The Woodlands, Texas – Huntsman's Daltoped dual density foam is finding a new application in Joe Nimble running shoes.
The shoes are designed for runners who cover an average of more than 40miles (60km)/week. They feature a roomier toe volume to allow feet to behave more naturally in the shoe.
Shoes to help runners run further
A dual density system from Huntsman in the midsole returns a great deal of the runner's energy. The sole is designed not to elevate the runner's heel, and combines a number of other production steps in a single piece.
Johan Van Dyk, global application development manager at Huntsman, said: 'The unique performance that Daltoped polyurethane system delivers to the Ultreya shoes will have a huge impact on runners worldwide.’
Sebastian Bar, head of Joe Nimble, said he had been inspired to design the roomier to volume after helping with an ultramarathon. 'I noticed how many elite athletes cut open the front of their running shoes to give their toes more freedom,’ he said.
The shoes are designed in Europe for the local market with help from Huntsman's Footwear Innovation Lab. The shoes use less energy, water, solvent, labour and have a smaller transport footprint, Bar said. The first shoes are being made in Portugal, but Joe Nimble expects to start having them made in Pirmasens, Germany from the autumn.
