Sweat in athletic footwear always seemed like a minor annoyance everybody who plays sports has to deal with, but cycling team Louis Garneau's Carbon Pro Team Shoes may change that problem forever.
The Louis Garneau Carbon Pro Team Shoes use xylitol -- an alcohol-based sugar -- woven into the soles of the shoes to help regulate temperature. Ice-Fil -- as the xylitol-fabric combination is known -- causes fibers in the fabric to react to sweat, which it then converts into cool air.
The Louis Garneau Carbon Pro Team Shoes come equipped with ventilation in the sole and uppers to ensure that the kicks remain comfortable and dry while in action.
Team Europcar, the team that Louis Garneau sponsors, will train and race in the Carbon Pro Team Shoes for the entire 2012 season, including July's Tour de France. The shoes are scheduled to go on-sale internationally in January and will run consumers $329.99 USD.
Automatic Cool Down Kicks
The Carbon Pro Team Shoes Convert Sweat into Sweetness
Trend Themes
1. Temperature-regulating Footwear - Developing footwear with innovative materials that regulate temperature through sweat absorption and conversion may disrupt the athletic footwear industry.
2. Sweat-activated Cooling Technology - Incorporating sweat-activated cooling technology into sports apparel and gear could provide a disruptive innovation opportunity to enhance comfort and performance.
3. Advanced Ventilation Systems - Exploring advanced ventilation systems in footwear and apparel design can create disruptive innovations that revolutionize the way athletes stay comfortable and dry during physical activities.
Industry Implications
1. Athletic Footwear - The integration of temperature-regulating materials in athletic footwear can revolutionize the industry's ability to enhance athletes' performance and comfort.
2. Sports Apparel - Introducing sweat-activated cooling technology in sports apparel can disrupt the industry by providing athletes with improved comfort and temperature regulation.
3. Sports Equipment - Implementing advanced ventilation systems in sports equipment, such as helmets or protective gear, can offer disruptive innovation opportunities that transform the way athletes experience their activities.