Innovation in Footwear
Read the essay from Nina Conrad about innovation in Footwear
"What does a shoe really need?" PERFORMANCE DAYS footwear expert often asks herself this question when it comes to innovation. "As footwear designers and developers, we are constantly challenged to bring new, innovative products to market. This challenge is fuelled by various industry pressures, consumer expectations, marketing demands and ever-increasing sustainability concerns. But it is worth asking whether we regularly need new, supposedly innovative products and processes, and when a product or process can be considered truly innovative."
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What´s new at PERFORMANCE DAYS Footwear Area?
Since the Footwear Area was launched two years ago, the platform has grown steadily and is now an integral part of the trade fair. In October, the area will once again feature exciting new products - in addition to a number of exciting exhibitors from the footwear sector, there will also be a special area on the topic of waterproofness.
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Did you know, that the Footwear Forum has its own Forum Theme?
The Trend Forum at PERFORMANCE DAYS is the heart of the show! Since Footwear was integrated as a fixed category, the Experts Jury has decided to define with the topic 'Sustainable Ways to Produce Waterproof Shoes" a special ForumTheme for Footwear. Therefore the jury is seeking innovative alternatives for manufacturing waterproof shoes.
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Material Section
Have a look at our innovative fabrics for footwear!
Innovation in footwear is transforming the industry, combining advanced technology with stylish design to enhance performance, comfort, and sustainability. From smart sneakers with sensors to eco-friendly materials, these advancements push the boundaries of what's possible, focusing on improving user experience and reducing environmental impact.
HDry - Altexa srl ST 3875 - B5
HDry b5 biobased waterproof/breathable membrane
Footwear Adhesive Membranes
100% PES, 100% PU, 53% biobased PU membrane
The new HDry ‘b5’ bio-based membrane offers the opportunity to reduce dependence from fossil fuels on high-end active performance gear with a high bio-content rate (53%), resulting in the highest range of responsible technical performance. HDry ‘b5’ waterproof/breathable membrane main characteristics are: • membrane polymer bio-content rate of 53% tested and certified according to ASTM D6866 by BETA Analytic, a leading provider of radiocarbon dating services; • high membrane stretchability (>200%); • same performance range of standard HDry compound for footwear application;
Sympatex Technologies GmbH L000176
CASERTA
Footwear Adhesive Membranes
14% PA, 6% PES, 8% PU, 72% rec. PES
CASERTA is a 3-ply shoe liner made of 100% recycled PES combined with a dynamic breathable 100% PES hydrophilic poreless Membrane that has up to 20% bio-based and up to 15% recycled content. Liner fabric has a soft touch knitted fabric perfect for bike, running and golf shoes.
Ocean Plastics Co., Ltd. P207U224-1
Shoe Collar PU
Footwear Leather
62% rec. PES, 38% Waterborne PU (Water-Based Polyurethane)
0.8mm DMF-free synthetic leather made of waterborne PU laminated on textile from GRS-certified fiber, with less VOC and water & air pollution in material & production than the solvent-based system. Applications: shoe collar, lining, shoe tongue. Peel strength, abrasion, ballyflex, NOx & yellowing resistance, and hydrolysis resistance can reach footwear standards but still maintains a supple, smooth, elastic texture & handle. Thickness custom-adjustable.
About the Author
Astrid Schlüchter
PERFORMANCE DAYS
Starting February 2024, Astrid Schlüchter is taking on the role of Senior Communication Manager at PERFORMANCE DAYS. To drive further growth with innovative communication strategies, PERFORMANCE DAYS is bringing Astrid Schlüchter on board not only as a seasoned industry expert but also as a renowned specialist journalist. Before joining PERFORMANCE DAYS, the trained fashion designer led the editorial team of the print and online medium SAZsport as Editor-in-Chief and was instrumental in the development of the Sports Retail Congress. Prior to that, Schlüchter worked for a long time as a freelance writer for various media in the sports, fashion, and lifestyle segments.
