Archives: Press Releases

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Nov. 30 2023 – Front Runner Dometic is known for its leading innovation and off-road tough overlanding and camping equipment. Dometic is proud to announce the release of the following three all-new Toyota Sequoia Roof Rack Kits: Slimline II, Slimsport and the Lightbar Ready Slimsport. Front Runner Dometic’s proven roof rack kits are modular, lightweight, strong, and multi-functional and can be combined with more than 55 rack accessories to customize Sequoia off-road adventures.

These state-of-the-art rack kits have been exclusively developed for the ever-popular Toyota Sequoia (2023-current). Thanks to all that extra gear-carrying capacity, they will make vehicle-based adventure planning a breeze for the new Sequoia owner.

The Sequoia was first launched in 2000 and is Toyota’s second biggest off-road offering in the US market right now. With the availability of the Slimline II or Slimsport Roof Rack Kits plus Sequoia-specific accessories, we expect one of America’s favorite off-roaders to make an even bigger impact, especially when it comes to gear-carrying capabilities.

The Front Runner Dometic racks are crafted with durability, utility, and style at their core, the iconic Slimline II and sleeker Slimsport racks are a great testament to Dometic’s commitment to quality and innovation. Pairing these top-of-the-range racks with the new Sequoia will open a whole new world of gear-carrying capabilities for the adventure-seeking Sequoia owner.

All three rack kits will give Sequoia owners access to more than 55 available Front Runner Dometic rack accessories. The best-selling expedition ready Slimline II rack can easily handle heavy storage boxes, extra water or fuel containers or a roof top tent. While the sleek and sporty vehicle hugging Slimsport Roof Rack is the best place to put bicycles, kayaks, and bulky luggage.

Key features of the Roof Rack Kits include high-density aluminum construction, bolt-on installation, and a versatile design that provides flexibility for various load-carrying capabilities.

Dometic has also launched several Sequoia-specific products: Ditch Mount A-Pillar Light Brackets, Base Deck cargo platform and a rear-fitting Ladder for easy rack access. These latest accessories will help Sequoia owners hit the trails in style.

While Toyota has a reputation for producing no-nonsense off-road vehicles, combine this with the ruggedness and durability of Front Runner Dometic roof racks and accessories, and then you have the complete adventure package. With a Front Runner Dometic Roof Rack, Sequoia owners can take on the toughest trails without having to worry about their gear.

The Toyota Sequoia Slimsport Roof rack Kit/Lightbar Ready (MSRP $1,260), Toyota Sequoia Slimsport Roof Rack Kit ($1260) and the Toyota Sequoia Slimline II Roof Rack Kit (MSRP $2,008) are now available for consumers to purchase directly from the online shop, or through our Experience Center in Agoura Hills, CA or through a local Dometic official dealer.

About Dometic

Dometic is a global market leader in the mobile living industry. Millions of people around the world use Dometic products in outdoor, residential, and professional applications. Our motivation is to create smart, sustainable, and reliable products with outstanding design for an outdoor and mobile lifestyle in the areas of Food & Beverage, Climate, Power & Control, and Other Applications. Dometic employs approximately 8,500 people worldwide, had net sales of SEK 29.8 billion (USD 3.0 billion) in 2022 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

About Front Runner

Front Runner is a South African manufacturer of camping and vehicle equipment based in Johannesburg. Founded in 1999, the company’s product range includes roof racks, drawer systems, tents, awnings, water tanks, other transport and storage solutions and a variety of camping accessories. It all started with a handful of friends from South Africa, who were equipped with know-how in technology, design, production and a penchant for off-road trips. After suffering from the fact that the existing equipment could not withstand their travels around the world, they developed new patented equipment and made it stronger and smarter. Today, Front Runner products enjoy a well-deserved reputation for quality, design and durability. On May 20, 2021, Front Runner was acquired by Dometic.

November 30, 2023 – The Clif Family Foundation is joining The Conservation Alliance as its newest Pinnacle Member with a $100,000 donation to the organization. The Clif Family Foundation (CFF) supports organizations that are working to transform food systems, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. The incredible donation helps fund The Conservation Alliance’s (TCA) highly diversified grantmaking portfolio, corporate advocacy program, and core operational expenses that shift the landscape of conservation.

Started by the founder and co-creators of Clif Bar & Company, Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the foundation has been supporting grassroots groups with inspiring ideas since 2006. To date, the organization has given $50 million to  1,225 trailblazing nonprofits supporting stronger food systems, community health, and conservation. With CFF’s  annual contribution, TCA is able to elevate their conservation efforts to not only increase outdoor recreation opportunities, but provide natural climate change solutions through carbon sequestration and avoided conversion.

“Pinnacle Members are undoubtedly the backbone of this organization,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “It is with their voice, and the voice of our 270 other member businesses, that we are able to have the impact we do. We not only appreciate their support, but we appreciate their trust in us – and commitment to help keep us growing and evolving.”

“The Conservation Alliance is a vital and essential force in safeguarding the public lands that we hold dear. As an organization dedicated to protecting the places we play, the Clif Family Foundation takes immense pride in upholding Clif Bar’s 17 year commitment to supporting The Conservation Alliance’s unwavering mission. It is our shared goal to preserve and protect North America’s breathtaking wilderness for all individuals to enjoy,” said Thao Pham, president of the Clif Family Foundation.

CFF joins a prestigious roster of Pinnacle Members including Patagonia, The North Face, KEEN, BMO, Public Lands Fund, and REI. Through their contributions, Pinnacle Members represent an existential source of support in TCA’s fight to preserve and expand outdoor spaces and wild places. Pinnacle Member companies believe that the future of business depends on a healthy planet, and unite under TCA’s shared vision of conservation to protect public land and water, create jobs, help local communities, and provide for future generations.

To learn more about Pinnacle Membership opportunities, visit ConservationAlliance.com/Pinnacle-Membership.com. To learn more about TCA and how it is protecting wild places and outdoor spaces, visit ConservationAlliance.com.

About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

About Clif Family Foundation

The Clif Family Foundation was started in 2006 to support small-to-midsize grassroots groups led by people whose vision and commitment the foundation deeply admired. It has been proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to transform our food systems, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of the environment and natural resources. CFF looks forward to expanding the reach and impact of the foundation in the years to come. This includes working with more organizations to make their innovative ideas a reality and supporting a new generation of leaders. The CFF operates with the belief that we can all do more good in the world. For more information on Clif Family Foundation, visit www.cliffamilyfoundation.org.

 

 

MUNICH (Nov. 30, 2023) Houdini Sportswear, the global circular outdoor company dedicated to versatile minimalist styles, amplified its sustainability commitment at ISPO Munich 2023 with a preview of its 2023 Planetary Boundaries Assessment set to be released in Q1 2024. Houdini challenges other brands to do better for the planet. The company is leading by example with the debut of a new collaboration with long term partner Polartec®, a garment series using the next generation Polartec® Power Shield™, a 3-layer shell fabric made with Biolon™, a renewable, non-GMO plant-based nylon. [At ISPO this protype was displayed at booth number B1-324].

 

Houdini shared topline findings from the 2023 Planetary Boundaries update. This research assesses the health of the planet over time and builds upon the brand’s own advances and progress since the last report in 2018. Houdini began this initiative in 2015 working together with earth system scientists from the Stockholm Resilience Center/Alba Eco, known for research on specific angles of sustainability science, resilience and social-ecological systems. For this initiative, Houdini looked at nine different aspects of its environmental impact – or Planetary Boundaries – including: Climate Change, Novel Entities, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Atmospheric Aerosol Loading, Ocean Acidification, Biochemical Flows, Fresh Water Use, Land System Change and Biosphere Integrity. 

 

Houdini CEO Eva Karlsson noted, “The 2023 findings are abysmal. It was the first time all nine planetary boundaries could be analyzed, and research concluded that an alarming six out of nine boundaries have been breached. With the exception the Stratospheric Ozone Boundary, we are moving in the wrong direction. Novel Entities, the boundary that assesses the level of chemical pollution, including micro plastics and hazardous chemicals like PFAS, is the boundary that has been breached the furthest. Chemical pollution, from hazardous chemicals like PFCs and PFAS used in certain waterproof/breathable membranes and in conventional DWR-treatments, causes large-scale disturbances in ecosystems and species, including humans.” 

 

“We are using world-leading science to evaluate all aspects of the impact our business has on our planet’s ecosystems,” Karlsson continued. “It is a very tangible way for us to improve and to show our love and respect for nature. Outdoor companies have the power to change their ways, to phase out toxic chemicals such as PFAS, in favor of planet-compatible alternatives. We can and should all do better.”

 

In keeping with planet-forward innovation, Houdini’s new shell collaboration features Polartec Next Generation Shell Layers which have a 50 percent* lower carbon footprint than virgin Nylon 6.6 and a reduced reliance on fossil resources. Measuring in at 20.000 mm H2O and 20.000 g/m²/24h, the weather protection and breathability places the garments head-to-head with other high performance shell layers on the market. 

 

“What really makes the difference though, is how it feels to wear it,” said Jesper Danielsson, Houdini chief product officer. “The light, smooth and incredibly strong garments follow the wearer’s every move and take shell layer comfort to a new level. This shell layer series is currently in the prototype field testing phase and will be perfected in 2024.”

 

“We believe that leaving the world a better place than we found it is a responsibility for everyone,” said Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president and business manager Polartec/government defense business unit at Milliken and Company. ”The launch of Biolon Nylon based fabrics marks an important step in that journey. For a long time, many thought that more sustainable options meant a loss in performance, like durability, Polartec has proved that this is not the case.”

 

New for Houdini’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection are the Ride Jacket, a minimalistic, all round freeride shell jacket, and the Moonwalk Houdi, a hybrid mid-layer with the perfect balance between warmth, weather protection and breathability using Polartec® Power Air™ Light. 

 

About Houdini

Houdini is an odd band of adventurers, artists, designers and engineers, reimagining the future of outdoor apparel. Ever since Houdini evolved from a project among climbing buddies into a company in 1993, responsible business has been their way. 

 

Houdini offers a complete wardrobe of progressive performance apparel for the outdoors and a live-large-with-less way of life. The brand is based in Stockholm, Sweden and their products can be found at select retailers worldwide.

 

As innovators of sustainable design and pioneers of circular business models, Houdini wants to inspire and enable more people to experience the splendor of our home planet and transform our way of living to reconnect the bond between humans and the natural world.

 

About Polartec^®

Polartec^®, a Milliken & Company brand, are a collective of curious minds, relentless innovators and dedicated problem solvers. We look beyond the existing and we create original. If it can be made, we will make it. And if it can’t? We’ll find a way. We are the originators and inventors of fleece. Our unique unrivaled innovations continue to lead and layer the future. Complete trust and authenticity are inherent in all our products, ultimately empowering people to concentrate on their moment, their activity and their unique experience in life without distractions. Our fabrics go beyond industry standards, with lightweight wicking and cooling, warmth and insulation, breathable weather protection, fire resistance, enhanced durability and more. Polartec products are used by performance, lifestyle, and workwear brands from around the world, the U.S. Military and allied militaries, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com and follow Polartec on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

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Industry-Leading Tactical Apparel and Gear Brand Makes Moves at The Executive Level to Drive Continued Omni-Channel Growth COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 30, 2023 — 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™, announced today a planned transition in the senior leadership of the company, effective January 1, 2024. Co-founder and former CEO, Francisco J. Morales, will be promoted to the position of Executive Chair of the Board of Directors, while current 5.11 Board Member, Troy R. Brown, will become Chief Executive Officer.

In these new roles, Mr. Brown will assume day-to-day leadership of the company while Mr. Morales will continue to work with the leadership team on corporate and product strategy. Mr. Morales will remain a significant shareholder in 5.11 Tactical. “I am incredibly proud of our amazing team and all we’ve been able to accomplish,” stated Mr. Morales. “Troy’s abilities and strong direct-to-consumer track record at Zumiez and other brands including Eddie Bauer, Nautica, and Tommy Bahama, will accelerate our transformation and allow us to provide world class customer experiences. I look forward to collaborating with Troy and the rest of the leadership team in my new role as Executive Chair and remain excited about the future of 5.11.”

Founded in 2003, 5.11 Tactical is the industry leader in technical apparel, footwear, and gear, designed to meet the rigors of life’s most demanding missions. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, the company sells its products through its 124 company-owned retail store locations in the domestic United States, two retail locations internationally in Hamburg, Germany and Bankstown, Australia, more than 1,114 active wholesale partners globally, and through its ecommerce website www.511Tactical.com.

Since joining 5.11’s Board of Directors in 2019, Mr. Brown has provided instrumental advice and guidance, assisting the brand in its rapid nationwide expansion. In regard to his new role Mr. Brown said, “5.11 is an authentic brand with a powerful soul and meaningful purpose and I am thrilled to be able to lead the business in its next phase of growth. What Franciso has done over the last five years to “Serve those who Serve” has been nothing short of exceptional and I am honored to partner with him and the fantastic team at 5.11. Always Be Ready is core to who I am and how I live my life. I am eager to infuse this philosophy throughout our entire ecosystem by creating extraordinary experiences for our customers across all areas of our business.”

About 5.11, Inc.

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create Purpose-Built Gear™ to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical 5.11, 5.11 Tactical, Always Be Ready, and Purpose-Built Gear™ are trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

About Compass Diversified

Since its founding in 1998, Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) has consistently executed its strategy of owning and managing a diverse set of highly defensible, middle-market businesses across the niche industrial, branded consumer and healthcare sectors. The company leverages its permanent capital base, long-term disciplined approach, and actionable expertise to maintain controlling ownership interests in each of its subsidiaries, maximizing its ability to impact long-term cash flow generation and value creation. For more information, please visit www.compassdiversified.com.

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 30, 2023) — Wiley X, a global leader and pioneer in premium protective eyewear, recently donated 55 pairs of its eyewear in addition to making a generous $20,000 donation to the non-profit organization Troops Direct. Troops Direct, a non-profit focused on providing active-duty servicemembers with critically needed items at no cost, recently co-hosted an evening of fundraising for active-duty members of U.S. Special Forces Teams in the town of Fairview, Texas. Among those in attendance was Myles Freeman, President and Co-Owner of Wiley X and his wife Alicia.

During the fundraising festivities, which took place at the home of a very generous family who actively supports U.S. servicemembers, Freeman was made aware of a strong need for reliable protective eyewear among local teams of the U.S. Special Forces. He quickly committed to providing the much-needed product in addition to donating $20,000 to Troops Direct. “Wiley X was able to donate $20,000 to the cause and I’m just honored we can play a role in equipping our troops with whatever gear they are lacking in that specific moment,” Freeman said. “Those who defend our freedom should be the first we think of in their time of need and Troops Direct does an incredible job behind the scenes to ensure they get the support they need.”

Wiley X, which recently relocated its headquarters from Northern California to Frisco, Texas, is the veteran-founded, family-owned business that has been supplying all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces with premium proactive eyewear since its founding in 1987. The brand developed a partnership with Troops Direct many years ago and has donated its products to the non-profit’s efforts on several occasions. “Wiley X has come through time and time again for our heroes positioned across 100 countries,” said Troops Direct CEO and Founder Aaron Negherbon. “It is because of the loyal support of Wiley X that many of our Americans have been able to effectively accomplish their missions while having the security of Wiley X eye protection to protect their vision in the face of hostile fire, field trauma care and IED threats.”

To learn more about Wiley X and its mission to provide uncompromising protection, visit www.wileyx.com. To learn more about Troops Direct and it’s non-profit efforts, visit www.troopsdirect.org. ###

About TroopsDirect.org

Troops Direct is the only non-profit organization of its kind supplying our active duty servicemembers with any critically needed items that they cannot access through traditional government supply lines. Their mission is to help our heroes in uniform accomplish their missions and return home safe to their loved ones at no cost to the requesting unit. Troops Direct is a 501c3 non profit organization.

About Wiley X

Eyewear Wiley X is a family-owned, veteran-founded eyewear brand with deep roots in protection. They have been providing premium protective products to the U.S. Military, Law Enforcement and select retail channels for over 35 years. Wiley X builds and rigorously tests every product to the highest standards in safety and optics. Every adult model of Wiley X eyewear meets or exceeds ANSI Z87.1+ occupational safety standards. Learn more at www.wileyx.com

MARBLEHEAD, Mass., (November, 29, 2023) –  UYN Sports (“Unleash Your Nature”), a global leader in sustainable technical apparel, footwear and accessories, today named accomplished alpine ski racer Bode Miller as its first U.S. brand ambassador. Miller’s notable achievements include six Olympic medals and the record for the most World Cup victories by an American male alpine ski racer, with 33 wins across various disciplines. Miller and UYN are creating the Bode Miller Signature Baselayer Collection for men and women. This exclusive line of Natyon 3.0 base layers uses 40% Natex, a 100% bio-based material made from castor oil seeds. This line will be available starting this winter season in unisex sizing.

UYN’s Natyon 3.0 design, specifically crafted for competitive use, incorporates thermal insulating structures and ventilation systems. These features ensure an ideal microclimate for the body, retaining heat with memory technology at the quadriceps and calf muscles, preventing the loss of heat. In addition, each piece includes Coolvent in the abdominal region to absorb and remove excess perspiration, along with a breathable Drylight insert located behind the knee for enhanced comfort and performance.

“Bode Miller, one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport of skiing, understands that performance goes beyond his skis,” said Marco Redini, CEO and founder of UYN. “To build the career that he did, Miller used top of the line apparel, gloves, helmets, boots and poles enabling him to deliver the best results. He will bring this spirit of excellence to our collaboration. We look forward to a long-term partnership.”

“I am happy to be a part of this collaboration,” shared Miller. “The focus on sustainability,  innovation, quality, and functionality resonates with my approach to sports and fitness. Athletes and winter enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail; It’s an exciting step forward for sportswear.”

Today, UYN supplies ski teams around the globe with its Natyon collection including Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Spain, Great Britain and China. Made in country-specific colors and adorned with the relevant coat of arms, this line creates an instantly recognizable style for top athletes and winter sports enthusiasts.

For more information and shop the collection, visit UYNsports.com

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About UYN, a Trerè Innovation Company

Trerè Innovation was founded in 1950 in Asola, Italy producing only technical stockings by Luigi Redini, father of today’s CEO, Marco Redini. Today, it is respected for its next generation sustainable technologies in design and manufacturing. The company’s Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sports (AREAS), its 38,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art testing facility, enables Trerè Innovation to engineer best-in-class fabrics, subjecting them to the toughest tests in a climate wind tunnel, a rain room and a cold chamber.

In 2018, Trerè Innovation introduced UYN (pronounced “win”), “Unleash Your Nature” apparel, footwear and technical socks for running, winter sports, outdoor and cycling. Today, national ski teams use the brand’s base layers including Austria, China, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

In addition to UYN, Trerè Innovation manufactures private label products for iconic global brands including Christian Dior, Harley-Davidson, PUMA and Rossignol, among others, and owns TITICI^®, a premier bike brand that has carbon fiber models for road, gravel, mountain and electric biking. Today, UYN has 11 stores in Italy, one store in Germany, and has plans to open a store in Boston, Massachusetts, two stores in the U.K. as well as 20 more locations throughout Europe and one in Beijing. Trerè Innovation and UYN have won over 570 international awards and competitions for innovation, quality and functionality since Trerè Innovation’s founding in 1950. Trerè Innovation is also a licensed manufacturer and distributor of Citröen Jeep, and Replay brands.

 

ANNECY, FRANCE (Nov. 29, 2023) —Salomon unveils a new high-performance race-day running shoe built to deliver the same benefits to everyday runners that elite-level marathoners receive from their shoes. The S/LAB Spectur running shoe, available in May 2024, is a racing shoe that features the same premium materials and technologies used in the shoes of elite runners, but in a design package that benefits middle-of-the-pack runners for their performance objectives. The S/LAB Spectur is not intended to be another training shoe, but a race-day shoe that helps everyday runners perform their best when they want to set a new personal record.

The goal of the S/LAB Spectur was to design a running shoe that would help everyday runners be more efficient, similar to what “super shoes” do for elite-level marathoners looking to break world records. When Salomon’s footwear research and development (R&D) team dove deep into the topic in 2021, they discovered that modern “super shoe” designs were benefitting only a small segment of the running population—the most elite 4 percent who run at 14 kilometers per hour or faster (a sub-3-hour marathon pace). They asked themselves how they could deliver a “super shoe” for runners who have different biomechanics than elites.

“Pace and biomechanics determine what shoe design will be efficient for runners and, as a consequence, most runners do not have the same functional needs as elite runners,” says Marlene Giandolini, sports and consumer scientist for Salomon. “Today’s super shoes have rocker shapes, carbon plates and narrow heels, and are built for an extremely exclusive group of elite runners. Our studies in the Salomon Sport and Consumer Sciences Lab found that for those who run slower, these ‘super shoe’ designs were, in fact, impairing their efficiency.”

With this research in hand, the Salomon footwear design team set out to build a ‘super shoe’ for the majority of runners—people who take their running seriously and set goals, but do not have the same form, biomechanics or body types as elite-level runners.

“We believe that elites do not have a monopoly on performance,” Giandolini says. “At Salomon, we believe that performance is a matter of mindset and commitment rather than pace and time. Therefore, our belief is that everyone who trains to beat his or her personal best deserves a ‘super shoe’ that can help them do that.”

Whether your goal is a sub four-hour marathon or a 45-minute 10K road race, the S/LAB Spectur delivers race-day exclusivity in an inclusive package for everyday runners. The shoe is designed with all the innovative bells and whistles that “super shoes” for elite athletes offer. It’s lightweight (235 grams / 8.2 ounces) with a specifically engineered carbon plate, dual foam cushioning and an enhanced midsole geometry to improve stability. The difference is in how those features work together to provide the right balance between propulsion and stability.

“The question we asked was: How do you make running more efficient? Because that’s what ‘super shoes’ are doing for elite runners who are chasing world records,” says Gatien Airiau, Salomon’s product line manager for road running and an elite distance runner himself. “We’re not trying to change anyone’s running form; the S/LAB Spectur does not change how you run. We’re trying to leverage your biomechanics and your pace to make the fastest shoe possible for you. We didn’t take an elite athlete’s shoe and then take down it to amateur runners. We started from scratch to make a shoe that gives everyday runners the same access to shoe innovations that elites have.”

The patented design of the S/LAB Spectur features a more resilient full-length energyFOAM+ midsole, with a top layer made from premium PEBA material, that delivers energy return and unrivalled cushioning. The top foam layer is made from premium PEBA material to deliver This works together with the rocker shape of the shoe to ease propulsion and improve the rocker effect by moving the pivot point backward from where it would be in an elite runner’s shoe.

As most everyday runners strike the ground with their heel first, stability and heel-to-toe transition have been major focus points in the S/LAB Spectur design. The carbon Energy Blade plate in the shoe has a unique shape that delivers a balanced transition from heel to toe. The shoe also has a wider heel platform than shoes designed for elite runners to improve stability. Finally, the upper of the S/LAB Spectur features more padding than an elite runner’s racing shoe because most runners spend far more time in their shoes than the fastest runners on the planet, meaning that they are looking for extra comfort. The shoe has an 8 mm drop.

“We have fast shoes for the elites, like the Salomon S/LAB Phantasm,” says Airiau. “And now, with the S/LAB Spectur, we have a speed shoe for the rest of the running population. The people who have goals, but winning is not one of them.”

The Project: Speed FOR ALL

To create the S/LAB Spectur, sports scientists at the Salomon Sport and Consumer Sciences Lab in Annecy, France, tested more than 200 different runners over more than two years in a project they called “The Democratization of Speed.” The goal was to help everyday runners win their own race.

The team started the project with a study that has since been published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology (Chollet et al. 2022). First, they administered various physiological (oxygen consumption/energy expansion), biomechanical (stability and gait analysis) and sensory (assessment of heel stability and heel cushioning) tests to elite and non-elite runners running in popular “super shoes” that are designed for elite runners.

“Since 2016, most brands were innovating with carbon-plated running shoes, but we thought maybe not all the people using them might be benefiting from them, so that was really the starting point,” says Airiau. “The speeds of elite runners and everyday runners are different, and the needs are completely different as well. Normally, the two groups do not have the same body shape or the same stride, meaning the technical answers that we bring to those sets of runners should be different. And that was the reason why we created S/LAB Spectur.”

With the Sports Science Team, Salomon’s footwear R&D experts developed multiple prototype models of the shoe that would become the S/LAB Spectur, adjusting the shoe’s features along the way and measuring the effects on everyday runners using the same physiological, biomechanical and sensory tests to see what designs aided performance (and which impeded). When everyday runners performed the running test with both the S/LAB Spectur and one of the best-selling shoes on the market, the team discovered that the runners were able to reduce their oxygen consumption while using the S/LAB Spectur.*

“If you improve your efficiency, you save more energy and run faster later in the race,” Giandolini says. “Let’s say you are running at 10 km/hour. If you reduce your oxygen consumption by 4%, you may, in theory, increase your running velocity by approximately 4.5%. That could translate to a 7-minute gain in your marathon finishing time.”

The S/LAB Spectur will be available on Salomon.com and at select specialty retailers in May 2024. For questions on the S/LAB Spectur and Salomon, please contact senior account manager Corinne Baud at corinne.baud@rygr.us.

* Blind study conducted with 50 runners, running alternatively with S/LAB Spectur and one of the best-selling running shoes on the market.

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About Salomon: Salomon is the modern mountain sports lifestyle brand creating innovative, premium and authentic footwear, apparel and winter sports equipment in the French Alps. At the Annecy Design Center, designers, engineers and athletes intersect to shape the future of sports and culture. At Salomon, we exist to unleash the best in people through mountain sports.

 

 

 

 

 

BOULDER, Colo. – November 29, 2023 – Nite Ize^®, a leading manufacturer of innovative solution-based products, announced its INOVA^® T4R^® Long Throw Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight was named a 2023 Golden Hammer Award winner by Hardware + Building Supply Dealer (HBSDealer). The 1,000-meter beam flashlight was recognized amongst several nominees for its outstanding innovation.

“This recognition is gratifying, especially with this respected field of nominees who share our passion for engineering state-of-the-art solutions,” said Rick Case, CEO of Nite Ize. “With a beam distance of one kilometer, this flashlight illuminates through the most challenging of conditions, making it an indispensable piece of equipment in any critical mission. It is truly a shining achievement.”

This weather-resistant (IPX4) and drop-tested flashlight is primed to perform when users need it most, providing a far-reaching 1,000-meter beam distance with 1220 lumens. It features a precision-engineered aerospace-grade aluminum body, military-spec Type III hard coated anodized finish, protected optical system and aggressive knurling pattern for positive grip. Its mid-body switch activates six modes, running up to 112 hours on low and recharging in four hours in its included mountable charging cradle. The kit comes complete with USB AC and DC power supplies and international plug adapters. Lastly, its included rechargeable battery is removable and can be charged directly via USB-C cable (not included). MSRP $224.99

The Golden Hammer Awards were founded in 1987 by National Home Center News, the forerunner of HBSDealer. The current awards program was relaunched in 2019 and recognizes excellence in home improvement products, retail and manufacturer advertising campaigns and industry leadership.

About Nite Ize

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Nite Ize designs, manufactures and globally distributes innovative, inventor-driven products that creatively solve everyday challenges. Nite Ize offers more than 500 products across various channels including: Waterproof Protection, Mobile, Tie-Downs + Bungees, Key Accessories, Illumination, Bike + Fitness and Pet. Led by original founder Rick Case, Nite Ize team members are passionate about their products, customers, partners and the environment. For more information, visit NiteIze.com.

 

 

 

 

COLUMBUS—On Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, media are invited to a panel discussion hosted by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) at WOSU’s Ross Community Studio to reveal new data about the trail networks that are developing across the country, and the effect that infrastructure will and is having on America.

The panel will feature RTC, Latino Outdoors, and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for a discussion about the urgency to connect this walking, biking and active transportation infrastructure and what it will take to get there, spotlighting Columbus as a specific example of progress and potential.

What:         America’s Trail Networks—An Exploration of the Scope and Impact of the Nation’s Developing Trail Networks

When:        Dec. 12, 1 p.m. Eastern

Where:       WOSU’s Ross Community Studio, 1800 N. Pearl St., Columbus, Ohio (See it on a map.)

Who:          Ryan Chao, President, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

                   William Murdock, Executive Director, MORPC

Melodie Mendez, Northeast Regional Coordinator, Latino Outdoors

Note:          For those participating virtually, the discussion will be streamed live from WOSU’s studio at railstotrails.org

Press interested in attending in person or virtually should RSVP to Patricia Brooks at patricia@matchmapmedia.com.

Columbus is home to some of the nation’s best trails. That’s why it’s the hub of the regional Central Ohio Greenways network, an anchor in the statewide Ohio to Erie Trail, and along the route of the cross-country

Great American Rail-Trail, which stretches 3,700 miles from Washington, D.C., to Washington State. The region’s longstanding commitment to trail development makes it a prime example of what it takes to prioritize and accelerate the pace of efforts to connect trails into larger active recreation and active transportation systems across the country.

Research shows that connecting trails and other walking and biking networks significantly maximizes the benefits of the infrastructure and is critical to efforts to encourage more people to walk and bike as part of their day-to-day activities. In Ohio and other states across the country, federal funding to support the development of trails, walking and biking infrastructure is at an all-time high. That funding, paired with the demand from people and places for more safe, convenient ways to walk, bike and be active outside, has created a perfect storm for advancing the connectivity of the country’s trails and active transportation infrastructure. This event is part of RTC’s TrailNation™ initiative, redefining how the country builds trail networks and the impact these equitable trail systems can have on people and places. Learn more about efforts across the country to expand access to safe spaces to walk, bike and be active outside at railstotrails.org/trailnation.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outside. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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