Sof Sole Teams Up with Authors of "Run Like A Mother: The Book" at 2011 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series

(Research Triangle Park, NC - April 18th, 2011) --- Sof Sole®, a leading footbed, hosiery and shoe accessory brand, and co-authors Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea of "Run Like A Mother" will join forces at several Rock 'n' Roll marathons this year to provide informative presentations for participants and present new product offerings from Sof Sole. The promotions will take place at the Country Music Nashville Marathon and 1/2 on April 30, the Rock 'n' Roll Denver on October 9 and the Rock 'n' Roll Vegas on December 4.

As guests of Sof Sole, a major sponsor of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, McDowell and Shea will be selling and signing copies of their book "Run Like A Mother: How to Get Moving — and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity" in the Sof Sole booth at the above listed race Expos. Their book provides tips and inspiration on the training, tribulation, and triumph associated with running after becoming a mom which is detailed through the authors' informed perspectives and personal anecdotes, combined with insight from many other runner-moms.

The authors will also be presenting "13.1 Ways to Train Like A Mother" at each of the race Expos as part of the presentation series, which will include tips geared for race-day performance and enjoyment. The tips, based on their experience as well on experiences and ideas gleaned from 8000+ member RLAM community, will be a combination practical and inspirational so that every runner, whether she's gunning for a PR or just hoping to see the finish line, will find something useful to take to the starting line.

"We're proud to have Sarah and Dimity on the Sof Sole team at the Rock 'n' Roll events this year," said Greg Stryker, Sof Sole Marketing Manager. "They have done such a good job at building a solid base of followers and we're excited to offer their experience, expertise and energy to the participants at these three races."

Sof Sole will be debuting the company's new Sof Sole Fit lightweight performance insoles at the Rock 'n' Roll marathons this year. Featuring an abrasion- and bacteria-resistant high rebound EVA foam that is specially tuned in the forefoot and footbed depending on arch type, the Sof Sole Fit insoles promote the foot's natural range of motion and do not overcorrect for arch type like typical insoles. Stores that carry the new insoles will be equipped with a Sof Sole Fit ID Pad, which takes a thermal impression of the foot within 10 - 20 seconds to determine one of three distinct arch types: high, neutral, and low. Consumers can then prescribe themselves their own insole type based on their personal outcome on the ID Pad. Visit www.sofsole.com/fit for more information.

About Sof Sole®
A division of Implus headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, Sof Sole® is a leader in making performance insoles and footwear accessories designed to enhance comfort, support and breathability. A proud sponsor of the Competitor Group Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Series, Sof Sole® is committed to offering customized comfort to all athletes, from novice to elite. www.sofsole.com.

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Implus Partners with The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic

(Research Triangle Park, NC) --- Implus, an innovative leader in footcare and outdoor accessories, is proud to announce it has renewed its partnership with The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic as Co-Presenting Sponsor of the Friday Night Parings Party and Reverse Raffle.

"Implus is proud to continue its relationship with The V Foundation for Cancer Research and The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic," said Todd Vore, President of Implus. "The Golf Classic is one of the most prestigious events in the triangle and across the country, and we are proud to help support their efforts to find a cure for cancer."

The company believes in the importance of being a true community partner and provides outreach to a number of worthy charities locally and across the country through their various brands.

"We sincerely appreciate the support of each of our sponsors and are extremely thankful for those that continue their support year after year," said Anna Jackson, Marketing Director for The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic. "We look forward to Implus' participation and another great event this year."

Each year, The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic brings together dozens of celebrities, local and national sponsors, and over 300 volunteers to raise money for cancer research. This year's sponsors and celebrities will gather in Raleigh at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on the Centennial Campus of NC State University on August 26 – 28th to raise funds for The V Foundation of Cancer Research. To find out more about the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic and how you can get involved, log onto www.golfclassic.org or call 919-319-0441.

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $95 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received seven consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About Implus
Headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, Implus has evolved to become an innovative leader in footcare and outdoor accessories. Implus' brand family includes Sof Sole®, Yaktrax®, apara®, Airplus®, Sneaker Balls®, Sof Comfort®, Little Hotties® and Highgear®. From insoles, socks, shoecare and apparel care to navigational tools and seasonal accessories, Implus proudly distributes in over 75,000 retail outlets across North America and in 65 countries worldwide. For more information, please call (800) 446-7587 or visit www.implus.com.

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Sof Sole Partners with The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic to Support Research Mission

(Cary, N.C.) --- The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic, a premier celebrity golf fundraiser for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, is proud to announce that Sof Sole will serve as the 2010 Signature Sponsor for the "Jimmy V Cruise to Key West event. This fun-filled event will take place on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at the Raleigh Convention Center. It is open to the public and is one of the many exciting events leading up to the 17th annual Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic to be held on August 22nd, 2010 at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on NC State University's Centennial Campus.

"Sof Sole is proud to support The V Foundation for Cancer Research and all of their fundraising events," said Todd Vore, President of Sof Sole parent company Implus. "This disease has affected so many of us, and we are delighted to contribute to The V Foundation's efforts to raise funds and help find a cure for cancer."

Sof Sole is a division of Implus, headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park. Sof Sole is a leading footbed, hosiery, and shoe accessory brand in sporting goods, with distribution locally at technical running stores including 9th Street Active Feet, Inside Out Sports and The Athlete's Foot, and nationwide at Dick's Sporting Goods, Finish Line and Famous Footwear.

"We are so thankful to all of our sponsors for supporting us in our mission to find a cure for cancer," said Anna Jackson, Marketing Director for The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic. "The Friday night Cruise to Key West Party will be a great event and we encourage the public to join us for this unique occasion."

Each year, The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic brings together dozens of celebrities, local and national sponsors, and over 300 volunteers to raise money for cancer research. This year's sponsors and celebrities will gather in Raleigh at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on the Cenetennial Campus of NC State University to raise funds for The V Foundation of Cancer Research. To find out more about the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic and how you can get involved, log onto www.golfclassic.org or call (919) 319 - 0441.

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Implus® Footcare, LLC Announces First International Acquisition

(Research Triangle Park, NC) – July 29, 2010 – Implus announced today they have completed the acquisition of Eurosphere / Anticipation, a France-based company that sells Sneaker Balls and other deodorizing products throughout the European Union. For the past twelve months, Eurosphere/Anticipation has also acted as a master distributor for Implus products in Europe. Going forward, Eurosphere/Anticipation, which will be renamed Implus EU, will act as the European distribution platform for all Implus products.

Seth Richards, Chief Executive Officer of Implus, said, "Eurosphere/Anticipation has strong distribution, customer relationships, and management. We believe this acquisition strategically positions Implus for a solid entry into the European outdoor and sporting goods markets. We are very excited about this acquisition and look forward to growing the Implus business model internationally."

Frédéric Cardaliaguet, who previously served as a Vice-President at a division of Louis Vuitton, will run the Implus EU operation as Vice-President.

The acquisition of Eurosphere marks Implus' fifth major acquisition over the past three years. The company recently purchased Yaktrax®, a unique line of winter traction footwear, SneakerBalls, a line of sports air fresheners, Little Hotties® a leading provider of hand, body and toewarmers and Highgear®, a leading provider of performance watches, navigational tools and accessories. For more information on Implus or any of their brand families visit www.implus.com or call (800) 446-7587.

Sof Sole® Announces Partnership with Competitor Group as official insole fo the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series

Competitor Group Announces Sof Sole as Official Insole of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Premiere Footwear Accessory to Support Largest Marathon Series in the World

(San Diego, Calif. & Research Triangle Park, NC) – February 15, 2010 – The Competitor Group (CGI) and Implus Corporation today announced that Sof Sole® will become the Official Insole Sponsor of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. The two-year partnership will begin at the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½ Marathon in New Orleans on February 28, 2010.

"Our sponsorship of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series leverages one of the most unique health and fitness marketing platforms in the industry," said Todd Vore, President of Implus. "Catering to runners from novice to elite, the national series will provide us with numerous channels to highlight our innovative products and unique brand attributes."

Sof Sole has partnered with the largest marathon series in the world to spread the word about their performance insoles and overlays designed to provide shock absorption, enhance shoe comfort and support, and reduce lower body fatigue. As the official insole sponsor of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, Sof Sole® will have a significant presence at each of the 14 national Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon events in cities such as Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle and Las Vegas, among others.

"As an innovative leader in their industry, Sof Sole recognizes the importance of the many opportunities the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series provides our partners," said John Smith, Senior Vice-President of the Competitor Group. "Sof Sole has a long tradition of producing quality footwear accessories and we are pleased that they chose Competitor's events as outlets to their customers."

Sof Sole will showcase its footwear accessories at each event's signature Health & Fitness Expo and at retail locations in the respective race areas. Each Rock 'n' Roll event draws 15,000 to 30,000 participants, and more than 100,000 consumers tour the two-day expo.

Sof Sole® Introduces Team Sock Line

Sof Sole®, a leading footbed, hosiery and shoe accessory brand in sporting goods, is proud to introduce a team sock line to their hosiery division. An essential performance accessory for all team athletes, the new Team Sock line is uniquely designed to meet the rigorous demands of active team sports, and is offered in styles for Baseball, Football, Soccer and general Sports. The performance engineered socks are not only comfortable but maximizes player performance during athletic activities by pulling moisture away from the feet and legs and increasing circulation.

"We are delighted to offer teams the opportunity to have the same superior design and technology found in our technical running socks carried over to a team sock," says Todd Vore, President of Implus Corporation, Sof Sole's parent company. "From recreational children's sports to top professional athletes, the product will deliver lasting comfort and performance."

With signature Sof Sole® features, the Team Sock line boasts Hydrologix™ moisture management, seamless toe and fitted heel pocket, plus a high-tech fiber weave that is naturally soft to the touch to help prevent blistering and resist shrinkage. The Team Sock line is available in Baseball, Football, Soccer, and AllSport styles and in an assortment of colors such as red, black, navy, and white. The product has a suggested retail of 2 pair for about $10 and can be found in leading sporting good stores this spring.

New Coolmax® Sock Series by Sof Sole® Keeps Summer Running Season Cool

Sof Sole®, a leading footbed, hosiery and shoe accessory brand in sporting goods, is proud to introduce the Coolmax® Sock Series. The low-cut sock features the innovative Coolmax® moisture-wicking fiber, and is available in a variety of styles and weights to tailor to each runner's preference.

"We are delighted to introduce a sock series featuring the Coolmax® technology," said Todd Vore, President of Implus Corporation, Sof Sole's parent company. "From recreational activities to daily fitness routines, the product will deliver consistent comfort and performance as it keeps feet cool and dry."

An essential performance accessory, the Coolmax® Sock Series is uniquely designed to meet the rigorous demands by all levels of athletes. In addition to features like a ribbed arch for maximum support and seamless toe closure, the Coolmax® Sock Series utilizes the Coolmax® Everyday Performance high-tech moisture wicking fiber that pulls moisture away from the skin, leaving feet cool and dry. The series consists of three unique sock types, the Coolmax Liner, the Coolmax Trainer and the Coolmax Runner. The product has a suggested retail of 3 pair for $10.99 and can be found in leading sporting good stores starting this summer.

Sof Sole Enhances Insole Collection with Airr®

Technological advances in products like insoles have made life better for millions around the world. Sof Sole®, a leading footbed, hosiery and shoe accessory brand in sporting goods, is proud to announce the latest addition to its performance insole line. The new Airr® insole is the most advanced product on the market today, the first to use special air chamber technology to create an optimal cushioning system.

"When running, the back, knees and ankles take the brunt of the impact," said Todd Vore, President of Implus Corporation, Sof Sole's parent company. "We applied the concept of air bag technology to your foot—as you step down on the product, the new Airr® Insole virtually wraps your foot in comfort to soften the blow."

Set to hit retailers 7/1, the Airr® Insole will be a welcomed performance footwear item to both amateur and professional athletes alike. Both the heel and the arch contain air chambers, directly reducing the impact level on the foot. A Coolmax® fabric cover wicks away moisture and provides better breathability and drier feet. The lightweight insole is available in Men's sizes 7- 14 and in Women's sizes 5-11. It retails for $24.99.

Implus Partners with National Association of Basketball Coaches

Implus Corporation, one of the world's leading companies in below the ankle footwear accessories, is proud to announce a partnership with their Sof Sole brand of performance footbeds and hosiery and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). As an official partner, Implus will provide Sof Sole products to collegiate basketball coaches around the country and participate in a number of NABC activities including the 2010 NABC convention in Indianapolis, Indiana as part of the 2010 Men's Final Four®.

One of the leading footcare brands in the sporting goods industry, the Sof Sole brand of products optimizes performance and comfort for both athletes and everyday users.

"The NABC is very pleased to develop this partnership with Implus," said NABC Executive Director Jim Haney. "We look forward to working with them throughout the 2009-2010 season as well as at the 2010 NABC Convention and NCAA Final Four®."

The partnership presents an opportunity for members of the NABC to experience the true performance of their footwear through the use of various Sof Sole® products including their line of performance insoles and socks.

"The care, comfort and health of our feet are concerns for coaches and players in all sports, but especially basketball," said Jamie Dixon, head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. "We need to be proactive in the care and prevention of foot injuries to our players. At the same time, coaches are on their feet for long periods during practices and games and want to be as comfortable as possible."

"Sof Sole is proud to support the National Association of Basketball Coaches," said Todd Vore, President of Implus Footcare. "Performance is the heart of the Sof Sole brand, and who better to benefit from the products than the coaches and athletes who are constantly on their feet, teaching and performing every day."

Sof Sole: The First Step to Achieving Your New Year's Fitness Resolution

It's no surprise that the number one New Year's resolution by Americans is to exercise more. What might be a surprise is that almost 60 percent of those who make it their goal to increase their exercise activity get discouraged by February and let their New Year's resolution fall to the wayside. As more Americans take the first steps this month to get in better shape, help keep your patients on the right path to a healthy lifestyle by saving them from one of the most common ailments that occur from a new exercise program: foot injuries.

Foot pain is at the top of the list when it comes to preventative complications as a result of a new or intensified exercise program. A quality performance insole is a great preventative first step in avoiding many of the foot injuries associated with exercising and sports. As you know, injuries occur when the repetitive load applied to a given body part exceeds its capacity to receive that load. Insoles can reduce that load and prevent "uneven" loading due to exercise.

This is most important for people who are beginning activity for the first time or after an extended "off" period where they have not been exercising. Since many are out of shape, the muscles are simply not there to handle the impact loading of their sport. They are also susceptible to the "too much, too soon" problem, since they are starting out at ground zero.

Because of the tremendous benefit from wearing insoles, the question becomes: "How do I determine the best insole for my patient?" Sof Sole®, the leading insole and footwear accessory company in sporting goods, is proud to offer its top four best-selling insoles, available for men and women in retailers nationwide, to support any new fitness regimen.

The Athlete

The Athlete is uniquely designed to maximize shock absorption and comfort qualities during high impact athletic activities. With a heel-to-toe foot bed of Implus® material, its extra layers of shock-absorption under the critical heel and forefoot soften the impact on the body. It is the ultimate cross-training contoured insole. (SRP - $19.99) The Adapt The Adapt is a heat-moldable insole that provides a personalized fit for the user, enhancing comfort, performance and functionality. Along with the form-fitting technology, each insole also features full-foot Implus® foam shock absorption, the Hydrologix™ moisture management system and anti-microbial odor protection. Designed for the ultimate fit, runners simply place the insole product into the oven for two minutes, then carefully place them into the shoes and step in. The insole instantly conforms to the foot, giving the runner support and comfort in all the right places. (SRP - $29.99)

The Graphite Orthotic

The Sof Sole Graphite Orthotic is unique in the marketplace because it offers stability combined with excellent shock absorption and cushioning typically found in customized, expensive orthotics. The polymer gel heel significantly reduces impact forced to the lower extremities. Since the graphite arch plate is thinner, lighter and more durable than plastics, the Graphite Orthotic wears five times longer and is considered much more comfortable. The etc® material keeps the foot cooler and reduces friction, creating a more comfortable feeling inside the shoe. These features have quickly made the Sof Sole® Graphite Orthotic a favorite OTC product among podiatrists and industry professionals. (SRP - $39.99)

The Stability

Think insoles are only comfortable if you have medium to high arches? The Sof Sole® Stability is specifically made to support all of the flat-footed fitness folks out there. Providing maximum stability for high-impact activities, runners will immediately feel its dual-density foot cradle while enjoying the ultra lightweight of the product. Heelto- toe tuned Implus® XP foam provides extra performance and shock absorption. A longitudinal arch cushion and a deep heel cup provide even greater stability, allowing the insole to live up to its fitting name. (SRP - $29.99) Sof Sole® has witnessed thousands of runners experience a safer and better workout routine simply using their products. Log on to www.SofSole.com to browse more of the company's highly-recommended insoles and other leading below-the-ankle products. As a medical professional, contact Sof Sole to receive a Starter Kit with samples of insoles, socks, and $5 rebate coupons to give out to patients seeking an affordable solution to everyday comfort.

Explosive Growth Fuels New Hosiery Division for Implus Corporation

Implus Corporation, one of the world's leading companies in below the ankle footwear accessories, is proud to announce the company has created a new Hosiery Division. The creation stems from the company's rapid sales growth under their Sof Sole®, Yaktrax® and Apara® brands.

The Hosiery Division's focus will be to build sock assortment across multiple Implus' brands. In addition, the new division will allow Implus to focus on developing new specialty sock products. Todd Vore, President of Implus, realized the need for a separate division to facilitate Implus' expanding sock business. "Over the past few years we have experienced tremendous success with the new performance and comfort socks we have introduced to consumers. Adding this new Hosiery Division will allow us to expand upon the success we have experienced and continue to develop unique and stronger assortments of products for our customers."

The new division will be lead by Paul Delmonico, Vice President of Sourcing & Design and Jeff Wheeler, Vice President of Sales. Combined both men have over 50 years executive experience in the hosiery industry handling marketing, sales, design and development for multiple private and national brands.

"We are delighted to add two industry leaders to our team," stated Vore. "Paul and Jeff have worked with some of the biggest companies and brands in the hosiery industry and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our new division."

Sof Sole Announces Podiatry Outreach Campaign

Sof Sole, a leader in the performance insole and footwear accessory market, has introduced a full revamp of their Podiatry Outreach Program for 2008. "We believe Sof Sole products are the best OTC footcare products in the industry," remarked Todd Vore, President of Sof Sole and Implus Corporation, "By marketing and getting feedback from professionals, we hope to build the best product on the market."

In February 2008, Sof Sole will send out Starter Kits to selected Podiatrists in key markets. Included are several pair of Sof Sole products and promotional items recommend and share information with patients. To receive your own Podiatry Starter Kit, contact Greg Stryker at or (919) 282-1001.