Hiking the next target for inov-8’s graphene outsoles
17/12/2018
Earlier this year, the brand unveiled graphene-enhanced trail running and fitness footwear. Released as part of a range known as G-Series, the shoes were tailored to different activities and conditions.
Inov-8 has built on the success of this range by infusing graphene into the rubber outsole of its new Roclite hiking boots. It has said this results in the outsoles being 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing.
There are two hiking boots that feature the graphene-enhanced soles. The Roclite 335 features PrimaLoft insulation in the upper to offer increased warmth in cold weather, while the Roclite 345 GTX has waterproof Gore-Tex protection for use in wet conditions. Both are very lightweight.
Michael Price, inov-8 product and marketing director, said: “The hiking and outdoor footwear market has been stagnant for many years and crying out for innovation. We’ve brought a fresh approach and new ideas, launching lightweight, fast-feel products with graphene that will allow hikers, fast-packers and outdoor adventurers to get more miles out of their boots and grip to all terrains, no matter how gnarly.”
Graphene is just one-atom thick, making it the thinnest material on earth, but it is 200 times stronger than the strongest steel. These remarkable attributes have seen it find a use in a range of industries. The material was first isolated in 2004 at the University of Manchester. Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, the scientists who achieved this, were later awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Image credit: inov-8.
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