With a range of over 60 models covering blister prevention, compression, diabetic ailments, running, hiking, skiing and cricket, to name but a few, they’ve pretty much ticked all the boxes.
Says Nik Aveyard, NPD Manager at the company, ‘Both knitting machine and fibre technology has evolved hugely over the years and allowed us to continually update and develop our range. We initially made our name with our double layer sock, with its blister-free guarantee, and we have been able to keep that range at the forefront of performance by incorporating new technologies, and by being one of the few brands constantly using the latest knitting machinery to its fullest extent. Our Breeze sock, using Nilit Breeze® and the Heat sock, using Nilit Heat® yarn for example, have given a new dimension to our traditional double layer sock range. Having said that, we are getting increasing demand for single layer, padded socks so have recently added two “Twin Pack” padded socks to the range: Run Anklet for the road and Trail for all off-road runs.’
Nik continues: ‘It seemed a natural progression to expand this active consumer wellbeing mission by enabling our customers to “Perform better, for longer”, to other parts of the body. The result was the Ultimate Performance brand, born eight years ago. It offered both neoprene and elastic supports using time-honoured methods and design ideas, as well as running and walking accessories such as hydration packs and pockets, reflectives and hats and gloves. Since then we’ve developed a whole range of innovative supports and market leading sports tapes together a recovery and rehab collection.’
Our recent Ultimate Compression and Advanced Ultimate Compression ranges feature a seamless circular knit or ultra-technical flat-knit (depending on the bio-mechanical need of the joint) to provide targeted compressive support. This results in a far better fit-and-feel than neoprene and now outsells neoprene supports by 10 to 1.
More recently we have also been supplying Sports Medical and wellbeing professionals and clubs via our dedicated Sports Medical website. When accessed by a dedicated log-in it gives tailored pricing and convenient B2B style online ordering for 1-2 day deliveries.
In the coming months we are not resting on our laurels, but developing on recent innovations such as our Gel Heel Cup and ¾ Gel insoles by adding a new full Gel insole. We are also re-vamping many of our already cutting-edge sports tapes by advancing the adhesive using newly sourced superior glues. Our sock range sees the launch of perhaps the most accurately knitted compression sock on the market, as well as the Ultimate Performance Support sock. This came about because the latest knitting machinery has produced a sock that needs to sit within our support range . Even more excitingly, Ultimate Performance have now developed a bevelled hydrocolloid blister plaster aimed at active and sports people. Individually wrapped so they can be taken to training or competition, and with no plastic container, we are bringing all we have learned about blisters in the last 30 years to this new category.
“Performing better for longer” doesn’t just mean assisting with injuries. For many years Ultimate Performance has had a large collection of running-and-walking hydration and storage accessories. The current growth in participation running events is the off-road challenge, culminating in the Ultra-Distance Run. These events typically vary from 25 miles up to 100 miles plus, and need a whole new way of carrying kit and nutrition. For Ultimate Performance we saw this as a challenge to create a solution that specifically suits these events, and have brought to market a range of price competitive race vests available with storage space of 3, 6 and 18 litres. Including two quick fill flexi flasks and a variety of easy access stash pockets these packs have been tested around the UK and Europe, drawing extremely favourable reviews.
Last but by-no-means least, Ultimate Performance is proud to introduce a complete climbing accessory collection. UP products such as tape and grip powder have long been used by competitive and leisure climbers. Now all climbers can use high quality and great value products from a brand they know and trust, at a price that makes sense.
Three different formats of chalk are available all featuring top quality, ultra-fine Carbonate of Magnesia suitable for climbing, but also gymnastics, weightlifting, athletics, pole dancing and more. In addition, we have 2 superb bags to keep your chalk dry and secure, a climbing waist bag, as well as a bouldering bag which could also find favour in the gym. Our famous UP tapes for finger support and protection are also used for climbing
