running outlets worldwide including in Singapore at a retail price of S$229 per pair.

Hashtags: #ASICS, #ASICSSG, #DynaFlyte, #WantItMore

*Patents: FlyteFoam: Japan
**Excluding light racing shoes and racing flats
***US men’s size 9: half pair

ASICS lightest-ever cushioning shoe is available for purchase. Get your pair of DynaFlyte running shoes today. #ASICS #ASICSSG #DynaFlyte

A photo posted by ASICS Singapore (@asicssg) on Jul 4, 2016 at 8:44pm PDT

NMD_R1 Primeknit from adidas Originals in stores from 30 January

Source: adidas Originals. 

Adidas Originals presents the NMD_R1 January release, which features the NMD Runner silhouette in a disruptive graphic for spring-summer 2016 (SS16),

Offered in a textured grey colourway, the new shoe blends the design of the NMD Runner with adidas Originals’ most forward-thinking technical elements. The upper is made of lightweight Primeknit textile in an all-over noise graphic with welded tape structural overlays, finished with tonal three-stripes atop the shoe’s distinctive midsole with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) inserts. 

Interested?

The new NMD retails at S$299 and is available from 30 January 2016 in Singapore at adidas Originals stores (Pacific Plaza, Bugis+), Limited EDT stores (313@Somerset, Marina Bay Sands), Pedder on Scotts, and Tangs at Orchard.

Hashtags: #NMD, #adidasOriginals, #adidassg

YEEZY BOOST shoes available in black suede

Kanye West and adidas Originals have released the second style of the popular YEEZY BOOST 750, which was the first collaborative product launched in February 2015.

The YEEZY BOOST 750 now combines comfort and performance with high-end style with an all-black premium suede version. The new style has a full length BOOST midsole, featuring adidas’ cushioning technology.

“Kanye believes in the highest quality and applies this ethic to any of his adidas products. He has a strong vision for all aspects of the 'adidas Originals by Kanye West' collaboration. In Kanye we found a partner at the top of his field who understands the adidas brand heritage, possesses a like-minded insight to the future of culture, and who, like us, has a desire to push the boundaries. With the YEEZY BOOST, Kanye brings his unique creativity and individuality to the forefront of design,” said Arthur Hoeld, General Manager, adidas Originals.

Interested?

Source: adidas Facebook page. Balloting in process.

The S$549 YEEZY BOOST 750 in black is now available in selected stores globally. In Singapore, limited pairs were balloted at the adidas Originals Store at Pacific Plaza and online from 2pm on 19 December. They sold out immediately.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the YEEZY BOOST 350 launch in August

Hashtags: #YEEZYBOOST, #adidasOriginals

YEEZY BOOST 350 launches 22 August

Kanye West and adidas Originals will launch the YEEZY BOOST 350 in an all black colourway at selected stores globally on August 22, 2015. The move follows the launch of the highly successful YEEZY BOOST 350 in a white colourway in June.

The shoe marks the third footwear model launched by West and adidas. The lo-top YEEZY BOOST 350 in black features uppers composed of tonal Primeknit: a material developed by adidas to fit like a second skin. Colour-coordinated outsoles offer comfort, performance, and style.

Interested?

Retailing at S$329, limited pairs of the YEEZY BOOST 350 will be available at the adidas Originals Store at Bugis+ and Limited Edition Chambers via a raffle system. It is also available on adidas online.

Adidas Originals has released a concept animation of the footwear. View the video.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the YEEZY BOOST's popularity

Hashtags: #adidasOriginals, #YEEZYBOOST

Pharrell Williams fronts new adidas Superstar Supershell shoes

Pharrell Williams returns with the Supershell family for adidas after the global success of Supercolor. Once again transforming the iconic Superstar model, this collection features a collaboration between Pharrell and friends and creative talents from around the world to bring a new chapter of the Superstar to life.

Source: adidas. The Superstar Supershell Artwork collection by Pharrell Williams.

The friends who have contributed to Supershell include Zaha Hadid, who is known for contributing designs for the national stadium in Japan and designing the Al Wakrah Stadium in Qatar. Hadid is an Iraqi-British architect whose projects have been hailed as architecture that transforms our ideas of the future with new spatial concepts and dynamic, visionary forms.

Todd James, another contributor, is a New York artist whose paintings and installations have been exhibited worldwide, including at both the 2001 and 2015 Venice Biennales. His works are influenced by Saturday morning cartoons, subway graffiti, American popular culture and world events.

Mr.'s works can also be seen on Supershell. Mr. is a Japanese contemporary artist based in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. He works in a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, and video. Rendered in the anime style, the girls in his paintings incorporate the unique Japanese concept of ‘moe’ (萌え) to depict a new form of beauty and refracted sexuality of the contemporary age. In 2014, he set his art to music by directing the music video for Williams’ It Girl.

In the Supershell Artwork Collection the artists’ designs are complemented with six of Pharrell’s own artworks, which explore life force as well as energy and its relationship with colour. With limited quantities and exclusive artworks designed for different regions around the world, the footwear comes in simple monochromatic colourways – black and white – allowing the artworks on the Shelltoe to take center stage.

The Sculpted Collection sees the different artists showcase their artworks in specially-moulded 3D designs on the Shelltoe, which is a first for the Superstar silhouette. The series is then completed by two of Pharrell’s personal designs, which speak of his interest in the concept of relativity.

Source: adidas. The Superstar Supershell Sculpted collection by Pharrell Williams. 

With designs offered in monochrome black and white colourways, the shoes in this family are interchangeable, presenting opportunities to mix and match individual shoes for personal expression.

Interested?

The Superstar Supershell Artwork collection is available at S$149 and the Superstar Supershell Sculpted collection for S$169 at all adidas Originals stores and the adidas online store.

Hashtags: #adidas, #adidassg, #Pharrell, #superstar

YEEZY BOOST sold out in Singapore

Source: adidas Originals. The YEEZY BOOST 350.

Taking a leaf out of Xiaomi's limited edition strategy to boost interest, Adidas Originals' YEEZY BOOST 350, launched in Singapore on 27 June, is already sold out online.

The shoe embodies Kanye West’s ambition of creating a clean, modern, effortless template for footwear and apparel and follows the launch of the sold-out YEEZY BOOST, which was itself a sequel to the YEEZY Season 1 by West and adidas Originals that was launched in this February at New York Fashion Week.

The shoe is designed for comfort and performance, and features an upper composed entirely of adidas’ Primeknit: a breakthrough material that fits like a second skin.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 costs S$329, if you can get your hands on it.

Hashtags: #adidasOriginals, #YEEZYBOOST

Adidas launches new Stan Smith models

The Stan Smith model goes 'wild' for the summer with the Wrapped Animal Pack. Offered in three colourways, the pack builds on the Stan Smith’s iconic silhouette by wrapping the out-sole in textured snake, alligator and crocodile leather.

Source: adidas.

Finished with a complement heel-tab accent in green, red and black, the original preppy sneaker now comes with a fashion edge. The Adidas Originals Stan Smith is based on a tennis model and is now a universal classic, with all-leather construction and understated design.

Hashtag: #adidasOriginals

Adidas brings Superstar 80s Pioneers Pack to Singapore

Source: adidas. Drawing on Superstar 80s by Gonz.

Adidas has launched the Superstar 80s Pioneers Pack, featuring collaborations with skater Mark Gonzales (Gonz) and designer NIGO. 

An innovator and an iconoclast, Gonz has redefined the ambitions of an entire generation of skateboarders. It is this hunger to create that inspired the Superstar 80s by Gonz. The all-white leather upper of the sneaker acts as a blank canvas for Gonz, who invites wearers to leave their own mark and customise the sneakers with markers that comes packaged with the Superstar 80s.

Source: adidas. The Superstar 80s by NIGO.

NIGO has proven time and time again that he is a master of the craft. His ability to connect the dots between tradition and the future, East and West, pop culture and high art has become his calling card, and is highlighted in the Superstar 80s by NIGO. Featuring the signature adidas Originals by NIGO ‘Grand Slam’ graphic, the all-over print envelops the upper of the Superstar 80s model and is a fitting homage to his love of sportswear and Americana – and classic footwear. 

The Superstar 80s by Gonz is available for S$149 at adidas Originals stores at Pacific Plaza, Bugis, 313 Somerset, JEM and Changi Airport Terminal 1 as well as Limited Edition stores at Queensway, 313 Somerset, Marina Bay Sands and JEM. The Superstar 80s by NIGO is also S$149 and available at shop.adidas.com.sg, CK Tangs (Orchard), and Bugis BHG in addition to all retail outlets listed for the Superstar 80s by Gonz above.

New Balance adds to men's and ladies' collections in Singapore this February

Source: New Balance. The M1500.

For Summer 2015 New Balance is introducing the Flying The Flag collection, its latest Made in UK themed pack, to Singapore.

The Made in UK Flying The Flag collection is available in the men’s classic 1500, 577 and CT300 in February 2015 with a suggested retail price range of S$229 to S$289. As its name suggests, the Made in UK Flying The Flag collection’s colour story and material execution are inspired by the Union Jack. Each shoe in the pack will come with a New Balance branded drawstring bag featuring the Union Jack and “Flying the Flag” text.

The shoes are done in pigskin with a perforated pigskin vamp and collar. Additional distinguishing details include a “Flying The Flag” liner and the standard woven label to highlight 'Made in UK'.

Source: New Balance. The Fresh Foam
Zante.

For the ladies, New Balance will add to the Fresh Foam collection with the Fresh Foam Zante, an everyday running shoe for runners seeking a smooth underfoot feel and a fast feeling transition through their stride. Applying the same software aided design process as the Fresh Foam Road and Trail, the New Balance design team took Fresh Foam Zante to the next level by studying foot strike and impact tendencies of runners, while running at a slightly faster pace. 

Engineered on a new, more form fitting last with a 6mm midsole offset, Fresh Foam Zante aims to provide runners with a more aggressive toe spring while bringing them slightly lower to the ground compared to its Fresh Foam 980 counterpart. A bootie construction delivers a smooth, sleek wrap on the foot with no-sew overlays and a breathable air mesh to complete the clean, technical upper design.

The soft, lightweight and flexible Zante will launch in February 2015 with a suggested retail price of S$169. 

Adidas Originals brings back the Superstar

Source: adidas.

This year, adidas Originals sets out to question what it means to be a superstar as part of a campaign to celebrate the legacy of the Superstar shoe, which was launched in 1969.

In a short film from adidas Originals, directed by Karim Huu Do, on what it means to be a superstar in 2015, Footballer David Beckham says: "It ’s not about trying to be the next big thing.’’ For Entertainer Pharrell Williams, "It’s not about the number of views, likes or shares’’. "It’s not about having your name on a flag or a jersey,’’ echoes pro Basketball player Damian Lillard, while singer-songwriter Rita Ora says, "It ’s not about following in someone else’s footsteps."

According to adidas, none of these superstars started out chasing fame. "Fame was a byproduct of their dedication and hard work. Whether it's 1969 or 2015 one thing is certain - there is no short cut to being a superstar," the company said in a statement.

Interested?

The Superstar Vintage pack range is now available at adidas and adidas Originals stores, retailing at S$159. Adidas stores are at Marina Bay Sands, Suntec City, Plaza Singapura, Parkway Parade, ION, Paragon, Orchard Gateway, Bugis Junction, Jurong Point, Causeway Point, and JEM; adidas Originals Stores are at JEM, 313@somerset, Pacific Plaza, Changi Airport (Terminal 1) and TANGS Orchard. The pack can also be bought at Limited Edition Stores at JEM, 313@somerset, as well as Limited Edition Chambers at Marina Bay Sands.

Watch the video here.

Hashtags: #adidas, #adidasOriginals, #Pharrell, #originalsuperstar

Final adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS delivery for 2014 coming 28 November

The final adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS product delivery for 2014 – with additional drops to follow in 2015 – finds Pharrell toying with the classic polka dot: a bold, fun print motif that signals both energy and joy. 

Source: adidas Originals. The Polka Dot Pack includes Stan Smith sneakers.

The Polka Dot Pack launches across Southeast Asia on November 28, and includes Stan Smith sneakers in leather. The Polka Dot Pack aims to express the most profound joy of all: love. With its youthful, uplifting spirit, offering imagery and styling that are approachable and “real”, the Polka Dot Pack strives to communicate the key tenet of the continued collaboration.

“Equality is love visualised. It is a symbol and action of affection. Equality is everything from a greeting to a declaration of true love. In all its forms – it is acceptance, it is love, it is strength,” says Pharrell Williams. 

The collection will arrive in a palette of yellow, blue and fresh white with small-scale red dots, with the sneakers priced at S$169. The sneakers will be available at the adidas Originals Stores in Singapore at Pacific Plaza, Bugis+, 313 Somerset, JEM as well as Limited Edition at 313 Somerset and Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. 

Hashtag: #adidas, #adidasOriginals, #Pharrell