Teva® Defies Convention By Changing the Shoe Instead of the Stride

GOLETA, Calif., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Teva®, a leading action outdoor brand and division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NASDAQGS: DECK), announced today the launch of the TevaSphere collection designed to meet the performance needs of the outdoor athlete. With a first-of-its-kind spherical heel and pod-arch system, the TevaSphere technology delivers a more natural point of impact, efficient transition and superior stability on varied terrain.

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"Teva has been providing innovative footwear for the outdoors since pioneering the sport-sandal category almost thirty years ago," said Teva Brand President Joel Heath. "We are, once again, putting our stake in the ground; with TevaSphere we are delivering a technology-based solution that addresses the shortcomings of both minimalist and over-supportive athletic shoes."

Participation in non-traditional outdoor sports such as adventure racing, obstacle courses and mud runs is steadily on the rise.  In an effort to meet the demands of this growing group of consumers, Teva spent more than four years developing the TevaSphere technology that solves a real problem for outdoor athletes who face a diverse range of terrain and obstacles in their outdoor pursuits.

The brand's product and design team collaborated with leading sports science and human performance institute P3 (Peak Performance Project) to create the first outdoor cross-trainer offering a spherical heel and pod-based arch support system. P3 proved through extensive testing that the spherical heel lowers the user's point of contact with terrain for a more natural point of impact and more efficient transition.  The pod-arch system provides specific support only where needed, offering phenomenal stability without restricting freedom of movement or adding unnecessary weight to the shoe.

"We took our testing beyond the traditional flat environments of a lab and developed a way to test both uphill and downhill movements, mimicking the various terrains of the outdoors," said Geoffrey Gray, Doctor of Physical Therapy at P3.  "Our extensive data showed that the TevaSphere represents the best combination of performance and stability of any hiking, walking or running shoe we tested."

The TevaSphere design stands in stark contrast to bulkier, squared-off heels and over-cushioned insoles of other athletic shoes. It also addresses the poor support found in "minimalist" footwear that encourages consumers to change their stride to adapt.

"The majority of consumers continue to land on their heels whether running or walking," said Chris Hillyer, Innovation Manager at Teva. "We felt compelled to create a technology that allows people to transition through their stride in a natural way without expecting the consumer to change."

Teva also incorporates proven technology from its other footwear lines in the TevaSphere collection. The TevaSphere outsole is composed of Spider365 Rubber that provides supreme traction on various terrains. In addition, the TevaSphere footwear collection offers a welcome aesthetic which transitions easily from the trail to the sidewalk.  Structural minimalism, non-sew synthetics, flexible mesh and vibrant color define the versatile looks for the Spring 2013 line.

TevaSphere product offerings will debut in February 2013 in styles for men and women, including:

• TevaSphere Speed features quick-dry materials and lightweight design. The Speed is available in two colors for men and women with a MSRP of $120.00 (U.S.).
• TevaSphere Trail eVent® features eVent® breathable waterproof membrane, sturdy design and toe bumper for added protection. The TevaSphere Trail eVent is available in three colors for men and two for women with an MSRP of $140.00 (U.S.).
• TevaSphere Trail is built for women who prefer the benefits of a sturdy trail shoe and can forgo waterproof features. The TevaSphere Trail is available for women only, in three colors with an MSRP of $120.00 (U.S.).
• TevaSphere Trail Mid eVent® is available only in selected international markets. Featuring all the benefits of the TevaSphere Trail eVent® but adding the extra protection of a mid-cut height. Available in one color for men and women.

TevaSphere has received nomination for the 2012 Outdoor Industry Award from the OutDoor show in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Winners will be announced on July 12^th and the resulting seal of quality will help consumers identify functional, innovative and durable products within the industry.

Teva is owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation
Teva is a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a public company traded on the NASDAQ at DECK. Deckers Outdoor Corporation strives to be a premier lifestyle marketer that builds niche brands into global market leaders by designing and marketing innovative, functional and fashion-oriented footwear developed for both high performance outdoor activities and everyday casual lifestyle use. Teva®, UGG® Australia, Sanuk®, Ahnu®, Mozo® and TSUBO®, are registered trademarks of Deckers Outdoor Corporation. See www.deckers.com for more information.

SOURCE Deckers Outdoor Corporation