Why We Chose The Ecco Biom 2.0 Breathru Walking Shoes: Innovative technologies, modern design, eco-friendly materials.
BIOM stands for ‘Biomechanical Optimization’ and is part of Ecco’s wider ‘BIOM project’, inspired by barefoot runners around the globe.
Beginning in 2006, they scanned 2500 athletes’ feet and, combined with findings from biomechanics researchers, started creating shoes tailored towards natural movement. The idea was to envision new ways to subtly activate the foot’s natural systems for shock absorption and motion, in turn, strengthening both the feet and legs.
“There’s minimal water consumption during the production.”
It’s a similar concept to the likes of Vivobarefoot in this sense, but with a fair bit more support to guide you. Depending on where you stand on the great barefoot debate, this extra support might be of reassurance if you’re not yet ready for the plunge into shoeless walking.
Ecco’s latest creation from the project is the Biom 2.0 Breathru walking shoes, which feature a lightweight PU midsole, a breathable mesh upper, and an ergonomically-shaped last to ensure a safe and supportive journey on the trail. There’s still that foot-to-floor feel though, including a whole host of other cool features to explore.
Who Are The Breathru Walking Shoes For?
The Biom Breathru shoes are primarily a summer shoe, though dry and mild conditions in spring and autumn should also be fine. We wouldn’t say it’s for any technical adventures, just light trails, but it should bode well on short walks and hikes, quick jaunts into town, and maybe even some easy trail running routes.
Materials and Construction
A combination of premium textiles and DriTan leather detailing are used here, along with the brand’s Phorene PU midsole and rubber outsole.
DriTan leather is a patented technology from Ecco that ensures minimal water consumption during the production of the product, including an overall decrease in the amount of chemical wastewater. It does this by using moisture already present in the hides during the leather tanning process rather than masses and masses of fresh water. DriTan technologies actually reduce the amount of water used by 20 litres per hide, which translates to 25 million litres of water saved each year.
Phorene, on the other hand, is another proprietary product from Ecco, and is used on the midsole of the shoe. It’s injected between the outer and upper to give ultra-lightweight cushioning and bounce.
Features
A key feature here is the ‘Biom Natural Motion’ technologies which essentially help your foot to move more naturally using specially designed support systems. These include the bouncy midsole which encourage your foot’s natural shock resistance, PU wings to hold the midfoot in its optimum position (less sideways movement), a cupped insole and midsole to secure the heel, and a ‘full contact’ rubber outsole for maximised ground contact. The shank has actually been removed here to give that extra grounded feel so bear in mind that you will feel some lumps and bumps underfoot in these.
