ACCESSORIES
MOTICON GmbH Germany   www.moticon.de
A good ski instructor is constantly looking over his shoulder at his students and provides them with feedback about their performance. Yet even the best instructors have their limits, especially if they are dealing with larger groups of students. A new individually adjustable system is able to evaluate the performance of each individual student in real time: SkiGo by Moticon utilizes sensor integrated into the sole of the ski boots, and provides continues feedback to the student via earphones. Leaning too far back or too far forward? Or the perfect position? SkiGo immediately captures every change and helps beginners to enjoy success quickly by using positive reinforcement. In addition to simple operation the practical companion offers a number of other training programs which ski instructors can easily integrated into the lesson. The result is a new standard of individual support – like a ski instructor who won’t miss the smallest detail. 

Jury statement: Wolfgang Greiner, Rocket Medien, SkiPress
“This system has the potential to raise ski instruction to a new level. Together with the ski instructor this system provides an opportunity to optimize instruction, and it is very appropriate for our time, as technology such as MP3 players has become an established part of the winter sports scene.” 


ECO/FAIR TRADE
MONKEE Germany          www.monkeeclothing.com
The young label from Nuremberg not only represents authenticity and passion in the rock climbing scene, it also insists on sustainable production and respect for the environment. The latest collection combines innovative patterns and trendy colors with the functionality of natural materials – and almost looks too casual to be worn “only” for sports. Monkee currently conquers the cities and attracts more and more people to its philosophy. The message: if you love to be outdoors you’ll also want to protect nature. The entire production chain is based on natural resources, used without toxic components, and recyclable. In addition, Monkee is actively involved in  environmental protection, such as efforts to protect the animal in its emblem – the wild African mountain gorilla, an agile climber – and supports fair trade organizations such as the Clean & Unique Association. This responsibility-conscious basic philosophy is a recipe for success, as the young brand seems to know only one direction these days: upwards and onwards!     

Jury statement: Silke Jarzina, Shape
“Monkee is simply impressive in all aspects. You feel that they use sustainability not just for marketing purposes, but their entire presence embodies the concept. In addition, they are involved in social projects. For a young brand they think and operate very thoughtfully.”


FITNESS
HOCK Germany      www.hockdesign.de
Beauty has its price – or weight... Yet do fitness equipment and barbells always have to have that martial, clunky, unattractive look? The free weights by HOCK speak a completely new design language: elegant, high quality, and attractive, they offer the perfect combination of sophisticated design and proven sports science expertise. The results is a collection of exclusive exercise equipment, not just perfectly suitable for the fitness studio of a designer hotel, but also perfect for every stylishly decorated home. The selection includes barbells of various sizes and weights, toning weights, jump ropes, and collapsible push-up grips. Developed in Gummersbach, manufactured in Germany, and supplied to retailers via a network of selected distribution partners, HOCK brings a new sense of aesthetics to the fitness segment. True to the motto: style in motion. Though you still have to pick them up to exercise...

Jury statement: Arndt Ziegler, Men's Health
“This fitness equipment set really distinguishes itself. I think it offers the perfect combination of aesthetics and function, a genuine statement you’ll happily display openly even in a trendy loft.” 

HARDWARE
BOO BICYCLES USA           www.boobicycles.com
When looking for ultra-light materials for racing bicycles many product developers decide on lab-created synthetics. 23-year-old technical engineering student and US racing cyclist Nick Frey came up with a revolutionarily different – and considerably more natural – idea in his final project at Princeton University: the young Californian decided to use bamboo – wood (!) – as the material for bike frames and rims. He was successful: his Boo Bicycles – short for “Bamboo” – made of Vietnamese bamboo offer extreme light weight and durability with the highest degree of sustainable production. The natural material combined with detail-oriented finish, provides the bikes with uniquely mellow riding characteristics. The final optical details include elegant bamboo rims, special handlebar inserts, and highly functional bamboo luggage racks. Too beautiful for the road? Don’t worry, bamboo can withstand a lot, the manufacturer – and Mother Nature – guarantee it!

Jury statement: Leon Widdison, Sports Products Designer
“What a beauty, ideal for urban mobility. These bikes embody the pure passion of riding, and are very special in all aspects.” 


OVERALL
ON SPORTS Switzerland  www.on-running.com
Who says that the last word in terms of shock absorption in running shoes was spoken by the “Air” system? The young Swiss running footwear brand ON SPORTS decided to follow a completely new direction with its Wave Step Technology. The system, developed in part in cooperation with world-renowned Swiss triathlete Olivier Bernhard, is based on an ingenious principle: a hollow 3-d element, integrated into the sole, not only reduces vertical impact while running – like conventional “Air” systems – but also horizontal pressure waves. This creates a completely new running dynamic, which in turn strengthens the pastoral muscles (which are often underdeveloped due to frequent running). In addition, the concept stabilizes the joints in a natural way. The result is an incredibly gentle, rolling feeling – almost like running on soft paws. The first big step towards global success for this invention by ON SPORTS is winning the overall BrandNew Award, presented by ThermoCool.

Jury statement: Tobias Gröber, Head of Business Unit Messe München GmbH/Participant in the New York Marathon
“This gentle running performance really impressed me and it will likely be very beneficial for many runners, especially following injuries. I was also surprised that at the end of my normal training circuit I felt fresher than I did with my normal running shoes.” 


SPORTSWEAR
UTY France  www.utyltd.com
Physically challenged athletes have special requirements for their accessories – this also applies to winter sports apparel. The apparel brand UTY offers this target group a specially developed collection focusing on the three basic principles: functionality, wear comfort, and protection. The outerwear by UTY offers specially designed ergonomic cuts, as well as a number of other benefits, such as simplified dressing options, improved frontal protection, as well as increased seating comfort by eliminating zippers or pockets. Bright colors ensure increased visibility in a snowy environment. All garments are developed in close cooperation with physically challenged athletes, and tested under realistic conditions for more than 100 days per year.

Jury statement: Nurhan Nalbant, ADVANSA
“The very good workmanship and the well-thought-out concept for this special area of application tipped the scales for UTY. The brand is very much in tune with its special target group, and set great store by satisfying its requirements.”

STYLE
ZKHT Germany   www.zkht.de
Streetwear for board sports fans does not automatically have to be reminiscent of hip hop of
graffiti. ZKHT – an abbreviation for “Zuckerhut” - proves it. The young German fashion label for boys and girls is run by the designers Nicola Winzinger and Maja Feldrappe from Munich. With their inventive graphics and eye-catching colors – from pussycats to magic cubes – the shirts and hoodies by ZKHT infuse a fresh flair and independent spirit into the snow and skateboard scene. The “Kapuzenschal” (hooded scarf), an accessory by ZKHT with reversible graphics, to be worn inside or out depending on the wearer’s mood, explores a new area of design. The label’s shawls and oversized beanies, perfect for applying streetwear style to even the most boring of outfits, bring new flair to anyone’s wardrobe. In short: ZKHT is perfect for hanging out, in the park, with friends, or at the next party. In addition, all of ZKHT’s pieces are produced by fair trade sources – you never knew how cool a good conscience could look.

Jury statement: Marcus Mattes, Boutique Owner, Munich
“ZKHT is amazingly versatile; they combine bright colors with their trademark, drawings and illustrations. The styles are fresh, and distinguish themselves from the masses without losing their relationship with the consumers on the street.” 


URBAN STYLE
ELMOTO
These days, the term E-Mobility – a new word for locomotion with the help of an electric drive – is on everyone’s lips. As more and more city dwellers dream of an emission-free alternative to cars and motorcycles, the development of electric drive technology is growing by leaps and bounds. The latest results considerably improved the range and performance of these alternative vehicles – and companies such as the Stuttgart-based ID-Bike GmbH market these small runabouts with
trendy designs and sporty performance characteristics. The latest stroke of genius: Elmoto, a fast electro-moped able to reach a maximum speed of 45km/h and a 60km range fills the niche between motorcycles and bicycles. Elmoto not only protects the environment and the wallet – a “fill up” costs about € 0,4 –  its clean design and sports chassis are impressive. Elegant design and eye-catching color selection turn Elmo into a lifestyle-oriented “Must Have” object. It is perfect for the every-day commute to work, or as a guaranteed attention-getter while cruising into the sunset. The Elmoto does not require registration – a car or motorcycle drivers license is enough – and offers 100% fun with 0% noise and emissions.  

Jury statement: Robert Schroots, Marketing Director of YKK EMEA
“The clear lines of Elmoto are impressive. Attractive, uncomplicated design, yet it provides everything that is needed. And it is simply great fun to feel the silent direct drive.”

The award-winning products are exhibited at ispo 2010 in hall A3 from February 7st to 10th, 2010.
More information on the winners and finalists is available at www.ispo-brandnew.com