Brooks® Sports Introduces New Running Shoe Technology – Groundbreaking DNA smart cushioning system instantaneously adapts to runner’s unique biomechanics, weight, pace, gait and surface

BOTHELL, Wash. – Brooks Sports, Inc., the only company in the world that offers footwear, apparel and accessories exclusively for the runner, continues its pioneering history in the performance running industry by announcing the launch of Brooks DNA, an innovative cushioning system that adapts to the unique needs of each runner.

Available now in the new Brooks Glycerin® 8, Brooks DNA automatically and physically adapts with each foot strike to the ever-changing amount of force placed on the foot during the run. The result is cushioning and stability in response to the varying biomechanics, weight, pace, gait and environment of each and every runner.

“Brooks DNA is a game-changing technology in the world of running,” said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks. “Traditional cushioning systems attempt to work for runners of all shapes and sizes, even though each person’s weight and gait are vastly different from the next. DNA offers a real solution to this challenge; it continuously tailors the levels of cushioning and resiliency to each runner’s specific, changing needs throughout their run.”

Because of its unique ability to adapt, Brooks DNA also solves a gender cushioning conundrum.

“With traditional cushioning systems, a shoe that works for a male runner will be too firm for a female runner with the same shoe size because she weighs on average 10 to 15 percent less,” said Brooks Director of Footwear Merchandising Andre Kriwet. “Because Brooks DNA adapts to accommodate the different forces these two runners produce, it delivers both genders a customized fit and ride mile after mile. Likewise, two runners of the same gender and shoe size who have varying weights and / or paces also enjoy the benefits of Brooks DNA adaptation. It truly is an intelligent system.”

The patent-pending development was lead by Brooks’ Future Concepts team through years of trial formulations and in-depth performance and biomechanical testing.

“Brooks DNA is made up of a highly viscous non-Newtonian liquid, meaning it doesn’t react to stress as expected. It adapts to the force applied to it—not what you’d expect from a typical liquid,” explained Future Concepts Manager Derek Campbell. “It was engineered to perform at the molecular level like millions of resilient ‘nanosprings’.”

When examined through a microscope, Brooks DNA is comprised of polymer chains, or individual molecules connected in strands. These strands and chains react to the amount of force placed on the foot and allow Brooks DNA to disperse pressure and provide resiliency as needed. Such molecules will never break down or wear out in normal use. According to Campbell, this physics solution delivers a tailored degree of cushioning suited to each runner’s individual weight, pace, gait, biomechanics and running environment.

In addition to its adaptable properties, Brooks DNA also maximizes the underfoot performance of running shoes, providing:

* 30% better cushioning than standard gel or EVA materials at baseline impact levels, and even better at higher impacts
* Twice as much energy return with maximum force applied
* Better efficiency across a range of impact forces—great performance under different weights and paces
* Enhanced forefoot flexibility ensuring a smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off.

Video demonstrating Brooks DNA cushioning technology at: brooksrunning.com/Technology/Brooks+DNA

For more technical information about all Brooks performance running footwear, apparel, and accessories, visit: www.brooksrunning.com