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Enko Running Shoes

It looks like there may be a new kid on the block when it comes to running shoes. Enko Running Shoes have a build in shock absorption system to lessen the blow running has on a person’s body. The designer and developer of Enko Running Shoes, Christian Freschi, has been a runner for many years and run many thousands of kilometers competitively. The idea for Enko came to Freschi when he realized, after passing age 40, that all the running shoes on the market did the same thing and did not offer enough shock absorption for his body. He also owns an aeronautical design and production company. After 12 years of developing this running shoe, he finally has the shoe’s design patented. Now, all he needs is the capitol.

Enko is a joint effort between France and Italy. The shoe was developed in the south of France on a nature reserve. Using their “high-performance engineering facilities” the shoe was fully designed and engineered in Toulouse. However, production is split between the two European nations as the mechanical unit of the shoe is made in France while the shoe itself will be produced in northern Italy.

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Now for the shoe: the Enko Running shoe features two soles and a design meant to avoid injuries. The shoe is adjusted to the wearers weight and whether the wearer is a pronator or supinator. The upper will be made of a light breathable mesh to keep weight down. The shoe will be available in five different colorways. Check out the tech specs and video below for more information.

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“HIGH PERFORMANCE SHOCK ABSORPTION Enko gives you unique shock absorption that no other shoe can. Impact is deadened, your stride is smooth and the sensation is like never before. To optimise this revolutionary system of shock absorption, your shoe is delivered to you with shock absorbers that are adapted to your weight, guaranteeing you record-beating comfort that is far superior to that of any other shoe. Your joints will thank you.”

 

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“MAXIMUM ENERGY Enko is a revolutionary running shoe which, with its two shock absorbers, conserves all the energy stored in each stride. With a normal shoe, when your foot touches the ground, the energy is dissipated and completely lost. By contrast, Enko stores up the energy and gives it back when you lift your heel off the ground again. Your running becomes extremely efficient.”

 

You can check out the Enko Running Shoes IndieGoGo here. So far, of their $50,000 goal, they have raised a little over $4,000. The donation amount to receive a pair of the shoes is $390 and delivery is estimated for August 2015. Below is a short interview with Christian Freschi detailing the inspiration, manufacturing process, and current situation of Enko Running Shoes. As usual, share your thoughts in the comments below.

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17 comments
  1. It’s just one giant springblade instead of a bunch of little ones. I guess the science behind that design and tech is actually accurate, just depends on whether a person enjoys the feeling it brings or not.

    1. Imo it’s a bit different from the Springblade as the Springblade is just plastic. The Springblade also doesn’t handle well in a LOT of situations because of the design. This should be better; the science behind it is legit. I’d love to see these get produced.

  2. This is a wonderful concept, however, I would wait a bit until they have perfected the design. I don’t think that this shoe will be able to perform very well at all for multiple reasons. I’m pretty sure this will be very prone to breaking, due to multiple moving parts that protrude out of the sides of the shoe. I can already tell that this shoe will be very unstable, and have no lateral compression. The heel to toe transition would be horrible, and this would have no function other than running in a straight line. Most of all, this technology cannot be benefited by midfoot and toe runners (like me) who make up about 10% of the running population. Although I think this is a great design that could go a long way, running sneakers should be kept simple to ensure reliable performance.

  3. Has anyone actually ordered and received a pair of these shoes yet? I’m really interested in ordering a pair but I would like to know how they are when it comes to running. Will you be able to run a lot easier with these shoes without using as much energy and effort? Is it more like you are springing with each step or are your feet still hitting the pavement hard? If anyone can answer my questions I would love to know more about these shoes on a personal experience.

    Thank you.

    David

  4. Unnecessary gimmick…at least for running. (Re)Learn how to run, landing fore/mid foot (NOT heel-striking) and amazingly the running injuries, sore knees, hips and low back become a thing of the past!
    This MAY be beneficial for walkers (especially those carrying a few extra pounds), where heel striking IS an issue; but not for running.

  5. These shoes are awesome. Ordering the springs 10kg over my bdwt gives great bounce while the springs made for your weight provide uptimate shock absporption.

    great product

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