Back in 2017, we looked at a cutting-edge piece of footwear from British outfit inov-8, which had teamed up with material scientists at the University of Manchester to develop the world’s first graphene-soled running shoes. A few years on and graphene is featuring more and more heavily in the firm’s catalog, this time around as part of foam cushioning in trail running shoes claimed to last twice as long as the industry standard.
By working graphene into the outsoles of its forward-thinking joggers back in 2017, inov-8 had itself a pair of fitness shoes that promised greater durability and grip across all surfaces. The company now says that its graphene-enhanced shoes accounted for more than 50 percent of its sales over the past three years, and it is looking to build on this trend with another unprecedented piece of footwear.
In addition to “Graphene-Grip” outer soles like those found on its previous running shoes, the newly launched Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max targeted at ultramarathon and long-distance runners are billed as the world’s first running shoes to feature a graphene-enhanced cushioning foam, which displaces commonly used carbon plates and EVA foam to provide what are claimed to be some pretty big benefits.
The graphene-enhanced foam was put through its paces on trails and in the laboratory, with the developers claiming it offers a 25-percent greater energy return than standard EVA foams. It also doesn’t suffer from compressive wear as easily and offers bounce and comfort over a much larger timeframe. So much so, the team says the foam still performed well after 1,200 km (745 miles), double the industry standard.
“As well as on the trail, we also tested extensively in the laboratory, including subjecting the foam to aggressive aging tests that mimic extensive use,” says the University of Manchester’s Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan. “Despite being significantly aged, the G-FLY foam still delivered more energy return than some unaged foams.”
The graphene-enhanced cushioning foam is called “
Inov-8 first used graphene in 2018 when it first introduced “Graphene-Grip” rubber to the outsole of running, hiking and fitness shoes. In the past three years, its shoes with magical rubber functions have surged globally.The upcoming Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max shoes will also use Graphene-Grip and G-Fly and Adapter-Flex, all of which have been patented. Inov-8 is still the only company in the world that uses graphene in sports shoes. The company is located in the Lake District of Cumbria, which has always been the main source of graphite, which is a natural material for the production of graphene.Wayne Edy founded inov-8 in 2003. He said: “We will continue to innovate. Innovation is at the forefront of what we do. It is easy to follow others, but this is not our DNA. First of all, we use graphene rubber revolutionaryly, and now it is foam, which proves that we Dare to compete with Different.”
With the resolution of supply chain issues and the recent control of the Covid-19 epidemic in Europe, Nike has reopened stores in Europe, and Nike plans to achieve a strong sales rebound in the next few months. Shoppers who fail to get the Nike sneakers and clothes they need should get the opportunity as soon as possible.
