If you’re looking to start 2009 with a new health and fitness regimen, perhaps throwing a couple of ideas that can help serve as inspirations similarly like my own fitness muse.

Disclaimer: Press release ahead.

A running shoe should have everything

At Nike, inspiration comes from climbing inside the mind of the athlete. Sometimes that athlete is the designer themselves and the inspiration comes from the designer’s own athletic needs. While preparing to run the Hood2Coast relay race, footwear designer Sebastien Mermet was inspired to create the ultimate running shoe. He ended up creating a shoe that appealed not just to him, but to others. The Nike Zoom Start+ 2009 is the running shoe for the emerging runner looking for comfort and a unique fit and feel.

A running shoe should have everything—cushioning, stability and lightweight performance. And when Sebastien approached the design of the Nike Zoom Start+ 2009, he made sure he had it all.

For the upper, Sebastien reduced forefoot overlays and added support only where it was needed. Sebastien also integrated Flywire technology into the midfoot panel The Flywire technology, a performance architecture that uses very thin and incredibly strong fibers to support the foot, has allowed Nike designers like Sebastien can create some of the lightest footwear to date while actually improving stability. By adding Flywire into the midfoot panel, it creates a great fit and feel against the foot.

Open mesh and seamless construction in the forefoot provide unsurpassed comfort while increasing the shoe’s breathability. A full-length Cushlon midsole with Nike Zoom cushioning gives a soft and comfortable ride. Strategically placed segments of BRS 1000 carbon rubber, located at high-wear zones, contribute durability and traction and complete the design.

The Nike Zoom Start+ is also able to incorporate the Nike+ innovationwhich allows runners to hear vital data about their run, such as speed and distance as they run.

NIKE ZOOM START+ 2009

For the runner looking for comfort and a unique fit and feel.

* Flywire technology integrated into the midfoot panel for a great fit and feel against the foot
* Open mesh and seamless construction in the forefoot for unsurpassed comfort
* Full-length Cushlon midsole with Nike Zoom cushioning for a soft and comfortable ride
* Full-length BRS1000 carbon rubber with modified Waffle outsole design for great traction on a variety of surfaces

NIKE Zoom Start +, Php 4,995.00.

For the dedicated runner

Classic Nike running products make up the Bowerman product line. Designed specifically around the needs of dedicated everyday runners, these shoes are engineered to enhance performance with the minimum weight possible. Runners remain faithful to the line because of its consistent premium product. Knowing this, footwear designer Sebastien Mermet designed the men’s Air Span+ 6. A Bowerman franchise shoe, the Air Span+ 6 has been reissued with a new edge for the runner who’s both looking to control overpronation and seeking high-end comfort and cushioning in a lightweight package.

For the shoe’s upper, Sebastien represented the idea of speed with simple sleek and sharp lines. Constructed using minimal overlays and breathable mesh, the upper is enhanced with Flywire technology. By engineering the upper with Flywire technology, Nike’s revolutionary lightweight support system, and a performance architecture that uses very thin but incredibly strong fibers to support the foot, Sebastien was able to create a lightweight shoe while actually improving stability. These high-density nylon fibers were placed in the midfoot to help provide a supportive fit.

By incorporating new tooling into the shoe, Sebastien was able to improve its outsole, which reinforces the natural motion of the foot. A decoupled lateral crash pad helps prevent overpronation. The Air Span+ 6 is also able to incorporate Nike+ innovation so vital data, such as speed and distance, can be transmitted to an iPod nano during your run.

Air Span+ 6

For the runner who’s looking for a shoe that will help control overpronation and seeking high-end comfort and cushioning.

* Open sandwich mesh, thin supportive overlays, soft linings
* Flywire technology midfoot saddle for a light but supportive fit
* Full-length Air-Sole unit
* Cushlon ST2 midsole
* Soft and decoupled crash pad
* Moderate dual-density insert for the mild overpronator
* EVA Strobel
* BRS1000 heel for longevity
* Traditional solid rubber Waffle outsole for best traction and cushioning

NIKE Air Span, Php 4,895.00.

Sebastien Mermet
Senior Footwear Designer, Running

Sebastien, a native of France, was raised in the Alps and moved to Paris as a teenager. In Paris, Sebastien attended ENSAAMA – Olivier de Serres, where he obtained a degree in product design. He then attended ENSAM, also in Paris, to obtain his masters degree in innovation management. After graduating Sebastien worked for Mitsubishi Electric and as a freelance designer. Four and a half years ago, he joined Nike, working on the women’s performance category and later joining the running team, where he designed the Women’s Air Pegasus 2006, winner of Runner’s World’s Editor’s Choice Award.

I guess if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is on fitness, a way to start is to buy yourself a pair of trainers, yea?

Happy shopping!

P.S. I’ll try to update this post with where you can buy these.

Images: OGILVY PR