The Evolution of ECCO’s Thriving BIOM Ecosystem

Founded by Karl Toosbuy in the 1960s, ECCO has grown from a low-key Danish footwear brand to a global manufacturing powerhouse. Since day one, Toosbuy’s ECCO philosophy has not only been rooted in making shoes from premium, ethically sourced materials but also in ensuring that they are ergonomically sound. Sixty years on, ECCO has continued to press forward, leading the charge with new designs and technological advancements within their factories and footwear.

In 2009, ECCO’s running department would make one of their greatest scientific breakthroughs yet, replicating a near-barefoot running experience. Developed alongside triathletes, the technology was refined and would eventually come to be known as BIOM Natural Motion. The tech would then be rolled out across the brand’s categories, from golf to outdoors to athleisure. Since then, ECCO have implemented BIOM across a range of their shoes, from the BIOM C to the latest ECCO BIOM 2.1 X COUNTRY.

With ECCO continually proving they nail the art of innovation, it’s time to trace the elements that have contributed to the evolution of ECCO’s thriving BIOM ecosystem.

ECCO’s BIOM is Set in Motion

ECCO’s BIOM C sneaker was the first model to receive the BIOM Natural Motion treatment. Created as the brand’s quintessential sports shoe designed for everyday walking, the model centres around ECCO’s wide anatomical BIOM last. Unlike regular shoes, the BIOM last places the foot lower to the ground, allowing the foot to move in its natural motion.

With ECCO lauded by many in the footwear industry as the pioneers of direct-injection foam midsoles, this method has been a part of the brand’s visionary sole construction for more than 50 years. Known as FLUIDFORM, this technology is their take on direct injection, which sprays foam around ECCO’s lasts. Essentially, you can think of this as the foundation of the BIOM system, all of which allow the wearer longer-lasting cushioning for comfortability. A low-to-the-ground sole construction also provides a natural position for the foot and adaptability across all sorts of terrain.

Next up, the BIOM C-TRAIL would be introduced as the successor to the BIOM C. True to form, ECCO would implement even more technology in the model, including PHORENE – ECCO’s proprietary PU sole cups – which allow even more bounce and energy return. BIOM X-TENSA tech was also incorporated into the shoes, seen along the bridge of the foot, to help keep feet secure and save the wearer energy with each step.