Patagonia Footwear announced a larger focus on trail running for the Spring 2012 season by aligning with female ultra runner, Krissy Moehl, and Patagonia’s Ultra Running Team. Working closely with Moehl and Ultra Team members, the company has developed an expanded line of trail running shoes.
The ambassadors and the ultra running team will now be able to train and compete in Patagonia products head to toe.
“The landscape of ultra running is in the midst of tremendous growth and we are excited to be a part of it,” said Sue Harvey Brown, marketing manager at Patagonia Footwear. “To have Krissy Moehl, one of the top athletes in the sport, running in our footwear is a huge testament to the performance of our trail running shoes. Krissy truly embodies the spirit of Patagonia and we are thrilled to have her representing Patagonia Footwear. Krissy and our ultra team members will play a significant role in the development our trail running product – putting our shoes to the test and influencing design.”
“Running has become an integral part of my life in motion,” said Moehl. “It connects me with amazing people and vistas, and with an amazing sponsor in Patagonia. It seemed only natural to extend my passion for Patagonia to their growing Footwear line. Their high performance trail running shoes work for me right out of the box. I am excited to be representing the brand from head to toe.”
Working closely with its athletes and field testers to perfect fit and overall performance, Patagonia offers both minimal and traditional platforms in its trail running shoes. Weighing in at just 7.76oz (women’s) and 9.17oz (men’s) per half pair, the Fore Runner is the company’s lightest trail shoe yet. The minimal Fore Runner offers a four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop (9mm heel and 5mm forefoot) that caters to a natural stride. A durable, breathable air mesh upper offers ample breathability for warm running conditions; a reinforced rand and toe bumper provide durability and protection on rougher trails. For wet and dry traction, a multi-density sticky rubber outsole provides stability on all terrain.
The Tsali 2.0 (8.46oz women’s/9.87oz men’s) is designed for runners who prefer a neutral, more cushioned trail running shoe. The redesigned upper and dynamic fit lacing system provide a more precise and improved fit. The 20 percent recycled anatomical footbed supports, cushions and molds to the contour of the foot. All Patagonia’s trail running shoes are built with gender-specific, lightweight 15 percent recycled EVA footframes and contain forefoot shock absorption plates for protection from rocks and roots.
“Ultra runners require comfort and performance for the long haul – more than 50 miles and sometimes 100,” said Harvey Brown. “The feedback our ambassadors and ultra team members provide us has been invaluable in the development of the Fore Runner and Tsali 2.0 and will continue to have a major influence on product design and development.”
This season the focus is on light and fast trail running shoes that perform through miles of rough conditions, but still offer a close to ground fit and feel connecting runners with the trail. Now competing in head-to-toe Patagonia products, the company’s trail running ambassadors and ultra team members are at the top of their field. Their energy, enthusiasm, raw talent and love of the land on which they run truly embodies the Patagonia ethos and will help grow the trail running collection even further.
