Innovation, technology and research have been the pillars of Michelin for more than 250 years. This expertise in ground contact and traction that guides the production of our world-class tyres is also incorporated into Michelin Technical Soles, solutions applicable to the world of soles for optimum performance on all types of terrain. Many leading brands in Motorsports, Outdoors, Active Sports, Winter Sports, Indoor Sports, Running, Trend Sports, Nature Sports, Water Sports and Work & Safety, have entrusted Michelin Technical Soles with the creation of custom footwear for their target consumers.
Michelin’s reputation for innovation and performance in the footwear market, has drawn more than 60 market leaders to the brand to partner on ground breaking footwear. One’s of Michelin’s strengths is the ability to analyse the behaviour of a tyre in ground contact, whatever the terrain. The real challenge comes when transferring this knowledge and expertise from the world of tyres to the footwear sector.
The most advanced solution for the production of lighter and thinner outsoles, thus reducing the footwear’s total weight, is achieved through a high temperature compression molding process of textile fibers on to the rubber, creating a light tread, and a thin, flexible and stable base, that does not affect the performance, but rather improves the interaction and adaptability to different types of ground surface. Ride, a historical Michelin partner and one of the first to have believed in the French company’s soles, decided to adopt this knowhow for two new snowboard boots: Karmyn and Deadbolt. The ‘fiber lite’ sole with the two models are equipped and is the ideal solution in terms of lightness and flexibility, able to best accompany the movement of the foot on the board. Inspired by two mountain bike tyres, it features solid lugs and reinforcements that increase traction and grip. Tread design gives excellent stability and abrasion resistance.
A solution which delivers traction on ice and on hard snow routes, whilst maintaining the same performance on different terrain types even after long use. This solution was developed through a specific balance between the visco-elastic properties of rubber and the mechanical behaviour on the ground generated by the “profile” of the sole, comparable to the tread of the tyre. The 100% rubber compound maintains flexibility at medium and lower temperatures, allowing the natural flexing of the foot during walking. Columbia was the first technical footwear company to deliver this new solution to consumers, offering it in multiple performance collections currently on the market. These products will be in the line for the next winter season including a new ankle boot with that features. The Michelin and Columbia partnership is focused on technical footwear to help people face the difficult conditions of winter in safety. Superior grip, flexibility and abrasion resistance are enabled by Michelin’s soles made with ‘ice control’ solution, even in temperatures down to -30°C.
INFO: Michelin
