Researchers from the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the University of Toronto are developing special boot soles that use glass to provide better grip on ice. Icy sidewalks are both an inconvenience and an injury hazard for those of us who live in cold countries. The problem with boots with regular grips is that they get slippery on ice, while boots with spikes work well on ice but don't do well on non-icy conditions.
These boot soles are made out of slabs of thermoplastic polyurethane that have little glass fibers in them that run parallel to the surface. When the slabs are cut across the grain, they result is smaller slabs that have the fibrous ends protruding from them.
The polyurethane is inherently flexible and rubbery, meaning it still grips well on hard, dry surfaces like asphalt.
As someone who has slipped and fallen on his rear end more than once in icy conditions, I can certainly see the utility in these glass-embedded boot soles.
Ice-Gripping Boot Soles
These Boot Soles Use Glass to Facilitate Better Grip On Ice
Trend Themes
1. Ice-gripping Footwear - The development of glass-embedded soles for footwear to improve traction on icy and slippery surfaces.
2. Thermoplastic Polyurethane Innovation - Further research and development into the use of thermoplastic polyurethane and incorporating it with unique materials holds disruptive innovation opportunities in various industries.
3. Anti-slip Design Technology - Innovations geared towards creating safer footwear designs for walking on ice or slippery surfaces presents a disruptive opportunity in the fashion industry.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Industry - Implementation of ice-gripping sole technology creates opportunities for product differentiation and could increase demand for footwear in colder climates.
2. Construction Industry - Construction workers and other occupational groups that often find themselves on slippery surfaces in icy weather could benefit from safer and more effective footwear designs.
3. Outdoor Equipment Industry - Manufacturers of ski boots and other outdoor gear could explore incorporating new materials and anti-slip designs to further improve product quality and safety.