We always hold our breath every time we launch a new shoe. Given the time and effort we place into each new introduction, it is invariably a nervous time. Last month, we introduced the Stinger XLT, a lightweight Performance running and racing shoe. The first shipment of the shoe sold out in less than 2 weeks, and virtually everyone who has tried it is raving about it. It appears we can now exhale!

The Spira Stinger XLT was the first of several new introductions we have planned for our running line over the course of the next year. Our next introduction is the Genesis X, a stability shoe, which is scheduled for introduction in mid August. The arrival of the Genesis X has been highly anticipated. Initially, it will be made available in two widths, medium and wide.

Another shipment of the XLT is set to arrive next week. Here’s to hoping that we have enough shoes for everyone who would like a pair!

By Dr. Rich Cowin

I just had the pleasure of taking my first “test-run” of the new Stinger XLT running shoes.  In this case, the word “pleasure” was an understatement.

Upon opening the box, I was first impressed with the shoe’s very light weight and its attractive style. Being a pronated runner with fairly flat feet, I easily removed the high quality EVA foot beds and inserted my full length custom orthotic devices. For those runners who have normal or high arched feet, this step would probably not be necessary.  I then put on my Road ID and sunglasses and hit the road.

I was amazed that such a light weight shoe could be so supportive and have such wonderful shock absorption, yet be so light, comfortable, and responsive. It was a hot Florida day, yet the breathability was great.  I’m sure that open air mesh vamp helped with that.  Thanks to the excellelent level of cushioning with two of Spira’s WaveSprings in the forefoot and one in the heel, my feet, knees, and lower back felt great. Coming down to the home stretch at the end of my 5K run, I had plenty of energy left, so I decided to turn up the speed as I would in a race.  They responded beautifully.

I found the Stinger XLT’s to be the best of both worlds, a high performance trainer AND an ideal race day shoe for runners like me who need the support of a training shoe , with the lightweight responsive qualities of a racing flat.  Besides that, I loved the way they looked!!  What more can a guy ask for?

by Dr. Richard M. Cowin, D.P.M.

The Odysseys will be available to ship soon. Stay tuned!

I was in 7^th Grade when the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey was first released.  Back then, it seemed like neither the future technology nor 2001 would ever arrive.  Now that the movie’s technology and 2001 have long since passed, I can’t help but think about how Spira Footwear’s new running shoe, the ODYSSEY, is something that I never could imagined a few short years ago.

Mens (left) and Womens (right) Odysseys

I know that as a board certified foot and ankle surgeon, I should be focusing my comments on the technical aspects of this revolutionary shoe’s design.  However, just as I somehow feel better when I’m dressed fashionably, I do enjoy running in a great looking shoe and the Odyssey is definitely just that…and more.  The Odyssey is made from the same last as Spira’s new Valencia walking shoe (which I love) so I again took a size 10.5 rather than my usual size 11.  My Odysseys felt comfortable from the moment I put them on.  No “break-in” period was necessary…a good thing since I couldn’t wait to take them for a test-run.  Incidentally, as an orthotic wearer, I found the 5 mm molded EVA foot-bed/insole easily removable.

The Odyssey falls into the category of “cushion trainer.”  This is an ideal shoe for anyone who runs on firm surfaces.  It’s a well cushioned training shoe that provides excellent forefoot and heel cushioning.  Spira’s patented WaveSpring technology is located in both the heel and forefoot for maximum impact absorption and energy return.  One of the additional benefits of the WaveSpring technology is that unlike other running shoes, neither the impact absorption nor the energy return tend to break down over the life of the shoe.

Inside the Spira Odyssey

The breathable air mesh top vamp combined with the non-stretch support mesh in the lower vamp provides maximum comfort and fit.  A molded TPU heel counter offers increased fit, support and stability. Both the heel accents and the Spira logos are made of reflected material for safety. The outsole’s high abrasion rubber increases durability at heel strike, while the 3-pod construction process in the forefoot includes flex grooves for quick transition and flexibility through the gait cycle.

During my test run, I found that the Odyssey provided me with maximum full-length cushioning and provided exceptional protection against impact shock and fatigue.  They were also very responsive for running.  They offered me the ideal balance between stability, control, and cushioning.

The Odyssey‘s intended use is as a mid to high mileage training shoe for the serious runner looking for a performance shoe that provides excellent long term cushioning front and rear combined with a high level of responsiveness.  Sounds great.  However, I can’t imagine any runner at any level not benefitting significantly from the many features and benefits the Odyssey has to offer, not to mention the great appearance.

By Dr. Richard M. Cowin, D.P.M.

The end of summer and the recent release  of the newest addition to Spira’s walking shoe line provided an excellent opportunity for me to “test-walk” the Valencia.  The reason this was an ideal time for me was that some visitors to my home in the Orlando area couldn’t wait for me to join them in visiting all the theme parks and it was also time for me to get my kids settled back in at their universities.  It is with much pleasure that I give the Valencia a rave review.

Spira Men's Valencia

Let me begin by saying that while I have worn a size 11 in Spira® shoes (and most others) in the past, a 10 was the right fit for me in the Valencia.  This was due to the fact that the Valencia is built on a new Spira® last which provides more room in the forefoot than other shoes from the line.  It is worth noting here that your shoe size is the distance from your heel to your 1st metatarsal head (bunion bone behind the big toe), not the distance from the back of your heel to the end of your big toe.  Since I wear custom orthotic devices, I was delighted that the EVA foot-bed/insole was very easily removable so that I could insert my orthoses on the Valencia’s flat surface. (more…)

We recently caught up with Spira rep, Larry Young, and had a chance to hear what reaction he is getting from our new line of shoes. Larry stays on the road, meeting with our retailers. We keep him busy! Watch the video below to hear what he had to say!

Dr. Rich Cowin

By Dr. Richard M. Cowin, DPM

Encompassing 25% of the number of bones in the entire human body along with numerous muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, arteries, and veins, the human foot is a masterpiece of engineering.  When one considers the functions of the foot, however, these can be simplified into two primary functions; mobile adapter and rigid lever.

Regardless of whether a person is walking or running, when the heel of the foot first strikes the ground, the foot must act as a mobile adapter to compensate for changes in terrain, such as an uneven sidewalk, or a sandy beach. At this time in the human gait cycle, the foot is “pronating” and the bones in the foot are somewhat “loose.”  However, as the person’s weight continues to advance forward over that foot, the bones of the foot must “tighten up” so that the mobile adapter function can gradually take on a rigid lever function in order to propel the person’s body forward and on to the other foot.  We call this new function “supination.”  So, in order for a person’s feet to function well, their feet must go from pronation to supination and then back to pronation, etc. at just the right time in the gait cycle.  What does this have to do with Spira Footwear and  WaveSpring® Technology?

During the heel strike/pronation phase of the gait cycle, the WaveSpring® Technology in the heel of Spira footwear provides superb cushioning in the heel, thus easing the foot’s first job as a mobile adapter.  Later in the gait cycle as the mid foot and forefoot accept more weight, the stable sole platform eases the foot’s second task of becoming a rigid lever during the supination phase. This brings up another question: What are the three foot types and how does each of them benefit from Spira’s unique design and patented WaveSpring® Technology? (more…)

I love it when we introduce a new product! We received an unexpected surprise today when a shipment of our new athletic performance walking shoe, the Valencia, arrived at the warehouse this afternoon. This caught all of us flat-footed as our freight forwarder had indicted that the container would not arrive until next week.

Needless to say we’re pretty excited. The shoes couldn’t get here fast enough. This is the first of four new shoe styles that will be introduced this fall. In addition to the Valencia, we have two new walking shoes, the WaveWalker and WaveWalker DX3, and a new running shoe, the Odyssey. They will all arrive between now and the end of September.

These are first new shoes we’ve introduced in a couple of years, and were designed and developed under the direction of Jim Tompkins. Prior to joining Spira, Jim had been with New Balance for the past 25 years, the last 10 as President and Chief Operating Officer. The new shoes will retail at prices between $90 -110. This is a significant reduction in price from our existing line, which retails at $130-170. A switch to new factories and improvements to the manufacturing process has allowed us to maintain quality and reduce price.

Spira Valencia
Athletic Performance Walking

The Spira® Valencia walking shoe with WaveSpring® technology in the heel provides superb cushioning and energy return built-in harmony with a stable sole platform.  It is a performance shoe designed for walkers wanting extra control and support. The shoes deliver exceptional comfort for serious and casual walkers, people who are on their feet throughout the day, or for those who must stand for long periods of time. The Valencia is built on a new Spira® shoe last which provides ample room in the forefoot.  The molded EVA foot-bed/insole can be removed to accommodate orthotics.

The Valencia retails for $95 and is available in both men’s and women’s styles. The shoe also comes in two widths, medium and wide.

If you get a pair, let us know what you think! You can post a comment on our Facebook page and even post a photo of you in your new shoes!