Running shoes are getting incredibly light these days, and if you’ve just bought your first new pair in a while, you might be wondering if something that feels so delicate in your hands is really up to the demands of your feet on the trail. One of the reasons shoes like the and can weigh in at under 250 grams per shoe (that’s less than an orange, if you're wondering) is down to advancing technologies such as in the midsoles, and a material called Kevlar, which is starting to become a common ingredient in the uppers of these shoes. So what is Kevlar anyway? Is it strong enough to withstand a beating on the trail? And why do you want it in your running shoes? Kevlar is a type of synthetic fiber that is both heat-resistant and incredibly strong.
The technology is patented by American chemistry company DuPont and was made possible due to a discovery made by chemist Stephanie Kwolek. In 1965, Kwolek’s work with polyamide molecules at low temperatures led to her observation of the formation of liquid crystalline polymer solutions which displayed exceptional strength and stiffness. From this discovery, she invented Kevflar along with other industrial fibers, and is actually credited with saving lives as a result – Kevlar long been used in safety equipment like bulletproof vests, helmets and protective gloves.
It’s also found in spacecraft, tennis racquets, tires, and more recently, running shoes. Though Kwolek’s invention earned her accolades and awards and made billions.
