Emphasis on innovation at Global Sourcing
Though the event was smaller than that held six months previous, exhibitors at Global Sourcing said they had experienced a satisfactory-to-good show. The event, which had about 60 exhibitors, was held simultaneously with the WSA Shoe Show in the
Irving Tanning showed several new leathers, including Nimbus, Nimbus Two, Mia, Heavy Metal and Vincinzo. Nimbus was described as a very soft, lightweight (2-2.5 mm) leather with a transparent coating allowing the colours to show through. It is recommended for sporting shoes. Nimbus Two is very similar to Nimbus, but a little heavier and not quite as soft. Mia was described as a white antique leather in pastels, while Heavy Metal was a metallic ruboff in new spring colours such as satin blue, lime and grape. Vincinzo is a vegetable tanned leather offered in jewel colours in an aniline finish that is self-milling.
There were a couple of new exhibitors at the show and these said they had seen a sufficient number of visitors to attract them back on July 31-
One such exhibitor was Jones and Vining whose new ‘Bi-Fit’ multi density insole board attracted a fair amount of attention. This item is a one piece polyethylene multi-density insole board designed to promote core stability in shoes. It is created through a patented injection moulding process that permits custom moulding of the unit to the manufacturer’s precise specifications. Bi-Fit material is sold in boards so that the shoe manufacturer can die cut the material to particular sizes, eliminating an inventory of sizes. The material can be supplied with a fabric on one side or both sides. After die cutting, the shoe manufacturer can then mould the unit to fit his lasts. With a very firm heel portion and a very soft, flexible forepart, the unit is said to offer stability and comfort. It is also claimed to hold heel nails with ease.
Jones and Vining also showed its new Emax foot bed and outsole material. Said to be a high performance alternative to EVA and rubber, Emax was shown in four variations: Emax 500 for outsoles; Emax 1000 for outsoles; Emax Imprint for insoles; and Emax Mid for midsoles. The Emax 500 is less than 200 c.c. DIN abrasion, is slip resistant, and greater than 200% NBS abrasion, while the Emax 1000 is less than 15 c.c. DIN abrasion, slip resistant, and greater than 300% NBS abrasion. The outsoles are available in multi colour units.
The Emax Imprint insole is heat activated with a slow recovery footbed that forms to the foot and is shock absorbent. The Emax Mid is a non-yellowing material that offers extra cushioning, superior compression set and a high energy return. Tested by SATRA and the Taiwan Footwear Research Institute, the Emax material is recommended for all types of footwear.
Texon and Rogers Corp. meanwhile showed their new ProZorb moisture management material. The material offers both support and cushioning. Using
