The New Inov-8 Range with Graphene!

The ultimate grip, comes true! Inov-8 Graphene!

inov-8 is entering a revolutionary new world—becoming the first company in the athletic footwear market to do so, following a unique collaboration with scientific experts.

Inov-8 has partnered with the University of Manchester to become the first company to incorporate graphene into running and gym shoes.

Laboratory tests have shown that the outsoles of these shoes, which will be launched on the market in 2018, are stronger and more wear-resistant.

Graphene is the thinnest material on Earth and is 200 times stronger than steel. It was first isolated at the University of Manchester in 2004. It is the world’s first two-dimensional material, just one atom thick, and has the potential to revolutionise many areas of technology.

Michael Price, inov-8’s product and marketing manager, said: “Off-road runners and gym athletes live on the sporting edge and need the best grip to optimise their performance, whether running on wet trails or training in gyms.

“Now, by using the pioneering properties of graphene, there is no compromise. The new rubber we developed with the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester enables us to push the boundaries of grip.

“The lightweight shoes in the G Series offer a combination of stability, flexibility and durability never before seen in athletic footwear. 2018 will be the year of the world’s toughest grip.”

Graphene is produced from graphite, which was first mined in the Lake District of Northern England 450 years ago. “And this is only the beginning, as the possibilities of graphene are truly limitless. We are so excited to see where this journey will take us.”

The scientists who first isolated graphene were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. Building on their revolutionary work, the University of Manchester team has pioneered research into reinforced cars, medical devices and aircraft. Now the University can add athletic footwear to the world-first list.

Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan, a nanomaterials researcher at the University of Manchester, said: “Although it is the thinnest material in the world, graphene is also the strongest and is 200 times stronger than steel. It is also extremely flexible and can bend, twist, fold and stretch without being damaged.

“When added to the rubber used in inov-8’s G Series shoes, graphene transfers all of its properties, including its strength. Our unique formulation makes it 50% more durable, 50% more flexible and 50% more wear-resistant than equivalent industrial rubber without graphene.”

“Graphene-enhanced rubber can flex and grip all surfaces more effectively without wearing out quickly, providing reliably strong, long-lasting grip.”

“This is a revolutionary consumer product that will have a huge impact on the athletic footwear market.