A few days ago I put up a post about a new line of “zero-drop” shoes that will soon be introduced by GoLite Footwear (“zero-drop” means no heel lift, so the heel and forefoot will sit in the same plane as the forefoot when in the shoe). These shoes, featuring what GoLite is calling “BareTech Technology” possess a number of design features that should appeal to minimalist runners, including the aforementioned zero-drop sole (see my previous GoLite post for more details).
After a bit of research and some help from a reader (thanks Charlie T.!), I discovered that GoLite Footwear was headquartered just down the road from me here in NH, so I got in touch with them to ask for more information about the lineup. A GoLite rep got back to me quickly with a few stock pictures, and a press release describing a whole suite of new shoes in the BareTech lineup. She also offered to send me a test pair, which I should be receiving sometime in July (stay tuned!). Based on the sheer number of shoes in the upcoming BareTech lineup, it’s clear that GoLite is a believer in the value of a zero-drop shoe, and that they’re doing more than just testing the water with a single model to see if it sells. Here are the details on some of the shoes in the new GoLite Lineup:
Coming to market this Fall is the GoLite Amp Lite:
The GoLite Amp Lite is billed by GoLite as “Everything you need in a distance trail runner: performance, lightweight and protection and durability. The Amp Lite upper also features a TPE saddle that secures your foot in place even on the harshest terrain.” This is the shoe that I will hopefully be trying out later this summer – looking forward to it!
Also due in Fall 2010 are the following:
Men’s Flash Lite
“Designed to visually reflect the ligaments and tendons in the foot, the significantly minimal Flash Lite is the barefoot runner’s dream: all the benefits of barefoot, but with superior traction, protection and stability. You’ll expend less energy, and reduce wear and tear on your joints.”
Women’s Micro Lite
“Built on a women’s specific last and geometrically posted 3mm to accommodate the wider hip/height ratio of women, and align feet, ankles and hips, the Micro Lite combines all the features of the men’s Trail Runners with the fit of a women’s glove.”
In August at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, GoLite will be introducing a wide array of shoes featuring BareTech Technology – these are all part of GoLite’s Spring 2011 Lineup.
First is the Men’s GoLite Tara Lite:
Based upon the following description of the Tara Lite from a press release, it’s pretty clear that GoLite is aware of the influence that Christopher McDougall’s book “Born to Run” has had on the running community:
“The Tara Lite takes the best aspects of the Tarahumara sandal and adds the protection, stability and traction benefits of our Class I trail runners. The result is a hybrid shoe with a lightweight mesh “second skin” upper and an internal “sandal” thong. Our unique closure system provides adjustable fit and security on the upper. This design provides security and energy efficiency by preventing excessive foot movement. And with the BareTech neutral heel, runners can enjoy all the benefits of barefoot running and the exceptional stability and protection of our Soft Against the Ground platform to work on all terrain.
Our newest BareTech outsole is inspired by the gravity-defying “traction” of geckos. The small lugs made with Gripstick rubber replicate the tiny hairs on a gecko’s feet that create surface contact and friction.
The Tara Lite is a true trail race shoe for the elite outdoor athlete.”
Looks like an interesting shoe – we’ll see how it performs once it comes out. MSRP on this one is $120.00. Below is a picture of the gecko outsole:
In addtion to the Tara Lite, Golite also inludes the following Baretech shoes in it’s Spring 2011 lineup:
Men’s Sol Lite
“The Sol Lite is the newest addition to our performance travel shoe line. We use our incredibly light BareTech outsole that provides comfort and stability all day long. With an upper combination of ballistic mesh and premium nubuck leathers, and our Soft Against the Ground Technology in the outsole, the Sol Lite is rugged, comfortable and luxurious.” MSRP $110
Women’s SparkLite
“A state of the art Fast Packer with our BareTech technology designed specifically for women. Using a uniquely designed sole that properly aligns a woman’s feet, ankles and hips, the Spark Lite provides the elite female athlete with uncompromising performance like no other shoe in its class.” MSRP $110
Women’s Cruise Lite
“The Cruise Lite is our premier women’s travel shoe. Built on our state of the art BareTech technology platform is a ballistic ripstop nylon upper with protective toe and heel rands. This all translates to a lightweight hard travel and leisure shoe that is equally comfortable at a sprint or a walk …anywhere in the world.” MSRP $95
Women’s Satel Lite
“The Satel Lite is sophistication and performance at its best. The BareTech outsole with a combo premium nubuck and canvas upper bring together the two worlds of outdoor performance and indoor sophistication perfectly. Lightweight and waterproof, the Satel Lite can navigate terrain in both the civilized world and the most unforgiving wilderness.” MSRP $90
Men’s and Women’s Jam Lite
“The Jam Lite is GoLite’s take on a flip flop. Also inspired by the Tarahumara tribes of Mexico, it is built on our newest BareTech Gecko outsole with an adjustable strap on the upper. This casual sandal offers great looking comfort and performance.” MSRP $60 Women’s; $65 Men’s
Looks like lots to look forward to here for both running and casual zero-drop shoes. It’s great to see a small company jumping into the minimalist and hybrid shoe market with full force – hopefully these shoes will perform as well as they sound!
You might also like:
Top 3 Hybrid Trail Running Shoes of 2012
Asics Going Minimalist with the Gel Lyte33 and Gel Fuji Racer?
Preview of late 2011-early 2012 Minimalist Shoes from Merrell, Vivobarefoot, Inov-8, GoLite, Altra, and Teva (via Damien Tougas at Toesalad)
Brooks PureProject Details and Shoe Images Released
2011 Minimalist and Barefoot Style Running Shoe Preview on the dailymile Blog
About Peter Larson
The shoes could turn out to be good, but the mention of technology that’s meant to “prevent excessive motion of the foot” dampened my enthusiasm a bit.
Great overview – thanks! I found this while researching my own preview of the Amp and Tara, and linked backed here for descriptions of the others.
They’ll be interesting to test!
Donald,
Thanks – are you going to be wear testing as well? You do a great job
with your reviews, they’re very thorough and informative!
Pete
The Lite series seems more like a mid boot and not a trail shoe. Maybe that’s why they are heavy.