At ena, we believe the best innovations solve multiple challenges at once. The Proto Runner 1 is no exception—combining exceptional performance with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Every detail, from its weight to its materials, has been engineered for a purpose: to help runners achieve their goals while reducing environmental impact.
The Weight Debate: Speed vs. Durability
It’s common to think that lighter shoes automatically lead to better performance. While lighter shoes can improve speed, excessive weight reduction often compromises essential features like durability, comfort, and long-term performance. Here’s why:
- Reduced cushioning and support: Going too light can sacrifice shock absorption, which places more stress on your joints and muscles.
- Increased risk of injury: This is especially true over long distances, where extra protection is vital.
- Shorter lifespan: Shoes that are too light often wear down quickly, increasing the frequency of replacements and contributing to more waste.
The challenge is finding the right balance—a weight that ensures optimal speed while keeping essential features like durability and comfort intact.
The Sweet Spot: 245 Grams of Peak Performance
Through rigorous testing and research, we identified the perfect balance at 245 grams (for a US size 9). This weight allows us to incorporate advanced features that make the Proto Runner 1 a game-changer:
- Silphion Foam: Our proprietary bio-based compound delivers unmatched responsiveness and durability. Engineered with rubber as one of its key components, it offers eco-friendly cushioning that’s both springy and long-lasting.
- Durable Organic Rubber Outsole: Featuring a robust 2.5 mm thickness, this outsole ensures exceptional grip and durability, fully protecting the shoe while maintaining agility.
Why Not Go Lighter?
While lighter shoes improve speed, there’s a limit. Adding 100g per shoe can slow a runner down by 1%. However, cushioning can improve running economy by 3-4%, supporting better performance over time. So, while going lighter might seem appealing, it’s not always the best choice for long-term efficiency.
Sustainability Through Durability
The Proto Runner 1 isn’t just a fast shoe—it’s designed to last. By creating a shoe that performs at the highest level while maintaining durability, we help reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. A shoe that lasts longer requires fewer replacements, conserving resources and contributing to a more sustainable future.
A Shoe You Can Trust
The Proto Runner 1 embodies the idea of running a marathon with something you know and trust, a companion rather than a disposable object. By focusing on the key concepts of Comfort, Durability, and Sustainability, the shoe achieves its ultimate goal: becoming a loyal partner, something you can rely on to run more than just one marathon. It’s a product you’ve grown to trust, one that learns about you as it adapts to your foot and running style, giving you the confidence that only something familiar can provide.