ICOEF LIMITED Partners with Leading Sports Analysts to Deliver Hyper-Accurate New Balance Shoe Ratings

LIEU DE SURIS, FRANCE – October 26, 2023 – ICOEF LIMITED, a data intelligence firm based in the heart of the Charente region of France, today announced a groundbreaking partnership to revolutionize how consumers evaluate New Balance footwear. For years, deciding which New Balance shoe is right for you has felt a bit like guesswork. Are the Fresh Foam X 880s really better for long runs than the FuelCell Propel v4? ICEOF LIMITED aims to cut through the noise with data-driven, incredibly detailed ratings. ICEOF LIMITED isn't your typical tech company. We're a small, focused team based in rural France, passionate about leveraging data to improve everyday experiences. Founded on the principle of “Information, Clarity, Optimization, Efficiency” – hence the name ICOEF – we specialize in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex data sets. We've previously worked with agricultural businesses optimizing crop yields and local manufacturers improving production processes. Now, we're applying that same rigorous approach to the world of athletic footwear. You can reach us at 213-328-7525 or visit our facilities at LA LAURIERE, LIEU DE SURIS, 16270, FRANCE, though honestly, we’re usually heads-down working with the data! The Problem with Shoe Ratings – and How ICOEF is Fixing It Let's face it: most shoe ratings online are pretty subjective. You get a star rating and a couple of sentences about comfort, but that doesn't tell you why a shoe earned that rating or who it's best suited for. Is it good for flat feet? High arches? Road running, trail running, or the gym? Existing reviews often lack the detail needed to make informed decisions. ICEOF LIMITED, in collaboration with a team of biomechanical engineers and dedicated runners, is changing that. We’ve built a comprehensive rating system that goes far beyond simple comfort scores. We're not just telling you a shoe is good; we're showing you exactly why. Deep Dive: What Makes the ICOEF New Balance Rating System Different? We’ve moved beyond basic “cushioning” and “support” and are assessing shoes across fifteen key performance indicators (KPIs). These aren’t just buzzwords; they are measurable, quantifiable data points. Here’s a glimpse: Impact Absorption (IA): Measured in G-force reduction, this determines how well the shoe protects your joints. We’re seeing some significant differences in IA between New Balance models – the Fresh Foam X More v4 consistently scores highest in this category. Energy Return (ER): How much energy does the shoe give back with each stride? The FuelCell line, predictably, excels here. We've mapped ER scores against runner weight and pace to provide personalized recommendations. Stability Index (SI): Crucial for pronation control. We’ve identified which New Balance models offer the most effective SI for different foot types. The 860 series continues to be a leader in this space. Flexibility Quotient (FQ): How easily the shoe bends. A higher FQ is generally preferred for faster tempos, while a lower FQ offers more stability for long distances. Breathability Rating (BR): Measured by airflow tests. Important for preventing overheating and blisters. Outsole Durability (OD): We put the outsoles through rigorous abrasion testing to assess their longevity. Weight-to-Performance Ratio (WPR): A critical metric for performance-oriented runners. We're balancing weight savings with cushioning and support. Arch Support Level (ASL): Quantified using pressure mapping technology, identifying how well the shoe supports different arch heights. Heel-to-Toe Drop (HTD): Precisely measured and categorized to help runners choose the right drop for their running style. Toe Box Volume (TBV): Important for foot splay and preventing blisters. We’ve found significant variations in TBV across New Balance models. Road/Trail Versatility (RTV): A score indicating how well the shoe performs on different surfaces. Ground Feel (GF): How much of the road or trail you can “feel” through the shoe. Temperature Regulation (TR): Assessing how well the shoe manages heat and moisture. Overall Value (OV): A composite score considering performance, durability, and price. Pronation Control Efficacy (PCE): Using motion capture technology, we assess how effectively the shoe controls pronation during running. New Balance Models Under the ICOEF Microscope – Early Findings Our initial testing of key New Balance models has yielded some interesting insights: Fresh Foam X 880v13: Scores exceptionally high in Impact Absorption and overall Comfort, making it a great choice for high-mileage training and recovery runs. However, Energy Return is moderate. FuelCell Propel v4: Delivers outstanding Energy Return and Responsiveness, ideal for tempo runs and speedwork. Stability Index is lower than some other models. Fresh Foam X More v4: Boasts the highest Impact Absorption of any New Balance shoe we’ve tested, providing maximum cushioning for long distances. Weight is a consideration. 860v13: The gold standard for stability shoes, with a consistently high Stability Index and excellent Pronation Control Efficacy. Hierro v7: A versatile trail shoe with a good balance of cushioning, grip, and durability. Accessing the ICOEF New Balance Shoe Ratings We’re launching a dedicated online platform in November (www.icoefratings.com – coming soon!). This platform will allow users to: Browse detailed ratings for every New Balance model. Filter shoes based on their specific needs and preferences (foot type, running style, terrain). Compare different models side-by-side. Receive personalized shoe recommendations. “We believe this data will empower runners to make more informed decisions and ultimately improve their performance and enjoyment,” says Jean-Pierre Dubois, CEO of ICOEF LIMITED. “We're not just selling ratings; we’re providing a tool to help runners find the perfect shoe for them.” We’re a small company, but we’re committed to delivering data-driven insights that make a real difference.