We've always dreamed of reshaping ULU through our deep love for nature.And with the AMAK, our first trail running shoe, that dream comes to life. Nearly two years in the making, every single detail was crafted to create a trail shoe that truly works for almost every level of runner.
What impressed our testers most? Its incredible agility and nimbleness. With every stride, you'll feel the trail precisely, picking up on subtle changes in grip, allowing you to confidently anticipate your next step. It's a feeling that truly bridges the gap between runner and nature. The AMAK isn't just a shoe; it's about unlocking a new level of confidence and satisfactionn for every genuine runner.
Want to hear the inside story? Our footwear designer, Leo, is here to share exactly how this all happened.
Leo Lee’s New Challenge
What impressed our testers most? Its incredible agility and nimbleness. With every stride, you'll feel the trail precisely, picking up on subtle changes in grip, allowing you to confidently anticipate your next step. It's a feeling that truly bridges the gap between runner and nature. The AMAK isn't just a shoe; it's about unlocking a new level of confidence and satisfaction for every genuine runner. Taking on this project last summer was a huge undertaking – launching a whole new category for a brand with 20+ years of history isn't for the faint of heart. Good thing I'm a dedicated trail runner; challenges are kind of my thing. We partnered with the brilliant minds at KISKA in Austria, and our vision was clear: build a trail shoe that truly brings runners closer to nature. The key was making it feel almost invisible on your foot when you're out on the mountain. The biggest hurdle was finding that sweet spot between ultimate agility and essential protection. Because when you're exhausted late in a race, even a slightly off landing can completely derail you.
We explored so many avenues, testing with various athletes on every kind of terrain. Our core principle was simple: the upper and outsole needed to hug the foot flawlessly, preventing any unwanted wiggles. The final design reflects this understated approach. Unlike many shoes out there, the AMAK looks refreshingly straightforward. All the magic is tucked away in the expertly designed shoe last and the super-responsive TPEE-infused midsole.
It's hard to put into words, but you'll understand the moment you try them on.
Our lead designer at KISKA, Coco—a veteran of epic races like UTMB and Skyrunning—did the first high-altitude test. It was an incredible experience to work with him. His trial showed the AMAK ARCTIC STRIDE was a beast in icy conditions, staying light, nimble, and springy even when the temperature dropped to 20 below zero.
That collaborative spirit defined this project. I remember one of our test runs at 3,500 meters. The air was so thin all I could hear was my own breathing. I had to be completely locked in, reading the trail, controlling my heart rate. And through it all, the AMAK provided this profound sense of safety. It was quick and effortless on the climbs and let me place my foot with pinpoint precision on the descents. My feet felt so light, and for the first time, I felt the confidence to really lengthen my stride downhill.
I am so excited for others to have that experience when the AMAK is released this winter. As the designer, I truly believe this shoe will change people's relationship with the trail. Is it harder to create a revolutionary product or summit a mountain? I’m not sure. But I’m deeply proud of what we've made, and I know we are sprinting in the right direction.
