Stephane Morin Was Part of the Team That Created Better-Breathing Running Shoes

A remarkable combination of chemistry and engineering is giving the feet of running enthusiasts a welcome breather, thanks to BASF.

Together with shoe designers, BASF’s Elastogran subsidiary developed an innovative ventilation system that allows fresh air to circulate through a shoe. 

“These new running shoes breathe easier because of Elastollan, an innovative BASF thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer,” says Stephane Morin,  Former Senior Market Development Specialist at BASF. “Elastollan works by creating special openings in the sides, toes, heels, and soles that allow fresh air into the shoes exactly where it is needed, thereby creating a cooling effect. In fact, this technology delivers a 20 percent reduction in heat generation, and that means greater comfort for runners.”

Stephane Morin

This new breathable-shoe technology is used by adidas in its ClimaCool™ line of athletic shoes. Other well-known makers of sports shoes such as Reebok and Nike are also using Elastollan TPUs to help make their shoes more durable, ergonomic, and comfortable.

While the sports shoes are setting a new standard for “cool running,” Morin believes the plastics-based BASF innovation will find its way into other kinds of footware. “The integration of innovative chemistry and advanced design that makes athletic shoes better will help improve shoes across the board. And you don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate cooler and more comfortable shoes.”

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact Stephane Morin:

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS)
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,
Romulus, MI 48174
734-710-6703
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: morin@apstpe.com

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping thermoplastic elastomers (TPE),thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.