Dow Elastomers, a global producer of polyolefin elastomers, on Thursday launched in HCM City what it called an upgraded version of a footwear foam called INFUSE, an olefin block copolymer, which is a kind of artificial resin.

The US company said in a release the new technology improves the product’s performance, comfort and durability.

Midsoles are regarded as the heart of the shoe and impacts shoe durability, performance and comfort, it said.

Midsoles based on this new technology deliver lightweight footwear and an evident improvement in the rebound, compression set and dimensional stability of a shoe, offer protection to a runner’s foot by absorbing shock from walking, jumping and running and lessen the impact and stress on the body.

“We see an evolving active leisure trend from consumers that is likely to drive growth in the footwear industry and evidently an increasing demand on more comfortable shoes. Our next-generation specialty material is introduced to local manufacturers who are intending to cater to this trend,” Andrew Yen, Asia Pacific marketing manager for Dow Elastomers, said.

“We have a long-term plan in the Vietnamese market and we look forward to contributing to the transformation of the country’s footwear industry with our state-of-the-art materials.”

Viet Nam is the third largest footwear maker and the second largest exporter in the world, producing 40-45 per cent of the world’s top athletic footwear.

Leather and footwear product exports last year were worth US$16.2 billion, or 10 per cent of the country's total exports.

The figure is expected to rise to US$17.88 billion in 2017. — VNS