Kempa sponsor Swedish and German Handball Federation

Handball, although little known in some nations, is now the second biggest sport in Europe after football.

The European championships in Poland earlier this year attracted over 1,200 media representatives working in television, print and online media and it was broadcast in 175 countries. So in terms of visibility for brands, it’s a big deal.

Kempa is one of the biggest names in handball and The Swedish and German handball federations are amongst the most important handball associations in Europe. Together they will extend the growth of this increasingly popular sport across media channels all around the world.

So what has this got to do with Michelin?

Michelin and Kempa have been working in cooperation to develop soles for the Kempa handball shoes. The requirements for handball shoe soles are rather similar to those for tyres: Optimum grip, and the lowest possible wear, so with Michelin’s expertise in rubber and these two performance areas specifically, and Kempa’s expertise in handball, they are bound to produce a winning formula.

Optimum grip: The new Michelin rubber formula provides the optimum balance: Strong enough to provide total control, yet not so strong it may risk damaging the joints and bones.

The characteristics of the sole: The new rubber blend is extremely effective in making it harder for dust from the court to get trapped in the sole’s honeycomb pattern so the sole keeps it’s grip for longer.

Abrasion: We have doubled the durability of the rubber formula so the sole takes longer to wear out, whilst still maintaining outstanding grip. (*According to CTC laboratory tests in Lyon)

Watch the Kempa promotional video for more inspiration