Forme – The world’s first energy-efficient footwear technology

06/09/2011

There just aren't enough hours in the day to cram in all those business meetings, active leisure pursuits and family events that make up our daily lives. So energy efficiency is not only a priority in the world of work and environmental issues: it's also an essential part of personal life. Forme Footwear literally starts at the bottom, with fashionable and functional shoes that make walking more energy-efficient and add dynamism to everyday life. Forme shoes are designed to accentuate natural motion by using ultra-smart technology that combines a carbon-fibre midsole and anatomical dual-density insole. Nathan Crary, the designer behind Forme and a shoe industry expert from Portland, USA, drew on his years of experience in the sports shoe industry to develop the Forme technology that later became the heart of Forme Footwear. Forme shoes are in tune with our contemporary desire for wellbeing, and have a style that takes functional footwear a step beyond. Shaped for urban living, they are the ideal choice for day-to-day career and leisure. Forme gives life a whole new momentum.

Forme - outstanding benefits at a glance
Minimises impact
Supports natural foot roll and forward motion
Perfect alignment for smooth, easy walking
Optimises energy efficiency
Translates vertical force into horizontal momentum

Forme - innovative footwear technology
Forme Footwear incorporates technology (pat. pend.) that supports the natural gait during forward motion and promotes energy-efficient walking and healthier posture. A preliminary study conducted by Zurich University of Applied Sciences in January 2011 confirmed that Forme Footwear improved gait efficiency and reduced joint load.

Forme technology is based on two components: a high-tech carbon fibre chassis as the midsole, which begins immediately after the heel and runs to the front toe, and a dual-density polyurethane (PU) insole. The carbon midsole converts the vertical forces acting upon impact into beneficial horizontal momentum, boosting forward motion.
The insole material is especially structured to be soft in the forefoot and relatively firm in the heel area, providing custom cushioning for the different foot areas. The design lowers the forefoot and distributes pressure evenly throughout the foot. This combination of soft and hard is Forme's secret: the insole and carbon-fibre chassis accelerate natural foot roll and forward motion and boost toe-off, resulting in dynamic gait, enhanced posture and lower joint load.

Forme - the story behind the technology
Inspired by sports shoe technology, Forme heralds a whole new feeling in walking. Its creators are two sports shoe industry experts, Nathan Crary and Kyle Pulli, working in consultation with orthopedic specialists, physiotherapists and biomechanicians. They all realised that no shoes designed for normal everyday wear offered the sophisticated technology and function of premium sports shoes.
Nathan drew on all his experience in biodynamics and shoe technology in developing footwear to make everyday walking easier. "I´d spent years designing orthopaedic footwear and working with sports shoes, looking at ways to protect our bodies from impact and the biomechanics of stresses and strains. It struck me that I could apply all of this knowledge to everyday shoes. I not only believed I could make a shoe that was more comfortable when we were on our feet all day, but also set myself the challenge of making movement more efficient. The most efficient sports movement is generated in the forefoot – and the concept was to encourage the forward foot roll by building up the sole in the centre."
His breakthrough came when experimenting with carbon fibre – a material more associated with racing cars, aircraft, golf clubs and tennis racquets than humble shoes. Nathan discovered that with the right horizontal curvature of the sole, he could accentuate the natural forward roll of the foot and transfer vertical impacts into forward momentum. "These shoes literally propel you forward. You feel the benefit immediately. Walking becomes a pleasure in Forme Footwear!" Now Forme Footwear invites everyone to experience this discovery, the result of years of advanced research.


About Forme Footwear
Design and efficiency are the two factors that make shoes by Forme unique. Initial laboratory studies show that Forme's innovative FormeForward technology (pat. pending) reduces foot load and supports forward motion. Forme is thus the world's first energy-efficient footwear, incorporating a carbon midsole and cushioning Pureforme insole to encourage more dynamic gait and healthier posture.

FOR SMOOTH WALKING! Forme gives life a whole new momentum and is the perfect choice to show off attitude and style. Our athletic sneakers, trendy ballerina shoes and elegant men's shoes are developed in Portland, Oregon. Forme Ltd., founded in 2010, operates under the management of experienced footwear professionals Richard Litzel and Mikael Muegge. For further information see: www.formefootwear.com

Exhibitor Data Sheet