Reebok helps athletes Do What Comes Naturally; Launches RealFlex Footwear

In recent years, two new categories have emerged in the running and training footwear market: barefoot and extreme lightweight, "minimalist" footwear. Today, Reebok introduces RealFlex, a running and training shoe that delivers on the promise of both of these categories. RealFlex is truly the best of both worlds ' it's natural movement. Perfected.

RealFlex features 76 independent "sensors" on the bottom of the shoe strategically positioned to adapt to all training surfaces. These "sensors" work together throughout an athlete's stride, promoting natural movement and flexibility, while protecting them from the elements associated with barefoot running. The result is a shoe that delivers all the benefits of barefoot running with the protection of a traditional athletic shoe.

"With RealFlex, we set out to create a shoe that promotes true natural movement, but also provided athletes with the protection and versatility they need," said Sajid Shamim, Brand Director - Reebok. "The benefits of natural movement ' improved flexibility, balance and body awareness - are well documented for runners, but our challenge was to provide these benefits in a shoe that allows athletes to do more than simply run."

With its minimalist construction on the upper, RealFlex delivers a "sock like" feel to the athlete. When combined with the 76 "sensors" on the bottom of the shoe, RealFlex promotes and enhances natural movement in a way that allows the athlete to move the way nature intended.

"Barefoot or natural running makes a lot of sense from a biomechanics standpoint because all the shock absorption happens in your muscles, not your joints," said Reebok's Head of Advanced Innovation, Bill McInnis. "The problem is that natural running works best in the natural world, not on man-made surfaces. In creating RealFlex technology, we took everything that works with natural running and made it work in today's world. Simply put, RealFlex is natural movement perfected."

McInnis added that RealFlex is another example of Reebok's focus on creating technologies whose benefits are immediately apparent to the user when they put the product on. "At Reebok, we're committed to developing "technologies you can feel.' We want the athlete to feel the technology and experience something unique. Whether it's ZigTech, EasyTone or RealFlex, we have products that leave no doubt about the benefit."

RealFlex is available for men and women in distinct colorways. For men, it is offered in Carbon/Blazing Orange, Gravel/Acidic Green, Buff Blue/Athletic Navy/White, White/Tingrey/Black, Steel/Excellent Red,

For women, RealFlex is offered in Gravel/Overtly Pink and Blue Blink/White. For Kids, Real Flex is offered in Black/Gravel/Acidic Green and Steel/Excellent Red Mesh. RealFlex is available at select Reebok outlets for Rs.4999 onwards for men and women and for Rs 3999 onwards for kids.