A striking feature in the second iteration of Scottie Thompson’s signature shoe with World Balance is the woven jacquard knit used in the upper.
According to the Filipino sports brand, it was “thoughtfully crafted to incorporate traditional Filipino patterns and embodies Thompson’s roots.”
But it’s not only for aesthetic purposes.
Thompson shared that he personally requested to have such material utilized in an aim to improve the ST2’s stability compared to its predecessor.
“Ni-request ko rin na ganun ‘yung gamiting material para maiba naman, and mas matibay siya panlaro,” the former PBA MVP told Tiebreaker Times.
The ST1, which was released last year, featured a ripstop upper, which encased an internal bootie entirely made out of knit material.
But World Balance opted to do away with the ripstop and went with the woven jacquard knit for the ST2, coupled with thickened foam within for added support.
The internal bootie was retained for a sock-like fit but other noticeable additions to the new shoe are the ankle collar and a reinforced toe box.
“We wanted to improve dun sa material,” said Thompson. “Kasi ‘yung ST1, all-knit kaya mas magaan siya. Ito naman, ‘yung foam sa loob medyo makapal.”
It’s not just the upper, though, that World Balance modified.
The brand also altered the ST2’s lateral sway bar, going with a thicker, more curved piece this time as compared to the ST1.
Made out of TPU material, the lateral sway bar cradles the foot behind the ball of the foot to greatly reduce the chance of ankle roll.
“Kung nakita niyo, ‘yung lateral swaybar, naiba rin. Mas kumapal,” said Thompson. “Para ma-improve ‘yung stability sa paa habang naglalaro.”
Still, the new shoe kept some elements from the ST1, particularly the molded heel counter and the special S-ride cushioning set-up.
Priced at P3,999, the World Balance ST2 ‘Alamat’ hit World Balance’s Trinoma branch last December 2.
