Hankook-Vibram collaborate for joint product development

Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. has partnered with shoe outsole company Vibram S.p.A to develop futuristic concept tyres and shoes. As a result of this partnership, Hankook is all set to unveil two of its off-road tyres, DynaMIX and DynaSYNC. On the other hand, Vibram is releasing three concept shoes, DynaTREK, DynaSTRYKE BKL and Omnifuse. The new shoes will take over Vibram's popular Fivefingers line-up.

"By combining the two companies' significant technological strengths and authentic styles, the collaboration has pushed the boundaries of performance in both industries," the company said. Hankook said that it has utilised Vibram's hyper function design for its latest concept tyre development while simultaneously helping Vibram to integrate tyre technology in the footwear.

"This joint project fits ideally with our ongoing commitment to investing in technological innovations and performance-oriented designs. Moreover, from a macro-perspective, the project reflects Hankook Tire’s longstanding core company value - progressive innovation. This momentum will be carried forward in the future as the company continues to take an authentic, meaningful approach to meeting the challenges of future driving experience," said Vice Chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire Seung Hwa Suh.

The jointly-developed products are being showcased at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. The motor show is on from September 15-27, 2015.

The tyre manufacturer said the DynaMIX and the DynaSYNC took inspiration from the flexible blocks on the outer soles of Vibram's hiking shoe. The blocks are engineered to flex and change their contact position in response to the surface variations.

The tyres also feature Vibram's ultra-light 3D Cocoon technology in which multi-directional geometric dimensional blocks protect the tyres from road impacts. The company claims that they are able to improve traction, block stability and flexibility, and reduce the sidewall weight.