Skora Running will release new shoes into the world fairly soon. And, yes, it's okay for you to be excited. In fact, you may have already sneaked a peek at the Phase and Core. But, that was a while ago. So, I'm going to remind you about them. 
But First...
Let's go over a couple of things about Skora before we get into those specs and pics of the Core and Phase. (Sure, this post only needs to consist of a few words, the names of the new shoes, and some photos. But, if you wanted brief, you'd be looking at another site)
When the creative people at Skora introduced their rather unique interpretations of running shoes, the Form and the Base, to the public towards the end of 2011, shoe geeks reacted with interest. And, as 2012 progressed, Skora shoe reviews punctuated relevant media steadily.
More importantly, Skora's running shoes inspired shoe buyers (you people) to demonstrate a significant range of responses, from curiosity to enthusiasm to skepticism. The dominant opinion across the web, as far as I can tell, is that both Skora offerings are fantastic as long as the fit is commensurate with the wearer's feet, which makes perfect sense.
And, indeed, I am happy to reiterate my own satisfaction with the very comfortable Skora Base, one of my weekly go-to shoes for road running.
But, of course, if you've read anything at length about Skora's shoes, particularly the Form, you've undoubtedly been subjected to the debate over pricing and perceptions of luxury. And, unless you are comfortable spending more on a running shoe than you're used to, it's highly likely that you've decided to wait and see how Skora's shoes continue to be received by your running peers.
Understandable. It takes a lot of moxie to take a chance on a relatively new brand. But, really, is trying a new shoe from, say, Mizuno any less risky than trying a new shoe from any other shoe company (Skora)? You read shoe reviews. You look at the pictures. And, you make an educated guess when you click the "submit order" button. Return shipping is more and more hassel-free everyday.
Anyway, I'm not a brand loyalist. I'm standing on this press-release-covered soapbox for Skora, because I like to foster open mindedness and encourage people to try new things. There are lots of different shoes out there for us. And, the more we try, the more competitive the market becomes. And, a competitive shoe market is good for us, because shoe makers pay more attention to our requests and price products more affordably.
So, as someone who enjoys running in the Skora Base and believes that the shoe is very well made, I am encouraging my fellow runners to read up on Skora's shoes and consider them (again). Don't think of them as being the [elitist brand] of running shoes. Because, that's not actually what they're all about. That's what others have written without really thinking about the metaphor. Skoras are tools for running. And, they may or may not be the right tools for you. You won't know until you try.
And, with that, let's see what's coming out this Spring (word on the street is "March-ish") from Skora:
Skora Core and Phase Specs, Pics, and PR Verbiage
Skora Phase
- 7.2oz Men’s / 5.8oz Women’s
- minimal, single-layer mesh upper
- asymmetric lacing system
- unique unibody IBR outsole
- Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height
- $110 MSRP
Skora Core
- 8.1oz Men’s / 6.7oz Women’s
- perforated Pittards® Armor-Tan® Goatskin leather upper
- combination lining with WR100X® leather and antibacterial Agion mesh
- asymmetric lacing system
- unibody IBR outsole
- Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height
- $155 MSRP
The star feature of the two new SS13 (Spring/Summer 2013) Skora models is the "revolutionary new R02 unibody outsole platform". Yes, it's a whole 'nother last. This new last is comprised of IBR (Injection Blown Rubber), which "provides the function of both midsole and outsole".
If you've been reading this blog for a while, that sole composition might seem similar to the "Fusion Sole™" that's part of another lightweight shoe. I'm not saying the sole construction of that shoe and the Skora R02 last is the exact same, of course. But, I'll bet they're similar, conceptually speaking. And, the extra grippy things on the new Skora outsole will be most interesting.
The PR verbiage goes on to describe the IBR material like this:
Pushing the boundaries of material technology, IBR offers better abrasion resistance, grip and compression-set than injected EVA, at a much lower density and weight than rubber. This provides runners with an ultra-supple ground feel and outstanding durability, longevity and running comfort in a flexible, lightweight single unit. The new PHASE and CORE are zero-drop for the perfect blend of feel and function, featuring an 8mm forefoot/heel stack height for incredible ground feel with needed protection.
Sounds cool, right?
Not me running in the Skora Phase
David Sypniewski, Founder/CEO for SKORA, INC. describes the new additions to the collection as "an evolution of our philosophy, founded on challenging the status quo and building running shoes that not only enable natural running, but do so by seamlessly combining design and performance."
Design and performance, people!
Aside from these brand new shoe models to consider, Skora will update the classic Form and Base with new colorways. So, the company has essentially doubled your options with this Spring's new products. How about that?
Will these updates and color upgrades be enough to grow the Skora fanbase dramatically this year? I think so. Does that kind of growth make 2013 the year of Skora? Well, I don't know about that. But, the phrase has a nice ring to it.
Now, here are a couple more pictures.
Skora Core in grey (mens)
Skora Core in black and yellow (mens)
Skora Core outsole (mens)
Skora Core in light grey and light blue (womens)
Skora Core in black, purple, and blue (womens)Thanks for reading!
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