Ahnu picks up speed with trail runners for spring 2009

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA (for immediate release) – With a passion for trails and a rich history in technically advanced footwear design, Ahnu Footwear hits the ground running with a performance-driven trail running collection for spring 2009.

Engineered to provide rear-foot stability and balance on uneven surfaces, Ahnu‘s trail runners help center the foot on the midsole and encourage the natural rolling motion of a healthy foot strike.

“In both design and business, what drives Ahnu Footwear is a commitment to balance,” said Ahnu President Jim Van Dine. “Keeping the foot and lower leg centered, cushioned and supported on the trail helps avoid unnecessary injuries and improve the overall enjoyment of a good, long run.”

Created in conjunction with biomechanical athletic footwear specialists, Ahnu‘s trail running collection also channels the career experience of Van Dine: a former member of the U.S. national cross country team and a proud coach at all levels of the sport.

More essential to the core design of Ahnu trail runners, however, is Van Dine’s experience at every rung of the footwear ladder, including managing and owning a running specialty store before entering the manufacturing side of the business in the mid 1980’s.

“Helping thousands of people find the right running shoe, one pair at a time, taught me more about what’s important in footwear than all the races and training runs I ever did,” said Van Dine. “I still spend a lot of time on the trails and a lot of time at retail. The needs of runners, walkers and hikers remain the same, but our footwear solutions are superior now.”

All Ahnu trail runners feature Neutral Positioning System (NPS) technology: an even-keeled cradling of the rear foot that increases heel and mid-foot stability and encourages efficient foot strike. Additional shared features include CoolMax moisture wicking mesh linings, 5.5 mm cross-directional lugs on non marking rubber outsoles, external stability struts and anti-stone bruising plates in the forefoot

Ahnu’s spotlight trail runner, the Firetrail, features a Vibram sole and NPS-3 technology: a triple-density compression molded EVA midsole that keeps the foot balanced (Black or Dark Gray; 14.11 oz.; $ 120).

The Terra Linda is a women’s-specific trail runner built from the ground up for the specific needs of female runners. Created on a women’s-specific last, the Terra Linda features NPS-2 technology: a dual-density compression molded EVA midsole (Dark Gray, Dark Slate or Sage Green; 11.29 oz.; $ 100).

About Ahnu Footwear: Outdoor lifestyle footwear built for uncompromising performance in all environments, Ahnu Footwear (www.ahnufootwear.com) utilizes a unique design approach centered around balance, easy on/off adjustability, QuiteLight® construction, and a company-wide commitment to the highest possible environmental and social standards. For additional media information, please contact Drew Simmons at Pale Morning Media, drew@madriver.com, 802.583.6069.

# # #