This shoe is a result of close collaboration with UA’s Dark Sky Distance team in Flagstaff, Arizona who wanted a fast flat for buff trails in their area using UA’s proprietary HOVR foam technology. I started with one of our racing lasts for an intimate fit and minimal offset, then layered on a single layer knit mesh for breathability and tear resistance. Film overlays to reinforce key areas like eye stay, toe and foxing. Minimal foams to reduce weight but provide lock in and prevent heel slippage.
We then partnered with Vibram to bring a low profile, multi-directional lug pattern in their sticky compound. Because most of our racers preferred Road shoes even on trail due to their low profile and light weight, this project became a bit of a hybrid trying to hit their sweet spot for training and racing. We chose to forego heavy mid foot rubber and carved out tooling wherever we could as this isn’t an approach or off trail shoe…weight was always at the forefront of the process.
The Dark Sky runners love this shoe, light, grippy and fast.
