Northwave turns to Michelin for new flat shoe models
11/07/2018
The two models, Clan and Tribe, come from its 2019 collection. They feature a flat-specific sole system developed in collaboration with Michelin Technical Soles, the division of the famous tyre manufacturer that was been making shoe outsoles since 2014.
Northwave has said it had three boxes to tick when it set about developing a flat shoe: grip, traction and durability.
Two years working with Michelin resulted in the Gecko+ rubber compound, which it describes as “the stickiest compound on the market”. It is included in the Gravity FPS outsole on the Clan model (pictured). The tread pattern is based on Michelin’s JET XCR tire. An extensive flat area with specific cuts gives maximum grip on the pedals and control on different terrains, while strong sculptures on the tip offer good traction and similar sculptures on the heel area aid braking and offer increased durability.
Its sister model, Tribe, features Michelin’s Gecko rubber compound, again based on the JET XCR tire. The compound is included in the Gravity outsole, with a tread designed to deliver stability thanks to reinforced shoulder areas, flexibility in the medial part, and control in the tip and heel area. It has deeper sculptures in these areas for traction and braking power.
Image courtesy of Northwave.
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