Adidas puts ‘super-polymer’ into running apparel
Sports brand adidas has used material from Rheon Labs in shorts and tops in its latest Adizero Control apparel collection for runners. This is a follow-up on its use of the material in exercise leggings, tights and tops earlier this year.
London-based Rheon Labs has patented Rheon, which it describes as “a reactive super-polymer” that can help athletes improve their performance by giving them “energy control”.
It works by helping muscles stay in “the most efficient position so that more energy is directed into performance”, according Rheon Labs commercial director, Simon Huntsman. The Rheon material is breathable and soft, but becomes tougher in periods of high-intensity movement when extra support is needed.
The company used computer modelling to identify exactly where in a garment to place Rheon to support the most important muscle groups. Rheon Labs has said its in-house testing suggests the material has the potential to control four times more energy than conventional elastane-based textiles.
Mr Huntsman explained: “Our technology has combined years of biomechanical research with complex chemistry in a way that will unlock a new world of athlete potential and shape a new era of performance.”
