PUMA has unveiled their latest footwear cushioning technology coined the “XETIC”, with the launch of their futuristic-looking Calibrate Runner sneaker. The XETIC is jointly created by the sportswear brand in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Design Lab via a sponsored research programme, and boasts unbeatable comfort when utilised in footwear.
Left to right: PUMA Calibrate Runner in white (USD 140), PUMA Calibrate Runner in green (USD 140).
The name for this new patented PUMA cushioning technology is derived from “auxetic materials” structures, which are notably wear-resistant to mechanical stresses such as compression and served as the inspiration behind XETIC’s creation.
Above: The mold used to create the PUMA XETIC sole by injecting foam into the plate which will make one final piece. Also seen here, is the close-up of the shape mimicking “auxetic materials” structures.
To develop XETIC, PUMA and MIT Design Lab worked extensively with a community of professional runners, analysing their individual running specifics (pressure points etc.) to create a specifically-shaped structure, not unlike vertical and horizontal figure “8s”, that allows for optimum cushioning.
Above: PUMA Calibrate Runner in white (USD 140).
The result is the introduction of the Calibrate Runner, that most prominently features XETIC on its midsole and outsole, which besides lending its impressive performance capabilities, also makes the sneakers appear like something out of science fiction.
Above: PUMA Calibrate Runner in green (USD 140).
In a press statement, Romain Girard, PUMA’s Senior Head of Innovation Design, says “PUMA’s innovation department teamed up with MIT Design Lab because we needed their high-expert engineering capabilities. MIT has computer simulation possibilities, which enabled us to see the behaviour of the material and quickly find the optimal structure for calculated cushioning.”
Straight from the laboratory, into the future, now yours with PUMA’s Calibrate Sneakers.
The PUMA Calibrate Runner sneakers (USD 140) will be available in-stores and online from August 2020.
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