CFRT® Composites for

Athletic Footwear

 

Thermoplastic Composites for Athletic Footwear

Our CFRT® composite materials provide lightweight durability, stability, and energy return for high‑performance athletic footwear. Used in running plates, cleat components, and composite shanks across multiple sports categories, we bring over 40 years of development and manufacturing expertise to help brands achieve stronger, lighter, and more responsive designs.

The advantages of Toray CFRT® composites in footwear... it's durable, lightweight & it provides stability.

One of the main advantages of using composites in athletic footwear is... durability. Composites are resistant to wear and tear, and can withstand the stress and impact of running, jumping, and other high-impact activities. This makes them ideal for use in athletic shoes, where durability and stability are important factors.

Another advantage of composites is... light weight. Athletic footwear can be lightweight to allow the athlete to move quickly and easily. Composites are much lighter than traditional materials used in footwear for structure or propulsion such as plastic alone which makes them ideal for use in athletic shoes.

In addition to their durability and light weight, composites are also able to provide support and stability to the foot. The reinforcement fibers in composites are strong and stiff, which helps to distribute the forces acting on the foot and prevent the shoe from collapsing or losing its shape. This makes them ideal for use in athletic shoes, where support and stability are crucial for performance.


    Applications of CFRT® in Athletic Footwear

    Spring or Propulsion Plate

    Utilizing CFRT® materials, the spring or propulsion plate extends into the first and second metatarsal for added spring and resiliency. Flexibility in design allows for stiffness versus compliance balance and added medial/lateral control while absorbing step impacts.

    Heel Stability Plate Lateral/Medial

    Recommended for running shoes, CFRT® materials help stabilize the heel during heel strike, and minimize pronation and supination.

    Turf Plate

    Common in turf footwear, CFRT® composite materials replace spring steel and limit the extension of the big toe. Specifically developed for this application, CFRT® reduces heat transfer from the turf to the wearer’s foot.

    Shank Plate

    Located in the arch area for support, CFRT® crafted shank creates a bridge between the heal and forefoot. Whether buried under the arch or as an exposed torsional enhancement, CFRT® shank plate reduces the weight of the shoe while providing increased biomechanical support.

    Sock Liner or Insole

    Whether used in the aftermarket or as a design feature, CFRT® composite insoles provide added support. Our CFRT® materials have been shown to reduce foot fatigue, improve stability, and increase comfort. Light and thin, the material can also be heat‑adjusted for customization.


    CFRT® Features for Athletic Footwear

    Product Formats

    Case study: OrthoGolfer Elite®

    OrthoGolfer Elite® is the first over-the-counter golf “orthotic” specifically designed to aid players in correcting their stance and perfecting their golf swings: allowing golfers to swing smoother, drive further, and reduce slices.

    Toray PMC’s materials were selected for this application to achieve a lightweight, thin profile.

    Download PDF

    Resources

    Biomechanics of the Foot

    Download PDF

    Toray CFRT Thermoplastic Laminates in Footwear

    Download PDF

    Do you need help? Contact us!

    Are you looking for a thermoplastic composite solution for athletic footwear? Please don't hesitate to contact us! You can reach us by email, by phone, or connect with us on LinkedIn. We would love to hear from you.

    Toray Performance Materials Corporation USA

    contact@toraypmc.com
    +1 (805) 482 1722
    LinkedIn
    Toray Performance Materials Corporation USA
    Send email +1 (805) 482 1722

    This website uses cookies. They allow us to optimize your browsing experience and also help us to understand how you use our site. By continuing to use this site, you accept our cookies.