Dow Elastomers says it can challenge EVA in the battle for the midsole
19/09/2014
Infuse OBCs help improve rebound, compression set, comfort and dimensional stability while providing a lightweight material option, Dow Elastomers said on making the announcement, helping brands and manufacturers increase the performance, safety and comfort of a shoe.
“Midsoles dictate the life of a shoe,” the company continued. “They protect the runner’s foot, absorbing shock from jumping and running during a workout, lessening the impact and stress on the body. The midsole also serves as the centre of stability for an athlete, preventing the foot from rolling inward or outward, which can lead to pain and injury.”
Global strategic marketing manager for Dow Elastomers, Michael Shoemaker, said the company was seeing growing demand for athletic shoes with higher-performance midsoles. He added: “New technology applications, like blending Infuse OBCs with ethylene vinyl acetate for the shoe midsole, are helping meet increased consumer demands for improved performance, comfort and durability in a market where midsole foams have traditionally provided a minimum level of benefits in midsole comfort.”
Mr Shoemaker said that, compared to conventional EVA-based midsole foams, Infuse can provide improved resilience with similar hardness, more stable performance over a broader temperature range, and reduced shrinkage and compression set at elevated temperatures.
The technology can also drop into existing foam processes with minor adjustments by the manufacturer, eliminating the need to retool or alter the production process, Dow Elastomers said.
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