ADIDAS is championing a shoe it claims will change running forever.
The industry giant unveiled its Energy Boost athletic shoe Wednesday at Running Room's Denman Street location.
Priced at $150, the performance footwear features a distinctive midsole that Adidas says provides the highest energy return in the running industry.
Adidas' Vancouver-based sales reps for B.C. Donna Wanless and Devin Delany were on hand at Wednesday's Boost launch to demonstrate the technology and to loan out its test fleet to run clinic participants all this week.
Three years in development in Adidas' product innovation labs in Germany, Boost got the test run by 200 runners across Canada before its Vancouver launch this week, says Wanless. Runners raved about the shoe's lightweight but supportive construction, the sock-like feel of its seemless upper and most of all its springy sole.
What gives Boost wearers the spring in their step?
About 2,500 energy capsules that make up the footwear's distinctive midsole, says Wanless. The shoe is also more temperature resistant than standard EVA foam used in most running shoes, she adds.
Alas, Boost is currently not available for purchase at Running Room on the North Shore. They're for sale at the Denman location only to Sunday, April 14 and then on runningroom. com and adidas.ca.
MARSHALLING IN A NEW SHOPPING ERA
Off-price fashion retail giant Marshalls opened its first Vancouver location yesterday on SW Marine Drive. The store sells big brand fashions for the whole family that are on trend, in season and below department store prices. Home decor will arrive in store in August.
This is the first Vancouver store for the mega-retailer, which also operates Winners and HomeSense. Media were treated to a preview Tuesday with a presentation by Vancouver fashion stylist Luisa Rino, who shopped the racks to create head-to-toe looks for the Yaletown glamour girl, Main Street hipster, Gastown urbanite and Kitsilano style-seeker.
What would compel a North Shore girl to make the cross-town trek?
The pursuit of a designer piece that adds "sizzle" to your wardrobe, says Rino, whose personal style is a mix of department store staples with investment pieces from independent boutiques and fast-fashion finds.
"I shop absolutely everywhere," says Rino. North Shore boutiques that she frequents include Pilar's and Wear Else, while Get Dressed gets a nod based on recommendations.
"With boutique shopping, you get the eye of the owner. They bring an edited look to their store, similar to a fashion stylist," she says.
Off-price retailers offer shoppers value because they make pricey designer labels more accessible, she says.
BRIDAL FASHION BLISS
Blushing brides can soon say yes to the dress at Hudson's Bay. The company announced last week it would launch the Canadian flagship of renowned bridal retailer Kleinfeld Bridal (of Say Yes to the Dress reality TV fame) at its Toronto Queen Street location in early 2014. The 20,000-square foot Kleinfeld flagship will offer the same scope and breadth of designer gowns available at the New York store.
Brides-to-be need not book their flights just yet. Closer to home, Blush Bridal of West Vancouver will host a trunk show of the fall 2013 collection from Vera Wang. Mark your calendars for May 2-4.
