SOLES BY MICHELIN AT ISPO OUTDOOR SHOW, MUNICH

The success of Michelin in the world of technical soles continues.

At the largest outdoor trade fair in Europe, which took place for the first time in Munich in June/July, Michelin was seen on the soles of a host of new footwear in the outdoor world thanks to the latest brand collaborations.

Aku, Boreal, Dolomite, ECCO, Garmont, Mammut and Viking are amongst over 60 brand partners who chose to appoint Michelin to co-develop the soles of their new Spring/Summer 2020 collections which were showcased at the event.

The Michelin R&D department works with each brand partner to customise specific soles for specific uses and consumer needs. Often inspired by the design and performance of one or more tyres from the Michelin range, the team creates exclusive tread designs and compounds which will deliver the right mix of comfort, grip, durability or whatever benefit is needed.

“Experience the innovation”: is Michelin’s reason to believe because we want consumers to feel the benefit that over 100 years of experience in creating new technologies and innovations for tyres can deliver to the soles of their shoes.

Although not available to buy on the retail market until 2020, here’s a look at what’s new on the horizon:

 

MAMMUT ALNASCA II

Mammut, a leading brand in the mountaineering and hiking world, named their latest release after one of the most beautiful mountains in Switzerland. It stands out for its exceptional lightness and adaptability to various terrains and the MICHELIN sole, inspired by the MICHELIN NA00 rally tyre, offers excellent traction and control on rocky and wet surfaces thanks to the tread design and compound used.

DOLOMITE STEINBOCK GTX

Dolomite, the Italian brand leader in the production of mountain footwear add the Steinbock GTX to their collection of hiking footwear. Ideal for tackling multi-day hikes on different terrains where comfort, stability, control and traction are paramount. The MICHELIN sole is inspired by the design of the MICHELIN Cyclocross Mud tyre, with multi-faceted tread blocks which provide greater wear resistance and exceptional self-cleaning properties. A thermoformed suede upper gives sturdiness and foot support whilst a Gore-Tex® membrane and Dryfast insole ensure waterproofing and breathability.

The Steinbock is also available in a “WT” version, characterised by a Perspair Woven Technology upper, which is totally seamless and made of “superfibres” with breathability, anti-abrasion and anti-cutting properties.

ECCO EXOHIKE

ECCO are a brand to watch. Michelin’s partnership with the Danish giant began last year and is going from strength to strength. The MICHELIN sole is inspired by the MICHELIN Wild mountain bike tyre range and “Wild” is what ECCO wanted. A sole that could offer excellent traction, grip and foot stability on different terrains and surfaces. The tread blocks are super strong in the toe and heel area and the design increases lateral control.

The midsole is made of PHORENE™, a material that makes the shoe lighter and softer, and provides greater comfort and absorbency, while differentiating the anatomical shape of the female foot compared to that of the male. The upper is made of leather produced directly in ECCO tanneries use sustainable methods.

VIKING ANACONDA INVISIBLE FIT

For trail running enthusiasts in every season, the Norwegian brand Viking extends its existing Anaconda range with a new “Invisible Fit” version.

Characterised by a completely revised upper and offering high performance on the most difficult wet and muddy surfaces thanks to the excellent multi-directional grip and self-cleaning properties which come from the MICHELIN tread design.

GARMONT 9.81 BOLT AND TIKAL

With a sole inspired by MICHELIN Stargrip, the tread pattern for the Garmont 9.81 Bolt is based around a 3-pointed star shape and arranged in such a way that it can work at its best to ensure traction and control in any situation.

The Garmont Tikal is for active travel, distinguished by unparalleled comfort thanks to the super soft leather upper. The natural rubber MICHELIN sole is perfect for the city and around town and has special features on the toe and heel area to provide greater grip and traction on uphill and downhill stretches.

BOREAL SENDAI

The Spanish brand, Boreal, a leader in the world of climbing, launches the new Sendai approach footwear, with an advanced and high-performance MICHELIN sole which provides exceptional traction especially on rocky terrain. The Heel-to-toe tread design follows the natural movement of the foot, providing support, progressive traction and adaptability on uneven terrain.

AKU MONTERA AND LA VAL

Michelin integrated the existing Aku Elica technology into their sole design. The Natural Stride System features an asymmetrical area of contact with the ground which aligns the walking axis in a completely natural way. The tread design was inspired by all-round mountain bike tyres which are suitable for all types of terrain and surface for these trekking boots.

To see the full range of shoes available and brands Michelin work with visit: michelin-lifestyle.com