Spenco Medical Corporation has announced a deal with Unequal Technologies to create a new line of insoles for athletes wanting to reduce the risk of foot and leg impact stress injuries.
Unequal patented vibration-absorbing technology is already being used in a variety of other products, such as protective head and body gear. The company’s protective sports gear for the head and body has been worn by athletes in some of the world’s largest sporting events in football, baseball, hockey, soccer, the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games and the Winter X-Games. The patented composite uses a ‘para-aramid’ that is found in other products, such as bullet-resistant vests and fire-resistant apparel. Aramid fibers are high strength, resistant to abrasion and have outstanding fabric integrity at high temperatures.
“Rather than just absorbing the shock that an athlete might experience charging up and down a field, for example, Spenco’s new line of Unequal insoles will more safely distribute the vibration, impact and hot spots away from a particular point of impact on the foot,” said Jeff Antonioli, Spenco’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We believe athletes from the young adult to the professional will benefit from this new product by experiencing lower injury rates and increased performance.”
Early in the testing of Unequal insoles, Southern Methodist University in Dallas performed a blinded athlete study using approximately 60 soccer players. At the season’s end, team physician data showed the athletes who wore the Unequal insoles had virtually no stress-related injuries as compared to the athletes who did not.
“Spenco has built a stellar reputation for cutting-edge foot care solutions. Incorporating Unequal’s protective technology in a new line of insoles is a perfect application for what we do,” said Rob Vito, CEO of Unequal. “Whether during a long run, a vigorous workout or big game, athletes will feel the difference with every step or heel strike.”
The co-branded insoles will be available in two types: one for cushioning that will provide ultra-thin comfort, and one for stability that will have a lightweight orthotic cradle. Both will feature Full Contact Comfort supported with The Shape That Feels Great, along with the protection and shock attenuation of Unequal.
“We are thrilled to work with Spenco Medical because of their commitment to bring their customers the best insoles for injury prevention and overall foot protection,” said Craig Franklin, vice president of licensing for Unequal. “Our technology has versatility that spans a variety of industries and applications, and these insoles are a perfect example.”
Antonioli said the Unequal insoles will be available this fall on spenco.com and in retail sporting goods stores. They will retail for US$39.99.
Spenco is a leading producer of insoles and foot care products. With its motto of Love Your Feet, based in Waco, Texas, Spenco also provides a line of premium shoes for men and women. Founded in 1967 by renowned foot care specialist Dr Wayman Spence, Spenco focuses on customer service to distinguish itself in the outdoor, sports, foot care and medical markets.
Unequal’s mission is to protect people in sports, work and life as well as in the military. Its patented fusion of a military-grade composite fortified with Accelleron, Airilon and coated aramid fabric is engineered for the ‘ultimate in protection’. Olympians and professionals in the NFL, MLB, NHL and X Games, as well as collegiate and youth athletes in football, baseball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, action sports, contact sports and other activities wear Unequal’s protective head and body gear.
Unequal’s technology is protected by over 85 worldwide patents and patents pending. Its products have been tested by independent, accredited laboratories, OEM facilities and top universities. Recently invited to attend the White House Concussion Summit, Unequal is recognized as a Forbes’ 100 Most Promising Companies, ESPN’s Top 15 Best Sports Innovations, the No. 1 tech innovation of 2013 by Esquire.com and winner of the DuPont Kevlar Innovation Award.
www.spenco.com
www.unequal.com
