Thermoplastic Composites for Athletic Footwear

Our Toray CFRT® (Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic) composite materials are often used in the construction of athletic footwear, including running shoes, golf shoes, basketball shoes, and football cleats. Our materials are chosen for their durability, light weight, and ability to provide support and stability to the foot. From high-energy return carbon fiber running plates to fiberglass and composite footwear shanks, Toray PMC has over 40 years of development and manufacturing experience delivering performance-driven solutions.

The advantages of Toray CFRT® composites in footwear... it's durable, light weight & 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 Thermoplastic Composites 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, Toray’s 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, the CFRT® crafted shank creates a bridge between the heal and forefoot. Whether buried under the arch or as an exposed torsional enhancement, the CFRT® shank plate reduces the weight of the shoe while providing increased biomechanical support.

Sock Liner or Insole

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

Features of CFRT® for Footwear

Toray is always investing in product development for the athletic footwear market in order to stay on the cutting edge of product development. Our materials have the following properties:

Product Formats

Continually investing in product development, we have a portfolio of thermoplastic materials that have been developed specifically for use within footwear, sport, and recreation applications.

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.

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Resources

Biomechanics of the Foot

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Toray CFRT Thermoplastic Laminates in Footwear

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Do you need help? Contact us!

Are you looking for a composite laminate 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
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Toray Performance Materials Corporation USA
Send email +1 (805) 482 1722

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