New technology from UK-based development company P2i Ltd., designed to protect soldiers from chemical attack, is to be used in the production of athletic footwear for added water repellency. Known as ion mask, the process applies a thin protective layer over the surface of the shoe using an ionised gas or ‘plasma’. The treatment coats both the outside and inside of the shoe and can be used for shoes containing both synthetic materials and leather. 

The coating is said to allow the foot to breathe whilst preventing water from entering the shoe. Unlike conventional waterproof treatments that require additional layers to be sewn into the shoe—which add weight and can result in poor fit—the ion mask treatment is applied after the shoe has been manufactured and does not compromise the fit or weight of the shoe. It is also said to be highly abrasion resistant.

The company is currently working with testing centre SATRA to define all of the properties of ion mask enhancement on a variety of footwear and footwear fabrics to highlight the benefits of the new technology.

P2i was established in 2004 to commercialise liquid-repellent treatments developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence.