The Boston Namesake Launches at the 105th Marathon

Boston, the Adidas shoe that takes its name from the world’s oldest marathon and the city that hosts it, will debut at the 105th Boston Marathon in April, 2001. Described by editors, retailers and product designers as fast, sleek and lightweight, the 2001 Boston for men and women is destined to make a splash in both the training and racing shoe markets.
Considered a “tweener,” because its uses are designed to suit both training and racing purposes, the Boston is an excellent in-between running shoe. The Boston targets the serious runner who logs 50 to 110 miles during a typical 5 or 7 day running week. This serious runner has competed and qualified for the Boston Marathon, and has trained hard to break PR’s in order to get there. The serious runner is, therefore, one of the most discriminating customers in the running shoe market and the Boston is made for him.

One of the Lightest Shoes in the Market
The men’s 2001 Boston weighs in at only 10.9 ounces, while the women’s is a mere 9- ounce running shoe. The upper incorporates breathable and lightweight air mesh and synthetic suede trim for a light, airy feel. Lightstrike ™, a patented Adidas performance system, is utilized in the midsole as compression-molded EVA, which also adds to the overall lightness of the shoe.

Performance and Cushioning
The Boston combines Adidas trademarked technical features adiPRENE® and adiPRENE® +, which work to create greater forefoot momentum at toe-off and enhance efficiency in energy usage. What this means to the serious runner is the shoe is working for him, thereby wasting less energy for the runner.

Torsion®, a system that is incorporated across Adidas sport categories, is incorporated for stability and control as it allows the forefoot and heel to act independently. Finally, the cushioning properties in the men’s and women’s Boston are generous for long-distance comfort and smooth transitions.

Suggested retail for both the men’s and women’s Boston is $79.99 and its available at Olympia Sports, RunTex or your local running specialty store beginning in April, 2001.

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.