by Larry Eder
Back in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, German shoe cobbler Adi Dassler put together what was probably the one and only ultimate racing shoe in the world.
He did it for a particular athlete.
Jesse Owens!
Dassler would then go on to create and lead the three-striped adidas brand to an epic rise throughout the world.
Throughout the years, the shoe giants have always been locked into combat to make an ultimate racing shoe.
In 2016, many of our favorite running/racing shoe companies suddenly realized they were embarking on a new journey on the lightweight carbon-plated brand!
And while they might have been surprised to see themselves trailing behind their competitors at that time, adidas looks like it has taken the lead in the new technology over the last year, culminating in the Adizero shoe technologies.
And, just like in any competition, one needs not only a scientific, analytic, almost engineering-type mind but also that combination of a focused, driven, determined person to lead the way.
Enter Charlotte Heidmann, the Category Director of Adizero Footwear.
With the Adizero Adios Pro Eco 1, the combination of lightness and protection is uncanny.
“We’ve created the lightest racing shoe,” said Heidmann, noting the shoe’s weight is 138 grams (4.87 ounces)!
“And we did it without sacrificing comfort and performance.”
“It takes a lot of time and it was a long process.”
Heidmann also emphasized the important concept of balance.
“Using new tech- light pro – and adjusting to how the geometry of the shows has changed has helped to create a shoe that is super thin yet the same grip with a new upper.”
The challenge is always how can we use the ingredients to make it lighter and we’ve done that.
All the more rewarding for Heidmann and adidas is how the new tech has been received.
“Handing the shoes to the Kenyan athletes was rewarding,” said Heidmann, who also noted there was convincing involved as well.
Now going forward, adidas is no doubt hoping for that same “Jesse Owens effect” 88 years later in Paris!
“This is definitely a shoe you’ll see constantly on the podium,” said Heidmann
“We will not follow but lead.”
