FOOTWORK IN PROGRESS

Here’s an update on the development of the 2022 footwear.

By Inesis

March 25^th, 2021

At the end of 2020, we presented to you the initial designs of the future Inesis footwear range, which is scheduled for release in 2022. The MW900 is waterproof, comfortable, and lightweight. It is the embodiment of Inesis’ know-how in the field of golf footwear. The WW500 is a fine example of an ideal “summer shoe”, designed for warm weather. Today, we catch up with Erik Arlen, Head of Footwear Design here at Inesis, with his agency, Foarms.

TO BOA OR NOT TO BOA?

It’s a question which surfaced following the presentation of the WW500 and MW900 designs, during a YouTube webinar. The MW900 design included a Boa-style fast-lacing system. The market is pretty divided on this subject. There are those who are pro-Boa, and there are those who are anti-Boa. We felt that this was something to look into. So, we delved further into our reflection, and sent out a questionnaire to the co-creators we’ve been working with since the very beginning of the project. In the end, the response was pretty clear. What reunites Boa and classic lace fans alike is their interest in a lacing system that is both easy and fast. So, Sophie LB, our product engineer, has worked hard and searched high and low for technical solutions we can use. The solution that has gone the distance is the “Tanka” system, which is mostly used in the world of trail running. It offers both ease and reliability.

THANK YOU TO THE STUDY

The study that we carried out on the behaviour of the foot during the swing movement provided us with precious information. We were able to analyse all of the restraints to the sole during the phases of the swing movement. Thanks to this information, we were able to develop the sole, so that it can better meet golfers’ needs. For example, after analysing pressure points, we reviewed the structure of the cleats, and made modifications to the rubber/TPU transition zone under the big toe, to create additional comfort.

Comfort was also on the agenda for the midsole. On top of working on the components, the designers also came up with “bumpers”, a type of protrusion of the materials which structure the sole, providing comfort and stability.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NEXT?

We’re in the phase where we work closely with the production factory team. We send them the 3D files that we want to bring to life, and they then have to recreate their own 3D designs using their machine software. Therefore, we need to be extra-vigilant, to ensure that the 3D created in the factory is 100% compliant with what we’re looking for. It’s never the case straight away. There’s always a multitude of points to correct, to the tiniest details It's a game of “spot the difference”, at expert level!

Once the 3D is validated, we can create the mould that will be used for manufacturing the soles. With these initial soles, we can create prototypes, which will be tested in real conditions. Creating a mould is a big investment. We apply all of our experience and know-how into the mix, to ensure that the first version is the right version. However, footwear comfort is a very fine art. So, we make modifications if we’re not 100% satisfied with the testers’ initial feedback. In this case, we need to make a new mould, as we can’t modify the first one. It comes at a cost, of course, but, for us, it’s our priority to create a product that meets your expectations (and ours, too!).

STYLES AND COLOURS

Finally, we begin to rework the colour schemes. To do this, we follow the work of Léa, our stylist, who establishes the colour trends for 2022. The WW500 is aimed at being a “summer shoe”, so we’ll opt for soft, warm colours. The MW900 is intended for milder weather conditions, and will definitely be more of a classic show. This doesn't rule out having a competitor model in the range.