Michelin provides rubber knowhow for Etnies outsoles

Michelin provides rubber knowhow for Etnies outsoles

Shoes and automotive rubber brands have had collaborations for a few years now – the popular adidas boost range of running shoes with Continental rubber, to name one – and it appears that the latest item to emerge in this scene is the Etnies Michelin Marana, with outsoles manufactured by French tyre manufacturer Michelin, who make tyres such as the Pilot Sport 4 S for performance cars, and the Primacy SUV for more utilitarian usage.

Michelin has been in collaboration with footwear makers since 2014 under the banner of Michelin Technical Soles, and its latest lifestyle tie-up came from the need to use a more durable outsole for Etnies’ Marana range of skate shoes; the footwear brand found that the shoe’s uppers were found to outlast its outsoles.

Michelin provides rubber knowhow for Etnies outsoles

With the Etnies Marana it has employed a rubber compound said to be inspired by its PC00 rally competition tyre for use as the shoe’s outsole. Large tread sculptures are used for durability, a high contact surface for support and shock absorption, an interlocking design for grip, while multiple flex lines aid board control and reactivity.

When automotive brands collaborate with lifestyle or everyday brands, the resulting products aren’t always the most effective, whether in terms of cost or fitness for purpose. The Etnies Michelin Marana does, however, appear to have a promising level of utility, even if one won’t necessarily take to the vert ramps, or the streets, for that matter. What do you think of these tyre-inspired shoes, dear readers?

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Periasamy on Aug 25, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    I wonder why our local tyre manufacturers also don’t do collaboration like this?

    Are we too lembap and got no far vision?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 5
  • Somebody on Aug 26, 2017 at 12:36 am

    This is the first pair of shoes I see in PT blog

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Ahmadjr on Aug 26, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    What was the name of our closed tyre company?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Mr. Chee on Aug 26, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    PT, interesting as it seems, but please stick to local reviews/articles like the goold old days.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required