Material Matters: Key Innovations of 2019 | DuPont

The year 2019 was not merely another chapter in the annals of sneaker history; it was a revolutionary epoch that redefined the very essence of footwear through trailblazing materials. Brands, instead of merely tweaking the familiar, ushered in an era of transformation, weaving innovation into the very fabric of their designs. This significant pivot towards material excellence mirrored a relentless pursuit of the future, turning visionary concepts into tangible realities. As we delve deeper into the retrospection of 2019, let’s embark on an exhaustive journey, meticulously uncovering the remarkable material innovations that etched indelible imprints on the tapestry of sneaker culture.

# Adapting to Change: Nike’s Epochal Stride into the Future

In the intricate mosaic of sneaker technology, 2019 emerged as a watershed moment as Nike seamlessly integrated the long-envisioned Adapt technology into multifaceted sneaker genres. The Adapt BB, an embodiment of years of relentless innovation, finally descended onto the courts, paying a respectful homage to the iconic Nike Air Mag from Back to the Future Part II. Building upon this monumental success, the Adapt Huarache materialized, a sophisticated reinterpretation of Tinker Hatfield’s 1992 foot-embracing vision. However, the horizon for 2020 remains tantalizingly vast – broadening the spectrum of accessibility and, potentially, devising a more economically viable approach to catalyze a comprehensive paradigm shift within the sneaker industry.

# GORE-TEX: Beyond Waterproof, A Fashion Statement

2019 heralded the triumphant resurgence of the venerable GORE-TEX, solidifying its stature as an indomitable force within the sneaker material hierarchy. This iconic waterproof yet breathable membrane, traditionally the hallmark of elite outdoor apparel, seamlessly transcended its confines, embedding itself within the intricate narratives of sneaker culture. Nike’s expansive Air Force 1 collection, coupled with groundbreaking collaborations from industry titans such as Clarks, ASICS, and Converse, exemplified the unparalleled adaptability and multifaceted versatility of GORE-TEX. In an instant, defying the elements while maintaining an unerring sense of style became not merely a pragmatic choice but an emblematic fashion statement, underscoring the timeless relevance of a technology poised to celebrate its golden jubilee.

# adiPRENE: adidas‘ Renaissance of Retro Elegance

While the illustrious reign of BOOST cushioning was undisputed, adidas showcased a poignant fondness for adiPRENE in 2019. This evocative retro-tech emerged as the linchpin in the revival of iconic silhouettes, including the Ozweego, LXCON, and the Yeezy 500. The fervent debate surrounding adiPRENE’s potential to rival the unparalleled comfort paradigm set by BOOST continues to reverberate into 2020, hinting at an impending renaissance across the expansive adidas lineup. It’s an evocative journey, a nostalgic embrace of time-tested comfort seamlessly woven into the contemporary tapestry of design ethos.

# Joyride: Nike’s Ode to Exuberant Running

As the industry juggernauts tread divergent paths, Nike orchestrated a symphonic ode, a vibrant narrative aimed at redefining the very ethos of the running experience. The Joyride cushioning system, an intricate ensemble of meticulously crafted TPE beads, promised an unprecedented fusion of comfort, responsiveness, and sheer exhilaration. Despite the inevitable comparisons to PUMA’s Jamming system, Nike charted a distinct trajectory, accentuating nuanced efficiency disparities while forging an indomitable identity. Collaborative endeavors with luminaries like OBJ, Matthew M. Williams, and a constellation of innovators not only set the stage for a transformative 2020 but resonated as a prelude to an epoch where running transcends beyond mere athleticism, metamorphosing into an exuberant celebration of human spirit.

# CORDURA: The Indomitable Vanguard of Durability

2019 bore witness to the resolute resurgence of CORDURA, reaffirming the immutable axiom that classics perennially resonate with contemporary sensibilities. adidas spearheaded this revival, deftly integrating this rugged textile into avant-garde silhouettes like the Nite Jogger and ZX Torsion. Concurrently, New Balance embraced CORDURA, infusing it into the very essence of models like the 997S, 997H, and the X-Racer. Originating from venerable military and outdoor lineage, CORDURA’s renaissance within the sneaker domain was both inevitable and poetic, a testimony to its enduring legacy and its seamless adaptability to evolving design paradigms.

# Trail Takeover: A Confluence of GORE-TEX, CORDURA, and Vibram MegaGrip

The collaborative synergy of GORE-TEX, CORDURA, and the venerable Vibram MegaGrip delineated a compelling narrative, guiding sneaker materials beyond the mundane confines of urban pathways, ushering them into the untamed realms of the great outdoors in 2019. Vibram MegaGrip’s robust soles, epitomized by New Balance styles such as the Hierro v5 and 850AT, signaled an unequivocal shift towards an off-road aesthetic renaissance. Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail and Salomon’s eclectic techwear releases further solidified this trailblazing narrative. However, the quintessential question endures – will this trailblazing momentum sustain its unyielding foothold within the ever-evolving vistas of 2020’s sneaker zeitgeist?

In summation, 2019 unfurled as an exquisite tapestry, a symbiotic blend where innovation harmoniously melded with time-honored traditions, weaving futuristic aspirations into the very fabric of everyday sneakers. Nike’s Adapt technology, the perennial allure of GORE-TEX, the resurgent echoes of adiPRENE, the jubilant rhythms of Joyride, the stalwart resilience of CORDURA, and the trailblazing innovations of Vibram MegaGrip collectively sculpted the material landscape of this transformative year. As we stand on the precipice of a new decade, these seminal innovations serve not merely as footnotes but as the foundational pillars for an exhilarating epoch in sneaker technology. The wheel hasn’t merely been reinvented; it has been meticulously reimagined, poised to roll into a future where material innovation resonates with unprecedented profundity and enduring relevance.