The Outdoor Retailer show has quietly become the place for running brands to connect with specialty retailers in the market.  As more retailers start to blur the lines of running specialty and outdoor specialty (think Playmakers), more brands are taking the opportunity to market new products across the specialty spectrum.


Footwear brands continue their efforts to expand the shoe walls.  New competitors like Karhu and ECCO are targeting the outdoor specialty category, while established brands are expanding their product lines to address different kinds of runners and environments. 


Building on the success of the Blur family of neutral, all-mountain trail shoes, Vasque introduced the Blur SL GTX for fall 2009 in both men’s and women’s sizes and colors. The SL, for Super Light, is designed for longer endurance runs.


As part of Saucony’s RunAnyWhere collection, the ProGrid Razor combines the Vibram outsole found on the ProGrid Xodus with an integrated gaiter and eVent liner to shed debris and protect the foot from the elements.


Entering its third season in athletic running, Merrell expands its line of road and trail running shoes with the CP Sanctuary. CP Sanctuary is a lightweight performance product designed to handle distances from 5K to a marathon. Merrell has updated two of its core products, the CT Converge and ST Stature, with minor technical changes to enhance the comfort and overall flexibility for the runner.


Karhu introduced a new line of shoes, the Fulcrum Line collection, which streamlines the design so the runner’s foot is actually controlling the shoe, and not the other way around. The redesign reduces vertical forces, provides a natural ride and feel through the three phases of the gait cycle, and promotes the foot’s natural abilities.


Danish company ECCO launched the new BIOM running shoe. The BIOM A and BIOM B shoes allow the body to move naturally without any unnecessary support, excessive cushioning or movement control.


Debuting in Fall 2009, Wolverine introduced the new, Wolverine ICS (Individual Comfort System) providing instant customized comfort with the turn of a dial. Designed to support and cushion the foot, the ICS system is a removable insole with an adjustable heel disk that allows the wearer to set the amount of cushion or firmness where it’s needed. Wolverine ICS offers four options for customized wear.


Wenger Footwear unveiled three components to its Fall 2009 Line, including the Approach, Crossover and Performance Collections. The Crossover Collection, the largest of the three, offers 43 different models. The Approach collection features twelve, high-, mid- and low-cut approach shoes. Five new models join the Valais and Interlaken in the Performance Athletic Collection.


Patagonia Footwear introduced fall and winter products that commit to “best product, least harm.” New winter boots for men and women will be insulated with PrimaLoft Eco. The new Release trail runner uses Gore-Tex Extended Comfort fabric. A Dynamic Fit Lacing System runs through the upper and connects down to the midsole for a secure and individual fit and a gender specific trail running last with Patagonia Air Cushion Plus provides shock absorption and a precise fit for both men and women. A 70% recycled EVA and 30% recycled rubber heel strike pad absorb shock and reduce impact on the environment.


Patagonia Footwear is also offering consumers replaceable parts in the OutsideIn 2-in-1 collection and resoling, through a partnership with a local cobbler.