The human foot is an amazing piece of engineering. As we know, it is constructed from 28 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. Feeling and sensitivity are transmitted through concentrations of 1,300 nerve endings per inch. The foot can withstand a repeated force of up to 600lbs while running.

This engineering marvel needs careful protection and handling to keep it in top performance condition. Over the centuries designers and manufacturers have created shoes, boots, sandals, slippers and other footwear forms to give the foot support, protect it from external damage, help keep it ventilated, and help make the processes of walking, running and climbing as safe and comfortable as possible. Footwear has also been an essential part of fashion, often becoming a central focus, even an icon, rather than just an accessory.

Key drivers in innovation and technology for footwear include:
     · Improved processability
     · Durability
     · Lightweightness
     · Cushioning
     · Oil/water/chemical resistance
     · Flexibility
     · Grip
     · UV stabilization
     · Weatherability
     · Tensile strength

Building on Dow's traditional capabilities in material science, we have developed a global portfolio of materials and systems for key components in the footwear industry, from outsoles, midsoles upper and footbeds through to airbags and innovative moulded components. Dow footwear technology mainly comes in two platforms:
     · A family of PU and thermoplastic systems based on our VORALAST™
        soling systems
     · A series of non-system products including PELLETHANE™ TPU and
        ENGAGE^TM polyolefin elastomers (POEs)

Dow has served the market for over 20 years with its VORALAST™ G series Polyeurethanes that have delivered performance for the safety, business, outdoor and casual market segments of the footwear industry. In fact, the G series has been used in more than 10 billion pairs of shoes worldwide.

We are meeting these customer and consumer expectations through solutions that combine first-class end-use performance, excellent processability and consumer appeal. We always keep in mind what is important to footwear manufacturers and brand owners: delivering comfortable, appealing and high performing shoes that provides lasting value. For instance, POEs, instead of thermoplastic rubber, are being used in the shaft and bottom of industrial boots to reduce weight and improve durability while the TPUs offer flexibility, toughness and seal strength needed for air bladders or the abrasion resistance, pliability and durability required for cleats.

We have a long history of working with leading footwear companies in the world. Global brands are among a number of our close partnerships with the footwear industry's leading businesses. For example, Timberland uses our VORALAST™R natural oil polyol-based soling system for its Mion sandals and New Balance running shoes are using our Engage POE .

To benefit customers and brand owners, we are channeling more than 20 years of innovative footwear processing and manufacturing experience to provide solutions that meet the future needs of footwear designers, brand owners and industry partners. Ultimately and most importantly, we are always keeping a step ahead — to keep your feet happier all the time!