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END Footwear Wins 2009 'Best Road Running Shoe Debut!'

Posted on: Tuesday, 2 June 2009, 08:30 CDT

Innovative performance using minimalistic designs

PORTLAND, Ore., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- END Footwear, a performance footwear company focused on sustainability, wins "Best Road Running Shoe Debut" from Runner's World magazine, the worldwide authority on running information. The much-anticipated Summer Shoe Guide reviewed eighteen of the best shoes for pounding the pavement.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080508/AQTH130LOGO)

Every shoe reviewed in the June issue of Runner's World is first tested at the Runner's World Shoe Lab--an independent testing facility. The OTG (Off The Grid) shoe was flexed, pounded and prodded to see how well it performed before being wear-tested. According to Runner's World, "Our testers appreciated how their heels sat down into the shoe's midsole, which helped it cradle and support their feet. [Note: The women's version is called the PBnJ.] Both models are recommended for efficient runners with normal arches looking for a lightweight trainer ... The shoe was remarkably stable for its weight."

END delivered what runners want in a performance road running shoe - flexible ride, cushioning that responds on asphalt, soft pliable uppers, medial support and durability - all while maximizing recycled parts such as 25% recycled carbon rubber outsoles, 10% recycled EVA midsoles, and shoe laces made from 100% recycled milk jugs. See what materials go into all END road running shoes without sacrificing performance. END has seen its Spring 2009 road running shoes highlighted in recent issues of Outside, Urban Climber, Women's Running, Treehugger.com, and is underfoot for the next issue of Running Times. In addition, END beat its own pre-production weight goals by leading with a "less is more" design philosophy. The men's size 9 OTG weighs a sleek 8.8 ounces and the women's size 7 PBnJ weighs a petite 7.0 ounces.

Jeff Wammer, Senior Product Developer, responds, "It's an honor to receive such high praise from Runner's World over the past three months (END also won 'Best Trail Shoe Debut' in April 2009)!" The brand plans to showcase its latest footwear at upcoming shows including the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Early Buying Show, Fleet Feet Sport's National Franchise Conference, Outdoor Retailer Summer Show and The Running Event. Fleet Feet Sports, Inc. is the largest franchise of specialty running stores in the U.S. with over 90 storefronts and membership in the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance has grown to 33 individual outdoor specialty retailers.

END (environmentally neutral design). Product launched in 2008 by award-winning shoe designer Andrew Estey, END questions every component of design to minimize the environmental footprint of its products. END is an outside footwear company that has built a culture around forward motion and doing more with less. As a catalyst for change in running footwear, END was profiled in the Runner's World November 2008 "Green Issue" as an industry leader for changing the way footwear is designed and manufactured. For more information about END Footwear, visit the website at ENDfootwear.com.

SOURCE END Footwear

Source: PR Newswire

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