Running the shoe

Cellular foaming specialist Trexel has supplied shoe manufacturer New Balance with its Mucell technology platform for the development of its running shoe components. The current moulding program for mid sole and heel components is one step in the production of over a million pairs of running shoes a year. The shoe designs feature three different forefront parts – in 23 sizes along with two heel parts in six different sizes, all moulded using MuCell.

“We have incorporated the MuCell processing technology into our manufacturing process for over four years now and that has allowed us to customise our designs to offer premium cushioning with a reduced amount of material. We have found the durability of these components exceeds standard foam running shoe applications – offering a longer wearing shoe with more rebound and energy return to our customers,” said Katherine Petrecca, Strategic Business Unit Manager for New Balance. “This technology is currently incorporated into New Balance running shoes – including our offering for ultra (long distance) runners and we are also looking at other lines that can take advantage of the technology.”

“If automotive components can benefit from the shock absorbency features of MuCell why not the human body? For years we have worked with the automotive industry leaders to develop numerous shock absorbing and material lightweighting applications. We realised that our technology is a perfect fit for athletic shoes that require the same benefits of cushioning, weight and material reduction,“ said Steve Braig, President and CEO of Trexel, Inc. “Working closely with the New Balance team we are so pleased to see tremendous results they are achieving by using our technology.”