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Saucony to build on 2007 success
LEADING running shoe specialist Saucony is set to build on its unprecedented success in 2007 with its Spring 2008 range.  
Featuring a new top-end shoe and, for the first time, a comprehensive spikes range, Saucony is launching an impressive line up of shoes, securing its position as the number two brand in UK specialist stores. 
For the top end of the market, Saucony is introducing the ProGrid Paramount.  
Already receiving positive feedback from retailers, the Paramount has unique ‘Comfortemp’ technology in the upper, which regulates the temperature of the feet in the shoes, depending on whether they are above or below 82ºF.  
Available in the shops from December, the Paramount retails at £110. 
Comfortemp is a non-woven material, comprising temperature-balancing microspheres which, when the foot warms up to 82º F, create a pleasant cooling effect.  
When the foot temperature drops, the microspheres then release the stored heat.  
This technology ensures that runners are kept at a temperature they find comfortable for longer periods. 
Demonstrating its commitment to running, Saucony’s spike range includes a high quality long distance spike, as well as a mid-range sprint and middle distance offerings.  
Also in the spring 2008 range are enhanced versions of Saucony’s Performance shoes, the Triathlon-inspired Type A and the top selling racing shoe, the Grid Fastwitch.  
New colours for its popular Triumph shoes are now on sale and an order book for autumn 2007 is up over 30 per cent on last year. 
Andrew Sainsbury, managing director of Saucony, said: “Our strong performance comes on the back of the success of the Triumph 4 and Omni 6 launched earlier this year.  
“The quality and popularity of these shoes in particular has cemented our position with UK specialists, and we are delighted to have seen this growth with them.  
“For spring 2008, without question, this is the strongest line up of shoes we’ve ever had.  
“Retailers are impressed with the addition of the Paramount, and we are pulling out all the stops for a November launch. 
“The inclusion of a Spike range marks us out as a ‘complete running company’, which reflects our support of the sport at all levels.” 
For further information visit www.saucony.co.uk or telephone 02392 823664.

Gisele endorses Y Ikatu Xingu campaign
Gisele endorses Y Ikatu Xingu campaign
BRAZILIAN supermodel Gisele Bundchen is endorsing a range of footwear which supports the Y Ikatu Xingu Campaign. 
Footwear brand Ipanema is working with the famous model in supporting the campaign - which is fighting to preserve the waters of the Brazilian Xingu River and the forests that protect the flow of its waters. Ipanema are releasing two styles in the UK this year which have been inspired by the culture of the Kisedje tribe - a group of Amazonian Indians who are affected by the river’s pollution. 
Members of the tribe have designed the graphics on the sandals using their ancient culture.

Stiletto sculpture unveiled in Mansfield
Stiletto sculpture unveiled in Mansfield
A SIX metre sculpture depicting a pair of stiletto heels has been unveiled in Mansfield. 
The £50,000 High Heels sculpture by artists Renn and Thacker has received a mixed reaction for local people - some of whom are claiming it is a waste of public money. 
The sculpture which was built with money from a government grant was unveiled by local drag queen Dixie Tucker. 
Councillor Kate Allsop, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This piece of art is both modern and historic in that it refers to Mansfield’s shoe industry as well as its current bustling nightlife.  
“The area, which already benefits from a great view of the restored viaduct, is enhanced by this dramatic addition. The sculpture will be a good focal point for the town.”

Get your foot down in safer driving shoes
A NEW footwear design concept which aims to make women safer and more comfortable behind the wheel has been launched by Sheilas’ Wheels. 
The car insurer for women has developed the ‘Sheila Driving Heel’ to give women the best of both worlds - a safe, flat driving shoe and a glamorous pair of heels in one - all interchangeable at a push of a button. 
New research by Sheilas’ Wheels found that more than 11.5 million women drivers in the UK are putting themselves and other drivers at risk by wearing the wrong footwear when behind the wheel. 
Jacky Brown, spokesman for Sheilas’ Wheels, said: “It’s astonishing that so many women are putting themselves, their passengers and other drivers at risk by wearing the wrong shoe or no shoe at all whilst behind the wheel. Stilettos, sling-backs and strappy sandals aren’t the sensible choice when it comes to controlling a car. 
“Our Sheila Driving Heel design could provide safety-conscious female motorists with the ultimate driving shoe - allowing women to wear a safe flat shoe whilst driving, and a fashionable heel once they are out of the car.”  
One in ten female motorists admit that they have had a car accident or a ‘near-miss’ because of their shoes slipping off or getting stuck between, or under, the foot pedals while driving. 
While 47 per cent of women drivers said that they chose what shoes to wear when getting ready in the morning based on what went best with their outfit rather than being the safest for driving in. 
Seventeen per cent of female drivers keep a spare pair of ‘driving shoes’ in the car to change into, while 23 per cent admit they can’t be bothered to change their shoes when behind the wheel even if they know they are not the safest for driving. 
Dianne Ferreira, spokesperson national road safety charity for Brake the national road safety charity, added: “An alarming number of female drivers simply do not realise the danger they are putting themselves, and others, in by driving in inappropriate shoes. High heels, platforms and flip-flops can seriously hamper your ability to drive safely, and could have fatal consequences.”
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