Michelin, US start-up unveil ‘revolutionary’ trail running shoes

Greenville, South Carolina – Michelin and a US trail running footwear start-up Speedland have introduced a new ‘revolutionary’ product which is claimed to offer “unique and customisable” experience for runners.

The SL:PDX uses Michelin's cuttable blocks technology, allowing runners to “customise” the sole for their preferred performance, safety and comfort, said a Michelin statement 22 July. 

The sole, it said, has been designed with “special multi-directional sculptures" that can be modified by simply cutting individual blocks to adapt to the needs of each runner.

Furthermore, Michelin's ‘fiberlite technology’ for fiber-reinforced rubber has been employed in the design of the soles to provide strength and stability as well as flexibility and lightness. 

Launched in June by footwear industry veterans Dave Dombrow and Kevin Fallon, Speedland is claimed to be a 'sustainable’ brand that uses stitching to ‘drastically reduce’ the use of glues. 

At the end of the shoe's lifespan, each layer can be easily separated and recycled, while some components can be replaced to further extend its life.