The Use of Carbon Fiber in Footwear

Carbon fiber’s strength-to-weight ratio makes it a logical choice for the manufacturing of aerodynamic parts, as well as those used in marine vessels and racing cars. Certainly its ease of use and strength make it an ideal substance for foundation and wall repairs and its use in the manufacturing of sporting goods is gaining popularity because it is lighter than traditional materials. A new application that touts all of these benefits is the use of carbon fiber in footwear. 

Carbon fiber is used in the plate of the sole of the shoe. It is set in a lightweight foam with specifications that vary from shoe to shoe but prove valuable for certain running applications. To provide the necessary support, the insert doesn’t have to be thick—it’s as thin as one millimeter in some shoes. To say that this innovation is the wave of the future isn’t being boastful. In addition to Nike, brands such as Brooks, New Balance, Hoka One One, and Saucony either already offer a shoe with a carbon fiber plate or are in the process of developing one. With a cost averaging between $140 and $250, these shoes will be no more expensive than other footwear options designed for the same purpose.

The allure of adding carbon fiber to a shoe’s sole is the return on energy. The benefit stems from being able to store energy when the heel strikes the ground in order to give a bigger boost during the toe-off, when the athlete pushes away from the ground. The carbon fiber support also stabilizes the ankle while relieving the calves of some of their weight bearing responsibilities. Providing support as well as speed makes the use of carbon fiber in footwear a desirable product for both professional and recreational athletes around the globe. 

To learn more about other applications for carbon fiber products, visit Carbon Fiber Support or contact us today!

 

*Source: https://www.pcmi-mfg.com/blog/benefits-of-carbon-fiber-footwear