kigo footwear Fall/Winter 2011 Lines Feature Ecological Innovation

kigo is footwear for the barefoot lifestyle and minimalist athletics. With the introduction of its Fall/Winter 2011 lines, kigo footwear has taken a significant step forward in the ecological responsibility of the manufacturing process and components of its offerings. The new lines, the flit and drive, combine an innovative blend of non-toxic, recycled and post-consumer components and are produced in a low carbon output facility.

With a goal of accomplishing the truest minimalist construction and ecological responsibility, kigo footwear moved manufacturing operations to PLUS Compound Technologies in 2010. The company creates components and finished goods for kigo footwear from proprietary materials that are 100% recyclable and designed for durability. PLUS Compound Technologies products are created by a team of industrial designers, engineers and manufacturing experts, with the help of world-class action sports and outdoor sports athletes to be the most responsibly made performance materials on the market.

“The kigo brand and its core values are in perfect alignment with the goals of PLUS,” stated Brett Ritter, CEO of PLUS Compound Technologies. “We could not be more excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work with such a dedicated brand and group of people – all interested in the same objective: Saving the planet, one product at a time!”

“We are committed to ecological responsibility, and are always attuned to finding the best ways to achieve that goal,” said kigo footwear co-founder Kristin Serrano. “The decision to move our production to PLUS Compound Technologies was not made lightly. It meant a delay in the introduction of our new lines, but it was worth it. The new lines feature high-performing recycled, post-consumer and non-toxic materials, and are actually recyclable. That’s innovation we’re proud of.”

The Fall/Winter 2011 kigo footwear lines feature insoles and outsoles made from PLUSfoamâ„¢ and HDPLUSâ„¢, a high-density version of PLUSfoamâ„¢ that replaces rubber in the outsole and is 100% recyclable. PLUSfoamâ„¢ has a feel similar to EVA or compression rubber, depending on density. In every case, this innovative product has much better performance characteristics than comparable traditional rubber or EVA compounds. PLUSfoamâ„¢ and HDPLUSâ„¢ are compounded and processed using proprietary techniques to create new material and can be recycled after consumer use by checking the Web site at www.PLUSfoam.com for details.

The flit and drive are almost as light, spacious and flexible as no shoes at all, in a style that blends in and works for everyday attire, and construction that is durable enough for virtually any activity. Product highlights Include:
Low carbon output production via PLUS Compound Technologies
Post-consumer and recycled construction via CYCLEPET uppers and PLUSfoam soles
Certified non-toxic dyes, glues and water/stain resistance
+/- 4oz average per shoe weight
2mm flexible zero drop outsole
Anatomical footprint with zero toe spring
Adjustability via speed lacing on the drive and elastic panel on the flit

Retail pricing on the flit and drive is $87.00 and $91.00 USD, respectively. Wholesale information, incentives and orders are available via rachelle@kigofootwear.com. Shoes are available in August.

About kigo footwear
kigo is footwear for the barefoot lifestyle and minimalist athletics. Shoes that are stylish enough for everyday wear, sturdy enough for athletics and almost as lightweight and flexible as bare make kigo footwear the shoe of choice for barefoot lifestyle. Every kigo footwear offering is constructed to be as good for the Earth as for the body, with responsible construction that features lightweight, durable post-consumer, recycled and non-toxic materials.
View kigo footwear Look Books at http://issuu.com/kigofootwear and for more information, please visit us at www.kigofootwear.com.

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