For 07 we’ve taken even the simplest of items and made them better. The humble footbed has been given a whole new lease of life with the addition of our integrated Air-sole technology, the result, our new ‘Hover’ footbed.
Sometimes the smallest details are the most important and when it comes to kitesurfing and comfort there’s nothing more important than your connection to your board. Your feet support your entire weight, allowing you to edge your board against huge pressure from your kite in the quest for that perfect pop or blind landing. Yet footbeds are the least developed of items in most product catalogues, with the introduction of the ‘Hover’ footbed we intend to redress that balance.
Outwardly simple the new ‘Hover’ footbed is actually as complicated as your favorite pair of running shoes. The footbed is comprised of three components; an injection molded high density EVA surround provides lateral support, the footbed itself is another injection molded component made from a lighter durometer rating foam and patterned to give added grip, then hidden away between these two layers is our unique pressurized Air-sole technology providing shock absorbing protection and comfort no matter how hard you ride or for how long.
As well as providing improved shock absorption our new footbed has been molded to take account of the mechanics of your foot, a raised medial zone on the instep provides comfort for your arch and allows you to angle your feet tight against the side of your strap for a truly locked in feeling. At the front of the pad you’ll find a raised toe bar, this reduces pressure on your metatarsal button by encouraging you to bend your toes down and in doing so develops a more natural foot position on your board.
The footbed components are attached to our lightweight base. Made of unidirectional carbon fiber the base plate is incredibly light and strong, molded onto the sides of this are layers of bi-axial woven carbon fiber cloth that form the fastening wings. Using bolt through wings rather than gluing the base to your board gives you the option of easily repositioning your footpad to adapt to different boards, differing riding styles and even help with the switch between bare feet in summer and boots for winter riding.
Designed to be the perfect compliment to our 07 wide body footstraps the new ‘Hover’ footbed is the last word in board comfort. If you want the comfort and performance of your favorite running shoes, but don’t expect to pair sneaker prices, then the choice is obvious.