New Balance says the small details matter
22/05/2019
The FuelCell platform was borne out of the idea that overall performance could be improved by addressing all aspects of it in minute detail (e.g. form, shape, efficiency, fit). It was created by New Balance’s Innovation Design Studio, with the brand saying that by slowing things down, it is allowing athletes to speed up.
Among the features of the footwear developed as part of this platform is a performance foam that New Balance claims has the highest rebound properties of any it has developed`.
There are four models in the range:
• FuelCell 5280, a spike-free running shoe that features a carbon fibre plate designed to flex on initial contact with the ground, and then stiffen for better propulsion on lift off. It also has a lightweight Hypoknit upper for added support;
• FuelCell Rebel, which uses FuelCell technology at the forefoot to offer high rebound properties. It was inspired by New Balance’s fastest road racing athletes and features an outsole with a traction pattern that favours midfoot and forefoot strikers;
• FuelCell Propel, which has New Balance’s Trace Fiber upper for zonal support and a lightweight rubber and NDurance outsole. It is designed for fast runners;
• FuelCell Echo, a streamlined design with a TPU heel counter and a full-length FuelCell midsole.
The first shoe from this platform, the FuelCell Rebel (pictured), will launch on June 5 to mark Global Running Day. It will be followed by other iterations throughout the autumn.
New Balance has indicated that it will apply FuelCell technology to a range of footwear segments, including running, basketball and tennis.
Image credit: New Balance.
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