Ergonomics and Economics: Evolutions and Electrons

Beware… The time of the old-school trail runners and hikers is coming to an end, the age of ergonomic footwear is dawning. It seems as if every footwear manufacturer is re-inventing the way they think about shoes, the minimalist shoe movement is taking hold. Does this mean trail runners and hikers are disappearing, because everyone is wearing gloves for shoes? Of course not, La Sportiva and Treksta are seeing to it that amazing technology is giving these ‘dated’ designs a rebirth.

Okay, first of all, lets talk about lasts. The last is the foundation that the shoe is built on. Traditionally, lasts have been flat and chunky with hard edges that barely even resemble a foot. Well, at one point, someone said, “Hey, if we’re putting this thing on our feet, shouldn’t the model actually resemble a foot???” Of course it should! Climbing shoes have been built on ergonomic lasts for years, why not other footwear? Here’s a pic showing a traditional last next to Treksta’s Evolution last.

You tell me which one looks more like your foot… Building a shoe around this last means that your foot will be better supported throughout your adventure, and in turn, more comfortable. These Treksta’s have all their support built into the shoe and not relying completely on an insole for support. So basically, Treksta = Amazing fit! Treksta also got Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s Choice award with their Evolution GTX Mid, which you can find at Wilderness Exchange!

La Sportiva uses a similar ergonomic last in the Electron, with a sole that’s sure to knock your socks off!

The Electron uses what they call a MorphoDynamic sole. Well… what the #$%* is that? Instead of using different densities of EVA foam, Sportiva shot this thing up with Polyurethane Ether foam, whose purpose is to absorb ‘negative ground impact.’ In other words, this sole swallows up rocks, branches, and other obstacles on the ground, so that you don’t feel them when you step on them. This cushy feature also eliminates the need for a strike plate in the arch, which will lighten up the shoe. Cover that squishy foam with Vibram FriXion Rubber and you have a go-anywhere, do-anything, yoltimate (most ultimate) comfort trail runner.

So, basically, if you’re a trail runner and you like comfortable shoes that fit and perform amazingly, get some La Sportiva Electrons. Conversely, if you are a hiker and you’re tired of uncomfortable hiking shoes that give you blisters and no support, get some Treksta Evolutions with their NestFit Technology and get a better fit. These shoes will make you happier than this guy:

Keep on crausching,

Jason Baker

Sales Lead/Shipping & Receiving/Director of Crausching

Wilderness Exchange Unlimited

2401 15^th Street, Suite 100

Denver, CO 80202

303-964-0708