This week's peep at what will be on the shelves next spring takes in The North Face's new range, where innovative trail shoes and ultra long distance running gear are the order of the day.
Footwear
First the footwear, in case you want to look away before we get to the hard core endurance stuff …
There are a couple of new technologies to look out for in next year's range. The first is something called SnakePlate Technology, which is an upgrade on the plate in your sole unit that protects the under side of the foot from sharp protruding objects.
Conventional sole units often feature a solid plate, but of course this can be a bit on the weighty side if you've got a long run ahead of you, so TNF have decided it would be best if the plate were perforated in some way. More gaps equal less weight, but on the flip side of the coin, it also equals greater vulnerability. So what's the answer?
Well, the designers at The North Face reckon you get the best ratio of weight to protection by having a snake-shaped foot plate, which twists and turns along the length of your foot like a series of switchbacks on an alpine pass. That way, the gaps between protected areas are even - and quite small - but there's a fair bit less plate involved.
The other innovation is caled X-technology which has two parts. There's the X-Frame, which is a support system around the ankle offering both medial and lateral support, according to TNF. Then there's the X-Dome, which cushions the heel and is supposed to give maximum rebound after each step.
We haven't tried either system yet but we'll let you know what we think once they're on the shelves. In the meantime, here's one of the models to look out for that's fully X-technologised and SnakePlated as well ...
It's called the Rucky Chucky after the river crossing on the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, so it's no surprise that it's aimed at endurance runners, and that will be on the shelves next spring. The one in the picture is the women's version, but there's a men's equivalent too.
If you see yourself as more of a weekend rambler then a new hiking boot is also set to hit the market which might be more down your street. It's called the Dhaulagiri GTX after the world's seventh highest peak, and this one's only for the blokes. Features include the new X-frame technology, a vibram outsole, a full-length TPU shank, heel and toe guards, a Gore-Tex membrane, and a textile mesh upper.
Other additions to the range include a new Gore-Tex version of the Hedgehogs, which we reviewed last year, and the new Padda multi-sport shoe, for anyone who likes to vary their time on the trail with a few dips in passing rivers.
Long Distance Trail Running
Over the last few years, TNF have often been associated with the high street so their emphasis next year on an endurance running range might be an attempt to remind the world that they haven't given up on the cutting edge.
Unless you consider marathons a bit too short, you probably won't be making a bee-line for the new products in this range as soon as it hits the shelves, but it's still interesting to see what's on the ultra fast-and-light market.
Firstly, there's the Women's Diad Jacket which is a waterproof shell with a full zip and hood, made of HyVent Dry Touch fabric. It weighs in at a mere 201g, so that definitely shouldn't slow you down too much.
The Men's Triumph Anorak is even lighter, at only 152g, and it uses the same fabric, although this time it's a pullover rather than a zip-up. And if you don't want a waterproof shell then the soft shell offering is called the Hydrogen Jacket, available for both men and women at 87g or 73g respectively. It's made of ripstop nylon and includes reflective logos which, according to TNF "are positively space aged". You can make up your mind on that one ...
And more ...
It won't all be SnakePlated footwear and high performance, bonkers-light trail running gear in 2008. There's plenty of new stuff across the range, from zip-off trousers to Magic Seam jackets, and hydration systems to rucksacks like the new Primero packs below. They use the EVA injection-molded foam that you find in most of the footwear collection, except this time it's in the pack's back system, providing ventilation and keeping off the sweat.
Oh yes, and there's the odd new skirt as well!
Full details of TNF's current range are available on their website.
