PRINCE Footwear - aaw-e-learning

Footwear
Footwear Anatomy
Outside heel counter
Lateral collar
Midfoot stabilizer
Medial collar
Tongue
Quarter
Eyestay
Arch bridge
(shank)
Midsole
Outsole
Vamp
Toe cap
Footwear Last
• A last is the foundation of all our footwear. It is a piece of solid
plastic following the shape of the foot and acting as a form on which
a shoe is made. The last determines the overall fit, toe shape, and
volume of the shoe.
Footwear Materials
• Synthetic leather/Micro fiber upper – lightweight, some are
breathable; techy look and can be embossed or welded;
lighter weight compared to genuine leather
• Leather upper – traditional, natural, soft, good “hand” (feel),
genuine look; in general, only looks good in white or black;
cannot achieve a technical look
• Mesh/AirMesh – often used on the tongue, quarter, and the
vamp; it allows the shoe to be more ventilated; it is less
structural than synthetic leather or leather so the more mesh
there is in a shoe the softer the upper feels
• EVA midsole – lightweight foam for cushioning
• EVA sockliner – additional lightweight cushioning
Footwear Materials.
• PU (polyurethane) midsole – a more resilient foam
than EVA but heavier; will yellow over time
• PU sock liner – highly resilient foam for longer
lasting support
• TPU (thermal polyurethane) – a plastic material
used for stabilizers in the upper and/or midsole
Lasting Method
• Most athletic footwear (all sports) are sliplasted – meaning the upper of the shoe is
stitched to a flexible insole (made out of a
woven material). The bottom of the insole is
then cemented to the top of the
midsole/outsole for final assembly.
• Slip-lasting promotes better flexibility and
gives the foot a wider range of motion
Footwear Assembly
Prince MC4
Upper
Midsole 1
Cushioning
Technology
Midsole 2
Arch Bridge
(or shank)
Outsole
Footwear Glossary
ARCH
• Arch is measured from the ground to the highest portion of the bottom of the
foot. There are three types – high, flat, and medium.
ARCH BRIDGE (SHANK)
• A device often made of Thermal Plastic Urethan (TPU) that supports the foot
under the arch and allows the shoe to flex properly. It increases the shoe’s
torsional staiblity.
COLLAR
• Part of the shoe that wraps around the ankle.
EVA MIDSOLE (ETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE)
• Also called phylon – EVA is a chemical compound with foam-like properties for
cushioning. It is lighter than PU and provides a softer ride.
FLEX GROOVES
• Deep channels cut into the outsole of the forefoot or heel to promote greater
flexibility at toe-off and a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
HEEL COUNTER
• A plastic or composite material that surrounds the heel. It stiffens and
reinforces the heel pocket area.
Footwear Glossary
INSOLES
• A light sole conforming to the shape of the bottom of the last to which the
upper and the bottom are attached to make the shoe. The sockliner sits on
top of the insole.
INSTEP
• The upper surface of the foot above the arch – over the metatarsal bones from
the back of the toes to the ankle.
LAST
• A solid form of plastic on which a shoe is built. It determines the shape and
volume of the shoe.
LATERAL
• The outside part of the foot
MEDIAL
• The inside part of the foot
PU MIDSOLE (POLYURETHANE)
• A chemical compound with foam-like properties for cushioning in the midsole.
It is denser, heavier, and more resilient than EVA.
Footwear Glossary
SHOCKERASER™
• A cellular urethane foam insert in the heel of the EVA midsole.
It exhibits high resiliency, good vibration dampening, and
impact absorption.
SOFTSPRING™ PU
• A soft PU insert in the forefoot of the EVA midsole. It exhibits
high resiliency to disperse shocks from impact.
SOCKLINER/FOOTBED
• An insert which is shaped or molded to the approximate
contours of the bottom surface of the foot. It can be made in
either EVA or PU. Should not be confused with insoles.
VAMP
• Part of the toe box area where the foot flexes
Footwear Technology Comparison
US Specialty Channel
SMS, 4th Qtr 2006
adidas Barricade IV
Nike Air Max BF 2
adidas Barricade II
Prince T10
Nike Air Max BF 3
K-Swiss Ultrascendor
Prince T9
adidas Barricade III
K-Swiss Defier RS
K-Swiss Ascendor ALT
Wilson Challenger
Prince MC4
Babolat Propulse
Yonex SHT-305
USA
Shoe
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
31
NA
NA
Retail
Price
US$
$105
$110
$80
$80
$110
$70
$70
$90
$75
$80
$65
$99
$120
Midsole
Tech
Heel
adiPRENE
Air Max
adiPRENE
ShockEraser
Air Max
ShockSpring
ShockEraser
adiPRENE
ShockSpring
ShockSpring
DST02
PTT
Vibrakill
Midsole
Tech
Forefoot
adiPRENE+
Air Zoom
adiPRENE+
SoftSpring
Air Zoom
ShockSpring
SoftSpring
adiPRENE+
ShockSpring
ShockSpring
None
PTT
Exact Pro
$99 Power Cushion None
Midsole
Tech
Visible?
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Midsole
Stabilizer
Torsion
TPU shank
Torsion
TPU shank
TPU shank
TPU CB
TPU shank
Torsion
TPU CB
TPU CB
TPU shank
TPU shank
shank
TPU shank
Upper
Outsole
Outsole Lining Tech
Tech
Branded Tech
Trade Mk
adiWEAR6 No
None None
DRC
No
None Drag On
adiWEAR7 No
None None
PRC1000 No
None None
DRC
No
None Drag On
Aosta 7.0 No
None None
PRC1000 No
Dri-Lex None
adiWEAR6 No
None None
Aosta 7.0 No
None TecTuff
Aosta 7.0 No
None DuraFlow
Duralast
No
None None
Goodyear Yes
Dri-Lex None
Michelin
Yes
None None
None
No
Dbl
Russel
Mesh
Conclusion:
1. Trademarking the midsole technology is very important - trade marks and call outs on products establish credibility
2. Visible midsole technology is only somewhat important; but it is very important to call out the technology on the midsole
3. Midsole stabilizer (or Shank) has become a commodity like shoe laces
4. Trademarking the outsole is very important; However, branded outsoles are not important
5. Unlike the running category, tennis brands have not placed importance on lining technology
6. Trademarking the anti-abrasion material in the toe area is somewhat important
Super
Ergoshape
What Do Tennis Players Demand?
• Fit/Comfort remains the most important attribute
• Adequate levels of cushioning, stability, ventilation,
and durability
• However, different players demand different levels
of above attributes - based on the player’s physical
size, playing style, and playing ability
• Outsole grip and traction
Tennis Footwear
•
Since players’ foot dimensions are different, Prince uses three different lasts
to accommodate different types of feet
– T-Last (M & T-Series) has a shallower toe box for a glove-like fit
– Quiktrac last has a standard toe box to accommodate most players
– NFS last has a wider toe box to provide more room for the toes
•
Tennis is a multi-direction sport therefore Prince builds lateral stability
features into the shoes
•
To relieve pounding on the knees and feet Prince builds additional cushioning
inserts in the heel and forefoot to increase comfort
•
To prolong the durability of the toe area of the shoes Prince builds a higher
outsole sidewall on the medial side and uses abrasion resistant material to
overlay the upper’s toe area
•
On certain models Prince uses AirMesh and moisture-wicking linings in key
areas to combat against heat and provide ventilation to the feet (court surface
can reach 130°F or 54°C)
•
A tennis outsole has a rounded medial radius in the forefoot for quicker lateral
foot transition
What Do Squash Players Demand?
• Fit/Comfort remains the top attribute
• Adequate levels of cushioning, stability, and
ventilation
• Some players prefer very lightweight, low-to-theground feel shoes
• However, different players demand different levels
of above attributes - based on the player’s physical
size, playing style, and playing ability
• Outsole grip and traction
Squash Footwear
•
Like tennis, squash is a multi-directional sport so Prince builds lateral
stability features into the shoes
•
To relieve pounding on the knees and feet Prince builds additional
cushioning inserts in the heel and forefoot to increase comfort
•
Prince uses AirMesh in key areas to combat against heat and provide
ventilation to the feet
•
A squash outsole has a rounded medial radius in the forefoot for
quicker lateral foot transition
•
A squash outsole uses gum rubber, which is softer and slightly tacky
and provides the best grip and flexibility on indoor court surfaces
•
Squash shoe outsoles are thinner (as compared to tennis) to make
the shoes lighter in weight
Attribute Trade-Offs
In general (both tennis and squash shoes:
•
A lighter weight shoe provides immediate comfort but is often less durable
and less stable.
•
A thicker, softer midsole/sockliner makes the shoe more cushioned.
However, the shoe sits higher and is less stable.
•
A more stable shoe has a firmer or thinner midsole and requires an additional
stability device in the upper (e.g. a strap). Therefore, the shoe feels firmer
and heavier.
•
A durable shoe requires more rubber in the outsole (forefoot and toe areas).
This is done by making the outsole thicker or in higher durometer. This adds
significant weight to the shoe and the shoe often looks bulky in the toe area. A
higher durometer outsole is slicker on hard court and has less grip.
•
A ventilated shoe uses open mesh which is less structured. Therefore, the
upper is softer, more comfortable but has less lateral stability.
The key is to find the right trade-offs.
Prince Lasts
T-Series and M-Series (T-Series Last)
• Snug fit last provides increased agility for aggressive play
• Cutting edge design and advanced technical features
• Various levels of ventilation, cushioning, and stability based on player
needs
NFS Series (Natural Foot Shape last)
• Natural Foot Shape last provides a roomier toe box for comfort
• Various levels of ventilation, cushioning, and stability based on player
needs
Quiktrac Series (Quiktrac last)
• Conventional, full fit last, with an emphasis on lightweight and
comfort
• Synthetic uppers and EVA midsoles
• Various levels of ventilation, cushioning, and stability based on player
needs
Common Prince Footwear Features
M SERIES
Ventilated
• AirMesh in vamp, quarter, and tongue to maximize air flow
• Dri-Lex lining to wick away moisture
• Medium density Precision Tube Technology
Cushioned
• Softer density sockliner and midsole to provide a plush ride
• Soft synthetic upper material
• Softer density Precision Tube Technology
Stability
• Thermal Polyurethane (TPU) forefoot or midfoot straps for
added lateral stability
• Firmer density Precision Tube Technology
Common Prince Footwear Features
T SERIES
SHOCKERASER
• A cellular urethane foam insert in the heel of the EVA midsole. It
exhibits high resiliency, good vibration dampening, and impact
absorption.
SOFTSPRING
• A soft PU insert in the forefoot of the EVA midsole. It exhibits high
resiliency to disperse shocks from impact and initiate propulsion.
Tennis and Squash Footwear Outsole Patterns
• Herringbone patterns are widely used for hard court and
clay tennis, as well as indoor court sports
• Wider herringbone patterns are used in the medial toe
area for increased durability
– For pushing off to start running
– For toe-dragging during a serve
Thinner
herringbone
with wider gaps in
between to shed
clay
Wider
herringbone
In toe area for
durability
Tennis and Squash Footwear Outsole Patterns
• Herringbone has proven to be most effective in
shedding clay so the outsole maintains proper
grip
• Herringbone with gum rubber has proven to
provide excellent grip on indoor court surfaces
Prince Outsole Rubber Compounds
Goodyear Max® outsole rubber compound
• Exclusive to Prince; higher perceived value
• Ultra durable - 10% more durable than
PRC1000
• Durability Index 9-10
• Used on M Series (Elite Collection)
PRC1000 outsole rubber compound
• Prince proprietary rubber compound
• Durability Index 9-10
• Used on T Series (Competition Collection)
PRC700 outsole rubber compound
• Prince proprietary rubber compound
• Durability Index 7
• Used on Sport Collection
Outsole Rubber Compounds
•
Traction and durability of outsoles is dependant on the thickness and
durometer of the rubber. Since each company specs the thickness
and durometer differently it is difficult to compare apples to apples.
•
Traction and durability have a negative relationship. For better grip
on hard court the rubber compound needs to be softer. However,
this decreases the durability. This concept is the same as car tires.
•
Durability also depends on the player’s size and/or playing style. A
heavier-built person puts more stress on shoes than a slight-built
person. Given the same exact shoe this heavier person will wear the
shoes out faster. Same for playing style. A toe dragger will wear out
shoes faster than a non toe-dragger.
•
Branded outsoles give consumers perceived value. Based on our
research consumers don’t buy shoes based on what brand outsole it
has. It’s about the perception of the brand. We use a branded
outsole to 1) provide perceived value and 2) increase the selling
price.