The training category in footwear hasn’t been as popular as it is now since the days of Bo Jackson. While we don’t currently have ad campaigns like “Bo Knows,” today’s technology blows those of yesteryear out of the water. We caught up with Nike Senior Product Manager Zach Bromert to learn what his process was for developing the Zoom Huarache Trainer Mid, Trainer 1.2 Low, the next generation of Free Trainer and also learn more about the upcoming Zoom Huarache Trainer Low. What did Zach reveal about our favorite Trainers? Read below to find out.
Walk us through the steps of designing the revamped Zoom Huarache Trainer.
I think the insight was that the Huarache is all about fit, comfort and the ride for the athlete. That exoskeleton design really takes weight away and is super iconic. We wanted to take that idea, which is still relevant to athletes now, and improve on it. We made it lighter, more flexible, gave it more protection with Zoom Air and two different densities of foam, and we made the bootie lighter with a better fit for lockdown. That was really the idea of taking an insight that was still real and making it better.
What other specific Nike technology is employed beyond the dual foams and Zoom Air?
On the outsole, we used our Delta Node Traction pattern, which is great on multiple surfaces. As the athlete goes from the track to the gym to the court, it’s going to work out. Also, we used our Diamond Flex Technology, which allows the athlete to move well and enables them to go multiple directions. From an internal standpoint, we have the big Zoom Air bag underneath the heel for protection and, like we talked about, the two different densities of Phylon in the midsole to give you that ride and support you need. In the bootie, our design team did a great job with how it’s constructed; less layers, more breathability and better comfort.
“We’re working hard to be consistent, bring innovation and stay on top of our game.” |
What kind of structural changes were made for the Zoom Huarache Trainer Low?
Really, what we wanted to do again was make things lighter. We dropped the top overlay height down and removed the strap to reduce weight and make it a lighter training product for our athletes.
Will it be a more comfortable shoe for longer runs and summer workouts in the heat?
From a weight perspective, it’s just going to be lighter and even more breathable as the temperatures start to heat up.
Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer Low
How do you feel about Amar’e Stoudemire having such a big year in the NBA wearing your training shoe (Zoom Huarache Trainer Mid)?
It’s amazing to see athletes adopt product that they think is going to work for them. I noticed that he’s been wearing it, and it’s great to see that it’s working out so well for him.
Was it surprising to see that shoe used for basketball?
We really just try to focus on making stuff that works, and you never know how it will be adopted. You just try to build it, so it will handle a lot of different movements, surfaces and activities. But you never know what might happen.
Which is your favorite colorway in the Zoom Huarache Trainer “Superheroes” Pack?
You know, I have to go with the “Green Hornet.” I thought that one was great. For an all green shoe, it was super wearable, but it had nice energy with the Volt. I liked it a lot.
To read page 2 of the interview click here.
