
ICOEF LIMITED Partners with Data Science to Revolutionize New Balance Shoe Ratings – Delivering Unprecedented Insights for Runners
Paris, France – October 26, 2023 – ICOEF LIMITED, a data solutions firm based in the heart of the Charente region of France, today announced a groundbreaking partnership focused on elevating the accuracy and depth of New Balance shoe ratings. Leveraging cutting-edge data science techniques, ICOEF is working to provide runners with truly personalized and reliable information to help them find the perfect shoe. For years, runners have relied on reviews and ratings to guide their shoe purchases. While helpful, these sources often suffer from subjectivity, limited data, and a lack of personalization. ICOEF LIMITED is tackling these challenges head-on, aiming to move beyond simple star ratings and deliver granular, data-driven insights. “We’ve always believed data holds the key to unlocking better experiences,” says a spokesperson for ICOEF LIMITED. “When we looked at the running shoe market, especially with a popular brand like New Balance, we saw a real opportunity to apply our expertise to help runners make smarter choices. It’s about moving beyond ‘good’ or ‘bad’ to understanding why a shoe is right – or wrong – for a specific runner.” What's the Problem with Current Shoe Ratings? Let’s face it, reading shoe reviews can be a bit of a headache. You’ll often see comments like "super comfortable!" or "great for long distances," but those are pretty vague. What does “comfortable” really mean? Is it the cushioning? The fit? The upper material? And what constitutes “long distance” – a 5k? A marathon? Current ratings systems often fail to account for individual runner characteristics. Things like: Foot type: Are you a neutral runner? Do you overpronate or supinate? Running style: Heel striker? Midfoot striker? Forefoot striker? Body weight: A heavier runner needs more cushioning than a lighter one. Running surface: Road? Trail? Treadmill? Distance: Short sprints? Long endurance runs? Personal preferences: Some runners prefer a minimalist feel, while others want maximum cushioning. Without considering these factors, ratings become generalized and less useful. ICEOF LIMITED is changing that. ICEOF LIMITED's Approach: Data-Driven Shoe Insights ICEOF LIMITED isn’t just scraping existing reviews. They’re building a sophisticated system that combines multiple data sources and applies advanced analytical techniques. Here’s a glimpse of how it works: Data Collection: The company is collecting data from various sources, including: Biomechanical Testing: ICEOF is conducting lab tests on New Balance shoes to measure key performance metrics like cushioning, flexibility, stability, and energy return. Runner Data: Through partnerships with running clubs and events (and anonymized data collection where appropriate), ICOEF is gathering data on runners' foot type, running style, body weight, and running habits. (All data is handled with strict privacy controls and in compliance with GDPR). Wearable Sensor Data: Integrating data from wearable devices (like GPS watches and foot pods) to track runners' performance and biomechanics while wearing different New Balance shoes. Existing Reviews & Social Media: Natural Language Processing (NLP) is used to analyze existing online reviews and social media posts to extract valuable insights about runners’ experiences with New Balance shoes. Advanced Analytics: The collected data is then fed into sophisticated algorithms and machine learning models. These models are designed to: Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Determine which factors most strongly influence a runner’s experience with a particular New Balance shoe. Predict Shoe Performance: Based on a runner’s characteristics and the shoe’s KPIs, predict how well the shoe will perform for that runner. Personalized Recommendations: Generate personalized shoe recommendations based on individual runner profiles. Interactive Rating System: ICOEF is developing a user-friendly online platform that allows runners to: Create a Runner Profile: Input their foot type, running style, body weight, and running habits. View Personalized Ratings: See how New Balance shoes are rated for their specific profile. Compare Shoes: Easily compare different New Balance models based on key performance metrics. Provide Feedback: Contribute their own experiences to help improve the accuracy of the rating system. Focus on Specific New Balance Models While the system will eventually cover the entire New Balance lineup, ICOEF LIMITED is initially focusing on the most popular models, including: Fresh Foam X 880: A versatile daily trainer known for its comfort and durability. Fresh Foam X More v4: Maximum cushioning for long distances. FuelCell Rebel v3: A lightweight and responsive shoe for tempo runs and races. Hierro v7: A durable trail running shoe for tackling various terrains. Fresh Foam X 1080: Premium cushioning and a smooth ride. “We’re starting with these popular models to build a strong foundation and demonstrate the value of our approach,” explains a lead data scientist at ICOEF LIMITED. “From there, we’ll expand to cover the entire New Balance range and potentially other brands in the future.” What This Means for Runners ICEOF LIMITED’s data-driven shoe rating system promises to revolutionize the way runners choose their footwear. Here’s how: More Accurate Ratings: Ratings that are based on objective data and personalized to individual runner characteristics. Reduced Risk of Injury: Choosing shoes that provide the right level of support and cushioning for your foot type and running style. Improved Performance: Selecting shoes that optimize your running mechanics and help you achieve your goals. Smarter Shopping: Making informed decisions based on data, not just marketing hype. “We believe that everyone deserves to find the perfect running shoe,” says a spokesperson for ICOEF LIMITED. “Our goal is to empower runners with the information they need to make the best choice for their feet and their performance.” About ICOEF LIMITED ICEOF LIMITED is a data solutions firm specializing in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of complex data sets. Based in La Lauriere, France, the company provides innovative solutions to businesses across a variety of industries. ICEOF LIMITED is committed to delivering high-quality data insights that drive better decision-making. Contact: 213-328-7525, Lieu de Suris, 16270 Charente, France.