Gravity Group, Inc. has announced the inaugural launch of its Flat Tire Footwear autumn 2006 shoe line, featuring its patent-pending Crumb-Tech Comfort System.
 
The Crumb-Tech Comfort System incorporates loose Crumb Rubber as a filler material in the outsoles of its shoes, resulting in a shoe of superior comfort that also helps preserve natural resources. Crumb Rubber is a Post-Consumer Waste Recycled Material (PCW), and is made from 100% recycled scrap tires that have been shredded and ground to a loose composition.

“Crumb Rubber is being used today on surfaces of playgrounds, stadiums, and is incorporated into running tracks due to its performance and safety characteristics,” said Michael Hottinger, president of Gravity Group. “Research indicates that Crumb Rubber is the most shock absorbing surface material ever tested.” The use of Crumb Rubber provides for better shock absorption, reduces foot fatigue, and increases flexibility and comfort.  Crumb Rubber is also a durable material that will not break down over time.

“Approximately 795,000 scrap tires are generated every day in the US, and over half of those are never recycled, with millions of tires ending up in stockpiles or landfills,” said Hottinger, “Flat Tire Footwear takes these tires and recycles them into our footwear, resulting not only in a comfortable, durable shoe, but in the preservation of natural resources and reduction of scrap tires in our landfills as well.”