Peter Ruppe, SVP of footwear at Under Armour, reveals the secrets behind the company’s recent shoe success.
“The product itself is relatively simple in terms of its aesthetic. The anafoam [technology] and using different construction techniques gave it a really comfortable feel, but also a lot of support. None of that compares to what number 30 for [the Golden State Warriors] was doing. He was the one who gave it the biggest lift.”
“We have been in the [Stephen] Curry brand for slightly more than a year. To consider back when we were starting the Curry Two, we didn’t know that Steph would have a breakout [season]. We were thinking: How do we change the form and help the most agile guard out there? It’s a light, fast and responsive shoe.”
Highlight Cleat
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“When we launched the Highlight, the inspiration came from old-school styles of basketball and boxing shoes. The Highlight is a remarkable football concept because it allows a player to feel protected, but move fully. For the past several football seasons, it’s been the No. 1-selling football item.”
Speedform Apollo
“Apollo was the very first innovation that we had in Speedform technology. We went to an apparel manufacturer that specialized in bras, looked at how they used fabrics and said, ‘Is that possible to do in footwear?’ We partnered with them, and they developed molded uppers. It’s a lighter weight, faster form of product.”
Speedform Gemini 2 Record-Equipped
“It’s got an xyz accelerometer built into it with battery antenna for Bluetooth. We want it to be as frictionless as possible. All you have to do is lace up the product and start running, and it’s tracking — no devices necessary. It also syncs into UA MapMyRun for GPS tracking and is there to enhance a runner’s experience.”
Speedform Slingshot
“It’s an entirely knitted upper. We pull together a unique and really strong fabric for the toe area, but then we use different fibers in the knitting process to create different zones of compression. The forefoot — where you want a lot of mobility — is highly flexible, and the medial side is most compressed.”
Architech
“A lot of our innovation has to do with trying to consider newer or better ways to deliver product to the marketplace. The starting point of the Architech was to aim toward actually being able to 3-D print midsole parts. We understand that 3-D printing is going to be in the industry — we just don’t know how quickly, so we wanted to push the needle.”
Fat Tire
“The inspiration was for outdoor, and we were observing these overbuilt bike tires that have come onto the scene that you can ride on snow and sand. The designer took the inspiration literally, and we went to Michelin. The idea is for active trail running — something that will really give you the traction that you need.”
ClutchFit Force FG
The shoe includes charged cushioning that delivers incredible feel and energy return, with strategically placed microfin elements. “ClutchFit refers to using a stretch fabric base. It creates a skinlike feel.”
Golf Footwear
“We are working with the world’s best golfer [Jordan Spieth]. We are able to deliver for him signature-level product that he can perform in at a very high level. We nailed a great golf shoe right from the beginning; we are really proud of that. Now we are expanding.”
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