K-Swiss Ariake - world's first free running shoe

The international Free Running community is being honoured with the first ever dedicated shoe designed to enhance Free Runners' performances. The sport is a global phenomenon and interest and participation is international.

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Toyko's Free Running playground, Ariake, gives its name to the shoe which starts in a size 6 (sorry girls, smaller sizes are promised later) and features Tech Tuff - a "high abrasion leather" on the toes to increase comfort and safety on landing. One of the most distinguishing aspects of the design apart from lairy orange/white/black colour combo, is the circular heels. The technical reason is "shock spring technology" which helps cushion landings and provides extra support for knees and feet. It might not win any awards for its looks, but the Ariake is all about performance with each pair made from one piece, making it according to K-Swiss, virtually unbreakable.

For October, K-Swiss is planning a UK Free Running tour with events happening in Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and London. All the events welcome participation from Free Runners, the K-Swiss website will be updated with all the tour details shortly. In January 2008, a second Free Running shoe, the Rosny, will drop and it will be available in both men's and women's sizes and features a Free Runnng map of London on the sole. During 2008 four new colourways in both the Rosny and the Ariake shoes will be released.

words: Marian Buckley

www.k-swiss.co.uk/ariake

The Ariake is available now priced £70.