Reebok 2014 Annual Report Download - page 82

adidas Group
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2014 Annual Report
Group Management Report – Our Group
78
2014
Research and Development
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02.6
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The adidas brand introduced numerous major product innovations in 2014. These included:
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Back in 2013, adidas launched its groundbreaking material innovation called Boost, in partnership
with BASF. Boost is an industry-first cushioning technology designed to deliver maximum energy
return, responsiveness and comfort to athletes. Following its successful launch in the running
category over the course of 2013, Boost was integrated into additional running silhouettes as
well as other sports categories in 2014. For example, adidas introduced Boost to the basketball
category with the new Crazylight Boost and D Rose 5 Boost signature basketball shoe. Boost
basketball technology underwent comprehensive testing for over a year with top NCAA and NBA
players. All athletes participated through high-performance drills and game simulations and
gave universally positive feedback, consistently preferring the Boost version of a shoe compared
to a standard EVA alternative. Boost was also integrated into other categories, such as training,
snowboarding and baseball.
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In 2014, adidas launched a revolution in active cooling technology, the adidas ClimaChill apparel
range. The range incorporates an innovative fabric using titanium and 3-D aluminium cooling
spheres, which are strategically located to correspond with the warmest area of the body, cooling
skin down upon contact. The groundbreaking SubZero flat yarn contains titanium and is woven
throughout the inside of each ClimaChill jersey, delivering up to 36% more cooling capacity.
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In addition, in the second half of 2014, adidas introduced the ClimaHeat range, which has been
engineered for athletes who require power insulation for training in cold weather. The hollow-
fibre fabrics are engineered with yarns that are built to have a hollow core, allowing higher
amounts of warm air to be trapped, which ensures greater insulation without adding additional
weight. The fibres provide advanced moisture control by wicking sweat away from the body and
transporting it to the outer surface of the fabric.
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The introduction of the world’s first knitted football boot, the adidas Samba Primeknit, as well
as the adidas Primeknit FS, the world’s first all-in-one knitted football boot and sock hybrid,
marked the latest chapter in a rich history of revolutionary adidas football products and further
cemented Primeknit as one of the key technologies at the heart of adidas innovation. The
unique ‘sock silhouette’ design provides a bespoke second-skin feel that offers the perfect fit
from toe to calf. The one-piece design and strong light yarns of the Primeknit FS provide new
levels of flexibility and comfort with stability and strength equal to that of conventional boots. The
advanced production techniques used to make Primeknit also allow for the one-layer upper to be
constructed with zones catering to various performance needs, ensuring that both football boots
meet the requirements of all aspects of the game.
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The adidas miCoach Smart Ball is a Bluetooth Smart and app-enabled football with integrated
in-built sensors that track the ball’s movement for football kicking training through an automated
coaching system. The Smart Ball relays data on how hard the ball has been struck, offers visual
flight trajectories, depicts ball spin and shows impact points via the adidas miCoach Smart Ball
app. This data can then be used to help train players, providing coaching instructions on how to
alter kicking technique.
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The #miZXFLUX app from adidas Originals has taken sneaker customisation to the next level,
with a bespoke personal touch. Using the app on an iOS or Android phone, users can upload new
images or photographs and apply them to the ZX Flux’s upper. Once the design is selected, a 360°
3-D preview allows users to rotate, scale and position their design until it is just right, with the
ability to then save and share their designs on social networks and more.
More information on these and other products can be found in the Global Brands Strategy section.see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53