Boston Marathon 2014 is taking place today and it’s going to be one of the most watched races to date. Last year, a tragedy struck the iconic road race, but this year people will continue to run not only to reach personal goals, but to portray how they refuse defeat. In homage to the “Boston Strong” campaign, New Balance has released this exclusive running shoe called the ‘Boston 890v4.’
The neon-colored shoe features REVlite and ABZORB cushioning, it is lighter than ever and comes in styles for both men and women. Boston is New Balance’s hometown, so it it fitting that it released a shoe in tribute to the town and its runners. The shoes are designed with an outline of Massachusetts, sport hearts on the back of the heels and have “#LoveBoston” printed on the insoles.
New Balance also created matching tees that raise money to help families affected by last year’s events. The company will donate $10 from its sales of each shirt to The One Fund Boston, Inc.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Marathon Tribute Sneakers
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating custom running shoes for specific marathon events can cater to the emotional connection between runners and the races they participate in.
- Boston Strong Campaign
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing products or services that show solidarity and support for communities affected by tragedy can resonate with consumers and create a positive brand image.
- Fundraising Merchandise
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing special merchandise tied to charitable causes can help raise funds and create awareness for important social issues.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Athletic Footwear
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new sustainable materials and technologies in athletic footwear can offer improved performance and functionality for consumers.
- Apparel
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating wearable technology into apparel products can enhance the user experience and provide valuable data for fitness enthusiasts.
- Charity and Non-profit
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing digital platforms and technology to streamline the donation process can make charitable giving more accessible and efficient.
