Episode 12: Footwear developer Michael Thompson talks about carbon-fiber shoe technology for the trails

In this episode of Kicksology, host Brian Metzler welcomes Michael Thompson, the Senior Global Product Director of Footwear at The North Face, to talk about how trail running has evolved, the early days of trail running shoes, the continued growth of ultra-distance races, the new Flight VECTIV trail running shoe with a 3D carbon-fiber plate embedded in its midsole and what we might expect next in running shoes.

In each episode of Kicksology, host Brian Metzler engages shoe designers, entrepreneurs, shoe company executives, retailers, athletes and physical therapists to talk about the evolution of running shoes, new shoe launches, breakthrough technologies, the biomechanics of running and everything else running-shoe related.

Metzler is the author of the book, Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes, a frequent contributor to PodiumRunner, and a long-time runner who has competed in races on the track, roads and trails from 50 meters to 100 miles.