Whom You Know Kicks off our Coverage of Spira with the Awesome Stinger Competition SRR 202 Racing Flat
Peachy Deegan is always running around trying to stay ahead of the curve, but in these shoes no one will be able to catch her! The Stinger Competition is Spira's newest high performance lightweight road racing flat with an exceptional amount of cushioning for such a lightweight shoe. We cannot believe how LIGHT they are. But they are not light and flimsy. They are light with a lot of engineering and technology in the weight they have.
With two WaveSprings™ in the forefoot and one WaveSpring™ in the heel, the technology provides maximum energy efficiency for racing a 5k to marathon distances, but what we love them is for sprinting down Madison Avenue from shop to shop. They also work well for Fifth Avenue, long walks down to Soho, and for jaunts to the West side. So much more pleasant than the MTA, and in traffic far faster than the bus and in cases even faster than a cab! These are one of our most favorite solutions so far in "See Manhattan on Your Feet."
The shoe is designed for the runner who is biomechanically efficient and wants to run fast without adding the stress and fatigue associated with lightweight racing flats. In no way are we suggesting Peachy is literally going marathon distances, but in these she COULD-that is what is important. Boy does she wish she had these on the day of the Blackout years ago in August, when she walked from One New York Plaza all the way to the Upper East side...
The Stinger is a high performance road racing flat with an exceptional amount of cushioning for such a light weight shoe (8 ounces in a men’s size 9). The uniquely designed forefoot WaveSprings provides a high level of responsiveness and protection against fatigue normally associated with light weight racing shoes. It combines a level of cushioning and responsiveness that is difficult to achieve for a shoe in this weight category. The patented WaveSprings are located in the forefoot and heel for maximum impact absorption and energy efficiency for optimum racing performance.
The two independent forefoot and single heel WaveSprings are low profile, light weight springs made of stainless steel to maximize cushioning without compromising low profile, light weight features found in high end racing flats. The midsole/outsole of the Stinger is a 2 piece injection molded EVA incorporating dual WaveSprings in the forefoot and a single WaveSpring in the heel. Injection molded EVA provides the best resiliency available in a foam material. This type of EVA works ideally with the WaveSprings to further improve cushioning and resiliency. Light weight TPR inserts in the heel and forefoot are designed to minimize weight. Average durability expectancy is 100 miles or 60 kilometers depending on individual running style. The forefoot openings are sealed with a clear window to prevent moisture and dirt from getting into the springs. Air is evacuated out the openings in the heel providing maximum cushioning and spring response in the forefoot.
The upper of the Stinger is made of a breathable open air mesh that provides maximum breathabililty, comfort and fit in a minimal light weight package. Both the medial and lateral arch and instep are supported by molded support straps that are tied into the lacing system. This improves midfoot support and resists stretching without interfering with the breathable properties and comfort provided by the mesh vamp. The slip lasted construction provides a glove like fit that feels secure and comfortable as required in a distance racing flat.
NOTE: This is a high performance racing flat and it is only designed to last approximately 100 miles. It is not a daily trainer.
Women's Color: Red / White (SRR 201)
Women's Sizes: 6-11
The upper of the Stinger is made of a breathable open air mesh that provides maximum breathabililty, comfort and fit in a minimal light weight package. Both the medial and lateral arch and instep are supported by molded support straps that are tied into the lacing system. This improves midfoot support and resists stretching without interfering with the breathable properties and comfort provided by the mesh vamp. The slip lasted construction provides a glove like fit that feels secure and comfortable as required in a distance racing flat.
NOTE: This is a high performance racing flat and it is only designed to last approximately 100 miles. It is not a daily trainer.
Women's Color: Red / White (SRR 201)
Women's Sizes: 6-11
You can order these at the Spira Online store and also for in person Manhattan experiences, you can get these at Hammacher Schlemmer we hear! Create a revolution on your feet! Whom You Know Recommends the Stinger Competition SRR 202 Racing Flat.
***
In our inaugural coverage, we also must say we love our experience with this company. When the appropriate contact in Public Relations was not available to speak to Peachy Deegan, she was handed off to the CEO, Andrew Krafsur who graciously took her call. A class organization, this is the kind of company that actually thanks you for visiting their website....
About Spira, from their site:
Thank you for taking the time to visit the Spira™ website. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to try on a pair of our revolutionary shoes, I hope the website leaves you intrigued enough to give us a try. For our friends who have already experienced the remarkable benefits of the WaveSpring™ technology, thank you for your continued support and patronage.
The WaveSpring™ Technology
We are convinced that the WaveSpring™ technology has the potential to revolutionize the footwear industry, and in the process, forever change the purpose and function of footwear. Unlike traditional coil or conical springs, the WaveSpring is laterally stable, compact and lightweight. As a result, we have developed a remarkable energy return technology for footwear. According to a biomechanical study conducted by the Shoe Lab at Michigan State University in 2001, our springs return an astounding 87-96% of energy otherwise lost to the ground. The highest energy return score of any shoe every tested. Accordingly, our shoes allow people to participate in physical activity for longer periods of time with far less stress on the body. Recovery time following vigorous activity is greatly reduced. What's more, because our midsole system is mechanical, it never breaks down. As Popular Mechanics concluded in a recent footwear technology review, "Unlike rubber and polymers, the springs have an almost infinite fatigue life. The shoe will fall apart before the spring performance degrades." Perhaps most exciting is the fact that we can put the technology in almost any type of footwear. While we presently produce lines of walking and running shoes, we have plans to introduce casual men's dress, basketball, and sandals in the near future.
Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?
This question is regularly asked of me. How is that major footwear companies with multi-million dollar research and development budgets have not stumbled across the WaveSpring™ technology? The answer, though not readily obvious, is fairly simple. When you think about it, in almost every industry revolutionary developments invariably come from outsiders. Here are some examples:
• The Metal Composite Ski
Prior to 1950, all skis were made out of wood. Howard Head, an aerospace engineer who was on a family ski vacation, noticed how difficult it was to turn in a pair of his rented wooden skis. His idea of a metal composite ski changed the skiing industry.
• The Aluminum Bat
In 1972, a small aluminum company in Tennessee, Worth, developed the Tennessee Thumper, the first aluminum baseball bat. Today over 90% of all bats produced are made of aluminum. At the time, the industry leader, Hillerich and Bradsby, which made the familiar wooden bat, controlled 95% of the market. Certainly Hillerich and Bradsby had no incentive to develop something new.
• The Oversized Metal Tennis Racket
In 1976 following his phenomenal success in the ski industry, Howard Head came up with an idea for an oversized metal tennis racket. He brought the idea to the people who had bought his ski company and was told that lightning would not strike twice. Undaunted, Mr. Head started a tennis racket company called Prince.
• The Metal Golf Driver
Finally in 1979, a salesman named Barry Adams noticed golfers had a difficult time hitting the sweet spot with the smaller wood drivers of the day. His idea to create a metal driver changed the game of golf.
The WaveSpring™ Technology. The next big idea.
What do all of these developments have in common?
They were all developed by individuals outside the industry they revolutionized. Likewise the WaveSpring™ technology was developed by people that had no previous experience in the footwear industry and had no preconceived limitations on what was possible.
Wearing is believing.
I became a believer in the WaveSpring™ technology shortly after trying on a pair of early round prototypes. I was immediately hooked. To that point, I had practiced law for 17 years. I love the practice of law and had built a sizeable practice, but destiny was calling. After all, it was not everyday that one is presented with an opportunity to revolutionize an industry and impact on the quality of life of every person on the planet.
The Banned Shoe.
Governing bodies in sports are often slow to adjust their rules to new and innovative technologies. As the metal composite ski, the aluminum bat, the oversized tennis racket and the metal driver created challenges for the governing bodies in those respective sports, so too has the WaveSpring™ technology in Track and Field. Indeed the USATF, the governing body for Track and Field in the United States, has a rule that specifically bans our shoe for competition. We expect with time to have the rule overturned, but the mere existence of a rule that prohibits the use of our shoe for competition certainly provides us with a level of credibility. After all, if it wasn't better, why would it be banned?
Our shoes are now sold in over 700 stores across the country. You can expect that all of our retail partners will provide you with an exceptional level of customer service. They too are believers.
Should you ever have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at
Once again, thank you for your visit.
The WaveSpring™ Technology
We are convinced that the WaveSpring™ technology has the potential to revolutionize the footwear industry, and in the process, forever change the purpose and function of footwear. Unlike traditional coil or conical springs, the WaveSpring is laterally stable, compact and lightweight. As a result, we have developed a remarkable energy return technology for footwear. According to a biomechanical study conducted by the Shoe Lab at Michigan State University in 2001, our springs return an astounding 87-96% of energy otherwise lost to the ground. The highest energy return score of any shoe every tested. Accordingly, our shoes allow people to participate in physical activity for longer periods of time with far less stress on the body. Recovery time following vigorous activity is greatly reduced. What's more, because our midsole system is mechanical, it never breaks down. As Popular Mechanics concluded in a recent footwear technology review, "Unlike rubber and polymers, the springs have an almost infinite fatigue life. The shoe will fall apart before the spring performance degrades." Perhaps most exciting is the fact that we can put the technology in almost any type of footwear. While we presently produce lines of walking and running shoes, we have plans to introduce casual men's dress, basketball, and sandals in the near future.
Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?
This question is regularly asked of me. How is that major footwear companies with multi-million dollar research and development budgets have not stumbled across the WaveSpring™ technology? The answer, though not readily obvious, is fairly simple. When you think about it, in almost every industry revolutionary developments invariably come from outsiders. Here are some examples:
• The Metal Composite Ski
Prior to 1950, all skis were made out of wood. Howard Head, an aerospace engineer who was on a family ski vacation, noticed how difficult it was to turn in a pair of his rented wooden skis. His idea of a metal composite ski changed the skiing industry.
• The Aluminum Bat
In 1972, a small aluminum company in Tennessee, Worth, developed the Tennessee Thumper, the first aluminum baseball bat. Today over 90% of all bats produced are made of aluminum. At the time, the industry leader, Hillerich and Bradsby, which made the familiar wooden bat, controlled 95% of the market. Certainly Hillerich and Bradsby had no incentive to develop something new.
• The Oversized Metal Tennis Racket
In 1976 following his phenomenal success in the ski industry, Howard Head came up with an idea for an oversized metal tennis racket. He brought the idea to the people who had bought his ski company and was told that lightning would not strike twice. Undaunted, Mr. Head started a tennis racket company called Prince.
• The Metal Golf Driver
Finally in 1979, a salesman named Barry Adams noticed golfers had a difficult time hitting the sweet spot with the smaller wood drivers of the day. His idea to create a metal driver changed the game of golf.
The WaveSpring™ Technology. The next big idea.
What do all of these developments have in common?
They were all developed by individuals outside the industry they revolutionized. Likewise the WaveSpring™ technology was developed by people that had no previous experience in the footwear industry and had no preconceived limitations on what was possible.
Wearing is believing.
I became a believer in the WaveSpring™ technology shortly after trying on a pair of early round prototypes. I was immediately hooked. To that point, I had practiced law for 17 years. I love the practice of law and had built a sizeable practice, but destiny was calling. After all, it was not everyday that one is presented with an opportunity to revolutionize an industry and impact on the quality of life of every person on the planet.
The Banned Shoe.
Governing bodies in sports are often slow to adjust their rules to new and innovative technologies. As the metal composite ski, the aluminum bat, the oversized tennis racket and the metal driver created challenges for the governing bodies in those respective sports, so too has the WaveSpring™ technology in Track and Field. Indeed the USATF, the governing body for Track and Field in the United States, has a rule that specifically bans our shoe for competition. We expect with time to have the rule overturned, but the mere existence of a rule that prohibits the use of our shoe for competition certainly provides us with a level of credibility. After all, if it wasn't better, why would it be banned?
Our shoes are now sold in over 700 stores across the country. You can expect that all of our retail partners will provide you with an exceptional level of customer service. They too are believers.
Should you ever have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at
Once again, thank you for your visit.
