Running shoe manufacturing is a science – blending the right form, function and materials to achieve the highest performance and fit. Trexel has helped New Balance achieve greater performance by incorporating Mucell technology in the development of their running shoe components.
New Balance incorporates MuCell molding technology into multiple components of their running shoe lines.
The current molding program for mid sole and heel components is incorporated into the production of over 1+ million pairs of running shoes a year. The running shoe designs utilize 3 different forefront parts – in 23 sizes along with 2 heel parts in 6 different sizes, all molded with MuCell.
“We have incorporated the MuCell processing technology into our manufacturing process for over 4 years now and that has allowed us to customize our designs to offer premium cushioning with a reduced amount of material. We have found the durability of these components exceeds standard foam running shoe applications – offering a longer wearing shoe with more rebound and energy return to our customers,” said Katherine Petrecca, Strategic Business Unit Manager for New Balance. “This technology is currently incorporated into New Balance running shoes – including our offering for ultra (long distance) runners and we are also looking at other lines that can take advantage of the technology.”
“If automotive components can benefit from the shock absorbency features of MuCell why not the human body? For years we have worked with the automotive industry leaders to develop numerous shock absorbing and material lightweighting applications. We realized that our technology is a perfect fit for athletic shoes that require the same benefits of cushioning, weight and material reduction,“ adds Steve Braig, President and CEO of Trexel, Inc. “Working closely with the New Balance team we are so pleased to see tremendous results they are achieving by using our technology.”