Using nonwovens technology normally found in a mattress, a group of U.K. researchers have developed a casual shoe featuring a distinctive springy sensation underfoot. Spinguru causual shoes are now featured on the Kickstart  crowdfunding site.
 
Each pair of the Springuru has 34 pocket springs, lined with 100 gram needlepunch nonwoven material, built into the EVA. This allows the shoe to provide great cushioning, support and comfort and an unbelievably springy sensation.
 
The shoes borrow technology developed by mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks to develop a process to produce micropackets. The conical springs are precision placed, pre-compressed in their fabric pockets by an ultrasonic welding process.
 
While mattress springs usually use a standard needlepunch or spunbond material around them, the shoe applications required a 100 gram needlepunch because it needed to be strong and soft at the same time.
 
“We started by taking sneakers apart and adding coils,” explains company spokesman Darren Marcangelo. “We immediately noticed a big difference.”
 
What followed was a two-year collaboration with University of Central Lancashire building on the technology.
 
Professor Jim Richards, professor of biomechanics at the university played a key role in the development of this concept. “While other shoes achieve a cushioning or damping effect by using EVA in the midsole, the Springuru midsole construction deploys a spring and damper arrangement, much like you find in a car suspension system,” he says. “This is an efficient arrangement that can lead to improved loading rates and reduced impact forces.”
 
According to  Marcangelo, who also works at Harrison Spinks, the technology behind Springuru has already been licensed to an athletic shoe company, and he and his partners are looking to commercialize a casual shoe under the Springuru brand name. This laceless upper is made of a stretch ballistic nylon. It’s tough, breathable and custom conforms for a perfect  fit. The sole design is a nod to the mattress heritage of the pocket spring component.
 
Targeting 25-40-year-old men and women, the Springuru hopes to eventually sell the shoes at select retailers. For now, however, the company is hoping that its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter achieves its fundraising goal of by the end of October, which will allow production to begin in January.