Polymer manufacturer Covesto has teamed up with Chinese designer Axis Liu for two customised concept shoes that will be on display at the K 2019 trade fair in Düsseldorf next month.

For the design of the running shoe, Axis Liu was inspired by a traditional figure from Chinese arts: the “Multilayer Carved Ball” which has a structure made of several layers. This effect, used in the midsole, was produced by a 3D printer.

The upper features an Insqin coating, which makes the material waterproof and breathable, and a water-based adhesive, Dispercoll U, helps conserve energy and resources, according to Covestro.

For the basketball shoe, the midsole was made using in-mold foaming and contains expanding TPU (ETPU), which provides shock absorption.

Both shoes use the new Maezio carbon fiber-reinforced TPU (CFRTP), which is light but extremely stiff and is also recyclable.

“New materials are one of the most powerful driving forces for creative shoe design and for exploring new possibilities,” said Axis Liu. “Therefore, I appreciate the knowhow of the experts at Covestro and I will continue to benefit from this in the future.”

Courtesy: Sports Textiles