The North Face Unveils CRADLE Guide Technology in New Footwear

At Outdoor Retailer 2012 Summer Market today, The North Face®, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, debuted its Spring ‘13 footwear collection, including the impact control technology behind six new styles in both outdoor and running – The North Face CRADLE Guide.

The North Face CRADLE Guide technology is engineered with a full-length, dual density EVA midsole that works with the foot to provide fluid guidance through the entire gait cycle. CRADLE Guide is tuned to specific activities, like hiking and running, designed to provide a combination of cushioning, stability and protection for any gait on any terrain.

“A core principle of The North Face brand is that we provide the ultimate in protection combined with exceptional performance, so for Spring ’13 our goal was to dramatically lighten and streamline our products without eliminating the necessary protection,” said Brian Moore, vice president of global footwear. “CRADLE Guide allows us to do all that while still providing full-phased support, impact protection and protection from terrain like rocks.”

The Hedgehog, an iconic hike style originally debuted in Spring ‘06, has been re-imagined to feature a modern lightweight construction and CRADLE Guide technology. Fast hiking over technical and varying terrain with the additional load of a pack increases the forces at foot strike and instability through the gait cycle. Available in tall, low and GTX styles, the new Hedgehog Guide ($110 USD MSRP) features a dual-density, molded EVA CRADLE Guide midsole platform that is tuned to cushion at impact and biomechanically guide the foot through toe-off off for a more efficient and stable stride.

Running generates forces up to four times your body weight at foot strike, placing an exceptional amount of stress on the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles in the foot. A natural stride transition is essential for efficient, injury-free running. CRADLE Guide, featured in two new running styles, is tuned to cushion maximal forces at impact to dynamically support through pronation and allow for a natural foot stride.

The Ultra Guide ($110 USD MSRP) offers the lightweight (9.6 oz) efficiency of a minimal running shoe , without sacrificing protection, including features like a dual compression EVA CRADLE Guide midsole platform, TPU-welded mid-foot support and a TPU Snake Plate for forefoot protection from rocks. The Hyper-Track Guide ($120 USD MSRP) is a responsive, lightweight (9.4 oz) trainer designed to perform as well on the road as it does on the trail, featuring a TPU and dual-injection EVA CRADLE Guide midsole platform and strategically positioned, high-abrasion rubber outsole pods.

Brian Moore recently joined The North Face team in the role of vice president of global footwear. Moore is a twenty-year footwear industry veteran with a focus on building the most technically innovative products. Most recently, Moore held the position of Vice President, Global Men’s Footwear at Timberland. Prior to joining Timberland, Moore held product leadership roles with New Balance, Saucony and Burton. Moore is the first to step into the role and is reporting to Todd Spaletto.