Launch Pad The latest productsto hit the shelves
Sole purpose A natural progression from tyres to soles
project aiming to produce footwear combining both tyre and sole technology. Working with four established sports
T
footwear brands Kodiak, Salewa, Ride and the British brand Hi-Tec, the collaboration has culminated in the new winter Michelin “treads” . Michelin has chosen the slogan from tyres to
soles to launch the project because it believes tyres and shoes share the same characteristics and needs i.e.: footprint, sole, tread, rolling, stability, rubber and fabric. Michelin’s technical experts believe that in
terms of ground contact, the sole of a shoe has so much in common with a tyre that the development process of each often follows the same model.
he French tyre brand Michelin has entered the high performance footwear market in a ‘technical soles’
Both need detailed studies,
functional analysis, simulations, design, compound preparation, laboratory testing, prototype development, machine and then field testing. Michelin joined forces with Jihaua
Group Corporation in the technical soles project and they have awarded JV International with the production and commercialisation of the brand. JV International was able to access
Michelin’s specialised laboratories as well as data from studies and behavioural testing relative to ground conditions whether they be dry, wet, icy, muddy or rocky. This allowed for the production of unique soles for any given meteorological condition.
One sole, multiple functions
For Autumn/Winter 2016, HI-TEC has introduced a versatile line, based on comfort and multiple use possibilities.
“This is a collection that is totally redesigned and multipurpose. In line with today’s meaning of ‘outdoor’ it could simply be a barbecue in a neighbour’s back garden or an entire day walking in the woods. This is where the ‘City’
and ‘Hike’ aspects join together in our single crossover product enabled by Michelin Technical Soles expertise,” explains Ed Van Wezel, CEO of HI-TEC. Lead model of the HI-TEC collection is the Trail Ox Chukka i WP, a high quality
waterproof and breathable leather ankle boot, as stable and efficient on uneven terrain as it is practical in an urban environment. At the base of this crossover boot is the new MICHELIN City Hike sole inspired by the MICHELIN XAS car tyre. This tyre was the first with an asymmetrical tread pattern - created by the
research and development centre of the French brand in response to the knowledge that the shoulder and sides of the tyre work in different ways according to whether they are on the inside or outside of the vehicle. The human foot is also asymmetrical and therefore needs similar differing
support. The Michelin City Hike sole adapts to this need by offering different arrangements of the tread design. The entire sole tread pattern, from heel to toe, is designed to follow the roll of
the foot for better contact with the ground. The tread at the toe is oriented to optimise adherence, while those on the heel optimise braking. Grip on wet surfaces is guaranteed by a series of opposing lugs. Three
lengthwise grooves in the metatarsal area allow a more comfortable flexibility while walking. Dedicated lateral reinforcement helps support the arch of the foot while shaped sculptures toward the inside gives further support to the instep.
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www.sgboutdoor.co.uk
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