The Evolution of ECCO’s Thriving BIOM Ecosystem
Founded by Karl Toosbuy in the 1960s, ECCO has grown from a low-key Danish footwear brand to a global manufacturing powerhouse. Since day one, Toosbuy’s ECCO philosophy has not only been rooted in making shoes from premium, ethically sourced materials but also in ensuring that they are ergonomically sound. Sixty years on, ECCO has continued to press forward, leading the charge with new designs and technological advancements within their factories and footwear.
In 2009, ECCO’s running department would make one of their greatest scientific breakthroughs yet, replicating a near-barefoot running experience. Developed alongside triathletes, the technology was refined and would eventually come to be known as BIOM Natural Motion. The tech would then be rolled out across the brand’s categories, from golf to outdoors to athleisure. Since then, ECCO have implemented BIOM across a range of their shoes, from the BIOM C to the latest ECCO BIOM 2.1 X COUNTRY.
With ECCO continually proving they nail the art of innovation, it’s time to trace the elements that have contributed to the evolution of ECCO’s thriving BIOM ecosystem.
ECCO BIOM Natural Motion
ECCO’s BIOM is Set in Motion
ECCO’s BIOM C sneaker was the first model to receive the BIOM Natural Motion treatment. Created as the brand’s quintessential sports shoe designed for everyday walking, the model centres around ECCO’s wide anatomical BIOM last. Unlike regular shoes, the BIOM last places the foot lower to the ground, allowing the foot to move in its natural motion.
With ECCO lauded by many in the footwear industry as the pioneers of direct-injection foam midsoles, this method has been a part of the brand’s visionary sole construction for more than 50 years. Known as FLUIDFORM, this technology is their take on direct injection, which sprays foam around ECCO’s lasts. Essentially, you can think of this as the foundation of the BIOM system, all of which allow the wearer longer-lasting cushioning for comfortability. A low-to-the-ground sole construction also provides a natural position for the foot and adaptability across all sorts of terrain.
Next up, the BIOM C-TRAIL would be introduced as the successor to the BIOM C. True to form, ECCO would implement even more technology in the model, including PHORENE – ECCO’s proprietary PU sole cups – which allow even more bounce and energy return. BIOM X-TENSA tech was also incorporated into the shoes, seen along the bridge of the foot, to help keep feet secure and save the wearer energy with each step.
Stepping Up With 2.0
Building upon the functionality of the BIOM C-TRAIL was the futuristic BIOM 2.0, considered the model that helped optimal ergonomics enter the 2020s. Continuing to employ ECCO’s PHORENE technology in the midsoles, the BIOM 2.0 boasted an even more adaptive fit thanks to its midfoot lacing system and single-piece neoprene bootie style. With the warmer months in mind, ECCO also delivered the BIOM 2.0 BREATHRU, substituting heavier fabrics for BREATHRU performance mesh.
Enter the BIOM 2.1 X COUNTRY
Following the BIOM 2.0’s successes came the BIOM 2.1 X COUNTRY. As the brand’s newest addition to the Outdoors category, the BIOM 2.1 X COUNTRY boasts the latest generation of PHORENE. But of course, it wouldn’t be a new ECCO model without even more fresh tech. As such, the BIOM 2.1 X COUNTRY comes complete with EPR+ outsoles, aka the shoe’s tread, designed to deliver the most superior grip possible. ECCO dedicated two and a half years to creating this alongside a leading rubber specialist. The result? A special blend of compounds that deliver increased skid resistance and durability.,
Get ready to take your next adventure with ECCO on-foot.
