SportsShoes.com

What we really think about the new Spring ranges…

We've just taken delivery of our spring ranges featuring new shoes, clothing, some fresh new collections, some updates of old favourites and some good new technologies

We asked a panel of our most experienced sales consultants and the members of our buying team a few questions about the new ranges&hellip

Running… Which brand has impressed?

The Nike Spring collection stands out for us. Special mention to the new Structure Triax + 11 which although isn't a radical departure from previous updates, it is still really appealing. We find that runners who get it on their feet really like the feel and stick with the shoe

Also interesting is the return of the Trail Pegasus + which has a more protective upper and most importantly deeper lugs.

We're also finding that running with music is possibly the biggest current trend in the sport and all the Nike shoes are now Nike + (ipod) enabled… So this makes the range even more appealing.

What is "Nike +"

The ultimate mix of running and music. A sensor in your Nike + shoe talks wirelessly to your iPod Nano for pace, time and distance alerts as you run. Choose music to match pace, select a PowerSong for an extra boost — then upload your data and track your progress all the way. It's time to rock your run.

Which are the best value buys in the spring range?

We would probably highlight the following three deals in the business at the moment:

Interesting new developments in the running sector

There are two main developments we have noticed:

The explosion in running whilst listening to music and the development of Nike + ipod compatible ranges.

The expansion of interest in Triathlon participation. As a result we have started to stock the new Saucony triathlon range which has lots of features designed to combat the rigours of the sport — quick drying, anti-chafe compression fabrics — it's top end stuff and it's a growing area of interest among our customers.

Interesting new products in the spring footy ranges

This spring has seen new releases in the Nike Vapor and T90 Laser ranges. Of the two it's probably the new Vapour which has generated the most attention. Whether it's because of its attention grabbing yellow colorway or because it has been worn by Christino Ronaldo as he has blazed a trail through opposition defences this season we are not sure, but it is certainly a step forward from the previous Vapors (with its covered lacing area) and it has been popular.

From Adidas we've had the new Predator Powerswerve which is endorsed by many leading players including Steven Gerrard who seems to have taken over as this boot's main cheerleader from David Backham. There are also new colorways in the Adidas F50.

But the range we are really interested in is the Adidas Adipure range of football boots. This is a bit of a blast from the past in that it is as quality leather boot with traditional styling — at last a major brand has realised that not everyone wants to wear bright coloured boots and get kicked upside down for being a flash so and so!

New women's ranges this spring

For ladies gym and general activity wear the new USA Pro range is going down well. The styling is contemporary and the performance is good. It's been very popular with our female gym going customers.

In terms of ladies running shoes the 3 stand out buys would be:

Note: Prices correct at time of publication.