La Sportiva Electron Wins Runner’s World “Best Debut” Award

(Boulder, Colo.) – La Sportiva N.A., makers of technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running®, hiking footwear and ski mountaineering hardware is pleased to announce that its Electron shoe was awarded the “Best Debut” award from Runner’s World magazine. The award is presented in the October 2011 issue of Runner’s World magazine, which hit newsstands September 6, 2011.

“We are extremely excited about this award,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “The feedback has been unbelievable. We have produced shoes that provide trail runners with one of the most responsive, plushest rides around and are so pleased that the editors at Runner’s World agree.”

Both the Electron and the Quantum (available in men’s and women’s specific models) utilize La Sportiva’s MorphoDynamicâ„¢ technology. It features an ergonomic last that mimics the natural shape of the foot. In a traditional running shoe last there are typically hard corners and a flat bottom, which does not match the foot’s natural shape and creates an upper with dead spots (empty spaces in the shoe). The MorphoDynamicâ„¢ ergonomic, slip last cradles the foot and brings the runner closer to the ground, thus increasing stability. This results in a supportive fit, which is more responsive than a traditional flat last.

Lantz added, “By using a combination of soft, EVA and lightweight PU wrapped by sticky La Sportiva FriXion® AT rubber, we have increased the amount of cushioning midsole without increasing the weight of the product. Our A.T.I. (Adaptable Terrain Interface) sole adapts to the running surface creating a smoother ride and increases the surface area and contact points the outsole has with the terrain. Plus, on top of the PU layer is a firmer EVA layer, which provides stability for the foot.”

For the Runner’s World Shoe Lab and Wear Test, every shoe reviewed is first bench-tested at an independent testing facility in Portland, Oregon. All shoes are flexed, pounded and prodded to see how well they perform. Shoes are then matched with 200 wear-testers in Reading, Pennsylvania, and East Lansing, Michigan, to run off-road for a month.

The results of the testing are broken into three categories: Cushioning reflects how soft/firm the midsole is in the heel and forefoot. Too soft, and it may lack durability. Too firm, and it may not insulate the foot well enough. Flexibility analyzes how much torque it takes to flex the shoe at toe-off. Generally, lighter runners need more flexibility. Responsiveness relates to how smoothly a shoe moves with the foot. Runner’s World is one of the only magazine’s in the world to independently test running shoes in this way, in order to give its editors the most objective means necessary to determine which shoes are most deserving of award status.

About Runner’s World:
Recognized as the worldwide authority on running information, the mission of Rodale’s Runner’s World is to inform, advise and motivate runners of all ages and abilities. Named to Adweek’s 2010 Hot List, Runner’s World aims to help runners achieve their personal health, fitness and performance goals while inspiring them with vivid, memorable storytelling. Runner’s World offers the award-winning Runner’s World Challenge, allowing readers to interact with editors while training for races and run races with the magazine’s staff. Runner’s World publishes 14 international editions: Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands/Belgium, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. For up-to-date running news, visit: http://www.runnersworld.com and get instant updates on Twitter (@runnersworld) and Facebook (Runner’s World Magazine). Runner’s World is also available as a mobile app on the iPhone and iPad.

About La Sportiva:
With over 80 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market. For more information visit La Sportiva or check out the new online interactive community La Sportiva LIVE.