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ECCO: BIOM Spring/Fall +Winter 2012/13 Performance/Lifestyle Footwear

BIOM LITE (l) BIOM GRIP (r)

Outdoor Retailer, SLC

words/images Judith Ecochard

ECCO is a Denmark based brand that is making headways in the natural motion footwear category-with is launch of BIOM (biomechanical optimization) kickers-back in 2009

Since then the concept of "unlocking the body's intrinsic capabilities" to 'properly' walk/run/hike-move-with a natural gait---thereby strengthening the feet and lower leg muscles-and encouraging proper body alignment...is widely accepted.

Ecco's unique take on all of this -is the BIOM collection with its comfortable feel-the direct-injection outsoles that look pretty cool too-with anatomical lasts, its glove like fit and low to the ground construction.


BIOM TRAIL
















Smartly, ECCO BIOM's powers that be understand that one size/model does not fit all...and accounts for this with  a really huge assortment of performance footwear under the BIOM moniker---including kickers for HIKE, WALK, RUN (A-C-depending on speed and experience of the runner, and probably weight too), GRIP-for lifestyle everyday jaunts...GOLF, and TRAIN-good for gym sessions.






BIOM LITE


Besides task oriented criteria-the direct-injected PU midsoles and non-marking outsoles---designed with specific traction patterns- vary in thickness---and level of support. And personal preference def matters too.





BIOM GRIP 1.2-women's








BIOM GRIP 1.1







Lucky us-we were able to try out-the soft grain leather  BIOM TRAIN-that's lightweight-and ideally supportive---with an anatomical last based on 2500 foot scans. We wore ours to the gym on days when we did core---but we think these kickers can easily multi-task for certain kind of runners and for those using the cardio-machines...

Currently available in whole sizes-we found that we needed to wear super thick socks and not a minimally padded one---as we are a USA 8.5...but that worked just fine for us in the colder temps.
BIOM GRIP-men's







We also got a chance to try out the new BIOM LITE---"...the lightest, lowest most barefoot-like BIOM with its minimal cushioning and ultra low-profile..."

With our half size and narrow heels-we again had to wear super thick socks to obtain the "glove-like" fit---but really felt good with how we were able to do shorter distance runs, in the colder weather- in complete comfort. Nice.

The TPU outsole is super thin-but as we do not run on putting green quality grass---but on asphalt and on dirt trails with a few protruding rocks here and there-we appreciated what amount of protection was offered.

PLUS: With the textile uppers,  caged in leather---the shoes were flexible enough too. ALSO NICE.

IMO-the quality is outstanding-these are durably made shoes-that will probably last longer than other brands. Prices typically range from $150-$175

BIOM GRIP-men's





BIOM GRIP 1.1-men's






Siberia-KIEV-super lightweight, anatomically shaped midsole, warm and water repellant upper nubuck and suede
ECCO also produces an extensive lifestyle collection, accessibly priced...and we previewed some of the functional and rather stylish women's boot collection.
Siberia-RIGA-with fold down cuffs, Hydramax™ treated leather for permanent suppleness, highly water resistant uppers
Priced in the range of $200-225-so we were told, and therefore very competitive with other brands we saw at the tradeshow-

----the ECCO quality is there---the multi-functional grippy outsoles, and all day support---via a comfortable stride guaranteed with the proprietary Receptor® Technology-a "performance platform that makes the most of foot's systems for heel strike, mid-stance and push off---" which is the way we walk.





White soles are a throwback to our old Airwalk snowboard boots- and remind us of hightop sneakers too----


We thought these waterproof  Trace boots fun and functional.





Quilted styles are also popular---





Duck boot style-quilted lace-ups-with drawstring calf toggle-for a closure that really keep the elements out!


New-GORE TEX waterproof leather boots-nicely done-with contrast stitching, a hiker style lace-up, multi-functional outsoles that grip many surfaces that winter can bring on.

INFO: ECCO