La Sportiva to Debut the Ultra-Light Vertical K at Outdoor Retailer

La Sportiva N.A, makers of technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running®, hiking footwear and ski mountaineering hardware is pleased to announce the debut of their new ultra-light Mountain Running® shoe, the Vertical K. At a feather weight 185 grams or 6.5 ounces per shoe, the Vertical K will integrate La Sportiva’s revolutionary MorphoDynamicâ„¢ technology with a sticky rubber outsole for traction on all surfaces.

“The Vertical K is La Sportiva’s take on a minimalist shoe for real trail runners”, says Jonathan Lantz President of La Sportiva N.A. “This is a minimalist Mountain Running® shoe that runners can actually use in all conditions all the time. It is the perfect balance of lightweight materials with just enough cushioning under foot for big time adventures in the mountains.”

MorphoDynamic™ technology is an advanced cushioning system that uses a uniquely shaped sole to offer grip, stability and shock absorption in a lightweight interface. In the Vertical K, a slew of technical features bring this platform to its full potential; the upper, a one-piece slip-lasted AirMesh/Nylon gaiter, eliminates the need for a tongue. The midsole is an injection molded ergonomically sculpted EVA that is super responsive and sensitive. On the sole, sticky FriXion® XF rubber covers the unique MorphoDynamic™ midsole shape. A reinforced cord allows users to clip the shoe to a harness, making the shoe a strong crossover into the climbing/approach category.

The debut of the Vertical K is one of several exciting happenings from La Sportiva at the upcoming 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. On Saturday, August 6th runners from amateur to professional will converge on Park City, Utah, for the Jupiter Peak Steeplechase. The Steeplechase is the tenth and final race of the 3rd annual La Sportiva Mountain Cup, a 10-race national series with courses ranging from hill climbs to mountain runs to marathons.

“Since its inception in 2008, the La Sportiva Mountain Cup has grown exponentially, and is now a fixture on the trail and mountain running competition circuits,” says Ian Achey, Promotions Coordinator for La Sportiva. â���œWe’re proud to have organized such a fun, exciting mountain running series, and look forward to watching it thrive in the years to come.”

Representatives from La Sportiva will award an impressive $25,000 cash purse to the Mountain Cup winners at their booth on Saturday, August 6th, at 4pm. To complement the award ceremony, La Sportiva will also host a book signing with Bryon Powell, Runner-In-Chief at iRunFar.com. Bryon will sign complimentary copies of his book Relentless Forward Progress to the first 100 arrivals.

The Vertical K, along with the full line of La Sportiva’s Spring 2012 products, will be on display throughout the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market at the La Sportiva booth, #24027.