SATRA discusses OutDry technology

OutDry Technologies’ Process and Quality Manager, Xavier Laforge, recently visited SATRA to assist with the SATRA Accredited Footwear Technologist (SAFT) course.

He also met with SATRA experts to discuss testing what OutDry markets as ‘an innovative and unique waterproof and breathable technology’, and ‘the only one where the membrane is applied directly to the shoe upper’.

Mr Laforge is a firm believer that modern consumer demand for footwear is driven to a large degree by the weight of the product – the lighter the better. According to Mr Laforge, the absorption of water into footwear materials can have a significant impact on the weight of the whole shoe, so manufacturers looking to produce lighter products should include water resistance as a key property when designing and choosing materials.

“I am working with SATRA to share in its experience in the footwear industry,” he said. “We can share information and evaluate opportunities together. The aim is to define a centrifuge-based test method, including it as part of a test for customers who are producing water-resistant footwear.”

Photograph shows OutDry Technologies’ Process and Quality Manager, Xavier Laforge (on right) with SATRA Head of Research, Tom Bayes, standing in front of a centrifuge.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 6 of the May 2012 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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