Michelin and Babolat – A technical partnership where ‘Every Step Matters’

Michelin have been working with fellow French sports brand, Babolat, for almost two decades, launching their first tennis shoe with Michelin soles back in 2003.

Today, Michelin provides technical soles for all Babolat tennis, badminton and padel shoes and they are developed through a strong partnership between the two brands and the technical teams from both companies.

Using the expertise and facilities of the Michelin technical team in Ladoux to directly transfer technology and materials used in tyres to the soles of shoes, all shoes are ultimately designed to give players exceptional performance, optimum grip, sliding balance and durability.

In September Babolat launched their ‘Every Step Matters’ campaign to explain what is behind the partnership, the MICHELIN soles and how they are developed.

A series of 4 videos featuring Emmanuel Igier, Philippe Souyri and David Gonzalez from the Michelin Lifestyle technical team, along with their fellow counterparts from Babolat, have collectively gained over 1 million views on youtube. You can follow the ‘saga’ here:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9x4EcnDJ2Y

Episode 1: Genesis – For 145 years, since Tennis was born, Babolat has been working closely with players to become the most expert racquet sports brand in the world. Innovations start from player observations and Babolat footwear ranges are 100% developed to enhance racquets sport lovers performances. ​

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJEMSfUI7xc

Episode 2: Technologies – When the Worldwide Tennis Expert meets the worldwide reference in terms of contact with the ground. Going through our shared values and common way of working, from innovation to performance.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIA9dXu8Fwo

Episode 3: 1 Need = 1 Answer – Every player, every surface, every racquet sport has a specificity, Babolat has been working on all possible combinations to provide the most appropriate shoe.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMiUFM7DVus

Episode 4: Footwear Family – Observations and feedback from the Babolat family about their shoes. ATP players, coaches, Tennis, Padel and Badminton players worldwide are recommending Babolat products.