Saucony Gets More Visible

Saucony unveiled its brand-new ViZiPRO collection of running gear at a panel discussion in New York last week, detailing how the highly reflective microfiber apparel and accessories are designed to keep runners seen and safe in any season, day or night. The ViZiPRO collection includes jackets, vests, sport tops, headgear and hand gear for men and women in the trademark fluorescent orange color meant for maintaining an eye-opening luminescent and reflective surface for increased visibility of athletes.
Panelist Robert Sinclair, a driver distraction and epidemic expert for AAA New York, noted that with the increase in developments in technology—particularly cell phone usage—the percentage of distracted drivers has significantly gone up over the last decade, with drivers distracted by other activities 30 percent of the time they are behind the wheel. Sinclair’s words resonated with me, as I’ve definitely met a few close calls with distracted drivers while out on road runs.
Ironman World Champion Karen Smyers emphasized the importance of gear such as ViZiPRO by sharing the story of her own bicycling incident in which she sustained critical injuries after being hit by an 18-wheeler. “When I first started training, I often didn’t factor in that light could turn to dark mid-workout,” Smyers said. “The accident made me realize how important it is for me to minimize my risk by being more visible, and in turn, feel safer.”
Panelist Dr. Frank Schieber, head of the Visual Performance Laboratory and Driving Research Laboratory at University of South Dakota and an authority on fluorescent color materials, stressed that it’s important for runners, cyclists and walkers to compete for drivers’ attention to ensure drivers will make a stronger effort to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Todd Dalhausser of Saucony Apparel commented that Saucony (now a division of Lexington, MA-based Stride Rite) has always been a technical running brand for relentless technical performance, and when it comes to efficiency, there is nothing more visible than a simple blinking LED light, as is featured in the sleeves of ViZiPRO’s tops.
Saucony’s Spring 2010 performance footwear and apparel collections were also previewed at the event. Dalhausser noted that Saucony has released ViZiPRO shoes internationally and they hope to roll out a soft launch in the U.S. in the near future. Footwear slated for a Spring 2010 release in the States include the new Grid Fastwitch 4, a lightweight racing shoe recommended for training, and the ProGrid Triumph 7, aimed for neutral runners.