As part of a sponsored research collaboration with the MIT Design Lab, German footwear brand PUMA has created a cushioning technology called XETIC that combines mechanical cushioning and foam. This ultramodern performance innovation provides for an excellent comfort for walking and was first introduced recently in a new street-ready sneaker called Calibrate Runner.

Taking its name from ‘auxetic materials’, structures that behave in a certain way when subject to mechanical stresses like compression, XETIC technology may look like 3D printing at first, the company said on its website.

PUMA and MIT Design Lab worked with an extensive runner community to analyse individual running specifics, such as pressure points, and they then took the data to develop a specifically shaped structure that allows for progressive cushioning. The result was a structure shaped like the horizontal number 8.

Over the course of the project qualitative and quantitative user testing was used, a novel finite element analysis simulation, and parametric design to find the perfect pattern, which was named ‘Recurve’.

With its visible XETIC technology, Calibrate Runner has a unique futuristic aesthetic to appeal to the techiest of streetwear collectors, while giving athletes access to a new era of cushioning, said Romain Girard, senior head of innovation at PUMA.

The new Calibrate Runner featuring XETIC technology will be available in Asia (starting August 7), Europe (starting August 15), the Americas (August 28) on PUMA.com, PUMA stores and select retailers worldwide.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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