Those whorun off-road know how delicate it is to achieve the balance in a trail shoe between support, breathability, and durability.
The upper in particular must offer protection from accidental impacts and, if possible, be waterproof and breathable.
It is not always possible to achieve all three: a very protective upper may be not very breathable or heavy, for example.
But now there is a new material that could dramatically change your running experience.
It’s called Matryx and it’s an innovative fabric that promises to revolutionize the world of trail shoes.
What is matryx?
Matryx is a patented fabric developed by France’s Chamatex, which is gradually making a name for itself in the world of sportswear.
It is composed of polyamide and Kevlar yarns, coated with polyurethane to improve abrasion resistance and ensure breathability.
Looking at it in detail, you can see the threads woven together to form a lightweight, breathable mesh that offers both flexibility and support.
And that’s not all: Matryx is also very environmentally sustainable since it is made using recycled yarns and wet dyeing techniques, which reduce environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
Isn’t that enough?
Matryx is incredibly lightweight, so it does not weigh down the foot while running.
Since it is also very breathable, the foot stays dry, reducing the risk of blisters and irritation.
The collaboration between polyamide and Kevlar yarns gives Matryx extraordinary durability, making shoes that use it capable of tackling rough terrain without deteriorating quickly.
Its mesh construction allows the foot to move naturally while providing the lateral support needed on uneven surfaces and thus when you have to change direction and type of footing often.
Innovation comes at a price
Matryx is a relatively new material, developed in 2017.
Therefore, shoes using it are (still) priced above average.
This is not surprising: every new material initially costs more, and the more it spreads, the more its price is bound to drop.
Think about what happened with carbon fiber plate shoes: as soon as they were introduced they cost a lot while today some models can be found at very reasonable prices, at least considering their technology.
Its durability also could, at least in the medium to long term, end up making it cost me as well.
It’s kind of what they say about a good suit: that it costs more but lasts much longer, so in relation to its durability, in the long run it is likely to be cheaper as well.
(Via Advnture)
