For release in Spring 2006, The North Face introduced a first in trail running, the advanced Boa Lacing System on its new Mens and Womens Endurus XCR Boa trail running shoes. Unlike traditional lacing systems, the carefully engineered Boa system enables minute adjustment for optimum closure force each and every time, and enables simple, on-the-fly adjustment without pressure points.
Historically used in snowboarding boots and cycling shoes, the Boa system operates like a special suspension system that enables the runner to dial in an even and repeatable tightness by clicking a wheel device above the heel of the shoe. Stainless steel laces run up the front of the shoe and through the collar to the wheel on the heel. It will not come loose and it never needs retying. For the trail runner, the advantages are numerous and obvious: easy micro-adjustment, pressure-free performance and fit, and long distance comfort. The Endurus XCR Boa is a waterproof breathable, lightweight (weighs in at 15 oz -based on mens size 9, half pair) custom fit trail runner with ultralight bottom platform.
