There are a thousand reasons to stop, but only one reason to keep going—because running is a part of life. This is the running philosophy of Yang Jiagen and Yun Yanqiao, the previous champions and runners-up of The North Face 100?, and also their personal declaration for this year’s competition. As the 2013 Beijing International Trail Challenge of The North Face 100? kicks off on May 4th, trail running enthusiasts will enjoy a newer and wilder experience. The North Face? has powerfully introduced the Hyper-Track trail shoes featuring CRADLE GUIDETM technology, which deliver outstanding performance suitable for any terrain, effectively absorb shock, manage foot impact, and allow all trail runners to confidently tackle the newly upgraded challenging course.
Yun Yanqiao, The North Face? athlete and runner-up of TNF100? 2012, believes that choosing trail running shoes with “lightweight protection” performance is especially important for runners: “Since trail running inevitably involves forests and complex terrains, the impact on your feet can be several times your body weight, placing huge stress on bones, ligaments, tendons, and foot muscles. Therefore, the new trail shoes with CRADLE GUIDETM technology play a decisive role in athlete protection. They not only effectively cushion maximum impact forces, but also provide dynamic arch support through foot pronation, and control foot movement at toe-off based on biomechanical principles, improving gait rhythm during trail runs.”
Throughout the trail run, running posture changes with different surfaces. When encountering ditches, low shrubs, or fallen trees, you need to increase speed and take big leaps; when facing higher obstacles such as low fences or earthen mounds, you need to approach with a run-up and squat jump; when going uphill, lean forward and land on the forefoot; while going downhill, land on the full foot or heel. At these times, the full-foot protection and gait cycle guidance performance of the CRADLE GUIDETM technology used in The North Face?’s Hyper-Track trail shoes can play a decisive role. This system guides the foot throughout the three phases of a gait cycle (impact, midfoot stance, and toe-off) to adapt to various terrains.
In addition, The North Face?’s Hyper-Track trail shoes feature an EVA CRADLE GUIDE TM midsole design that moves in harmony with the foot, providing smooth control throughout the gait cycle to ensure a natural stride. The upper layer of the midsole uses low-density EVA, which is softer and offers excellent cushioning, preventing major impact forces on the feet during running and effectively dispersing rebound force across the entire foot to minimize foot impact. The lower layer of high-density EVA provides good support and stability when traversing rugged terrain, keeping the foot centered on the insole and offering a stable platform at toe-off, delivering strong protection for walking. It perfectly integrates cushioning, stability, and protection.
Furthermore, The North Face?’s Hyper-Track lightweight training trail running shoes feature a seamless, lightweight, sleek, and breathable sandwich mesh upper, TPU welded patches, and a C-Delta metatarsal fit system, along with a high-performance dual-density molded EVA midsole design and Snake Plate TM protection. The uniquely crafted, highly durable cushioning pad, combined with The North Face?’s innovative CRADLE GUIDETM technology, effectively absorbs shock, enhances foot impact management, and provides the support and protection needed for even the roughest terrains.
As Yun Yanqiao mentioned when discussing shoe selection principles for long-distance protection, trail running is an intense, long-distance, and technically demanding sport. “You must choose shoes with good shock absorption, suitable for trail running, and also consider being lightweight and safe to avoid long-term ankle swelling.” The Hyper-Track trail shoes with The North Face?’s CRADLE GUIDETM technology perfectly meet all the needs of “runners,” allowing everyone to run lightly protected and freely. Go discover, go wild, and achieve your trail running dreams!