Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: K•Swiss chooses ion-mask™ to revolutionize latest additions to its premium sports footwear portfolio

Home > Press > K•Swiss chooses ion-mask™ to revolutionize latest additions to its premium sports footwear portfolio

Abstract:
K•Swiss is the latest premium sports footwear brand to announce that it has teamed up with P2i, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, in a move which is set to revolutionize the performance of its two latest product lines - Kwicky Blade-Light™ and California™, debuting at retail in February 2011.

K•Swiss chooses ion-mask™ to revolutionize latest additions to its premium sports footwear portfolio

UK | Posted on September 2nd, 2010

Kwicky Blade-Light™, the company's top-of-the-range super-light, super-cushioned, training shoe and California™, a lightweight stability running shoe, have both been developed with P2i's ion-mask™ technology, which applies a nanoscopic protective polymer layer to the whole shoe so that when liquids hit the surface they simply roll off, instead of being absorbed by the shoe fabric.

David Bond, Vice President of Product for K•Swiss Inc, explained: "The ion-mask™ technology blew our elite athlete wear testers away, and they're a pretty tough crowd to please. They found that our running shoes, when treated, stayed dry and light even in extreme conditions. They also noticed that ion-mask™ kept their shoes cleaner."

Since ion-mask™ gives the whole shoe (including the stitching) superior water repellency, it delivers two crucial benefits; it stops external water getting in and it encourages evaporated perspiration to flow out. As a result, shoes dry out more quickly, won't get heavier over time, and maintain the natural airflow of their construction material.

Although the presence of ion-mask™ is imperceptible to wearers - its protective layer is one thousand times thinner than a human hair - it is molecularly bonded to the whole shoe surface and thus is extremely durable. In practice ion-mask™ lasts as long as the shoe material itself and is not compromised by everyday flexing during wear. By contrast, traditional water repellency techniques, such as dip-applied chemicals and taped seams, have been shown to swiftly lose their effectiveness under ‘real-wear' conditions. Plus, by resisting the absorption of water, ion-mask™ helps guard against stains and dirt residue.

Bond added: "The addition of P2i's ion-mask™ technology, which we believe to be the most innovative moisture management technology available on the market, positions the latest additions to the K•Swiss family at the cutting edge of sports footwear."

Stephen Coulson, CTO of P2i, comments: "The recognition, by this prestigious footwear brand, of the benefits which can be achieved with our revolutionary liquid repellent nano-coating technology further validates the effectiveness of ion-mask™. The previous generation of membrane and thick chemicals simply cannot match the amazing levels of performance that it has been shown to deliver."

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About P2i
P2i is the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology. It was established in 2004 to commercialize liquid-repellent treatments developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Now on a commercial scale, P2i’s patented process has been successfully applied to a wide range of products in a wide range of markets including lifestyle, electronics, military and institutional, life sciences, energy and filtration.

In consumer sectors, the presence of P2i’s technology is indicated either by ion-mask™, its brand for footwear, outdoor clothing and accessories, or Aridion™, its brand for electronics.

About K•Swiss
Founded more than forty years ago in Van Nuys, California, K•Swiss (NASDAQ: KSWS) introduced the first all-leather tennis shoe, the K•Swiss "Classic" in 1966. Since its inception, K•Swiss has rooted itself in California Sport with an aim to be the most inspiring and innovative sports brand in the market. Today the company offers performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel for several categories under its California Sports umbrella including Tennis Heritage, California Fit (Running, Triathlon and Fitness) and California Youth. K•Swiss also designs, develops and markets footwear under the Palladium brand, and owns the FORM Athletics brand. For more information about K•Swiss, visit www.kswiss.com.

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Contacts:
MEDIA CONTACTS
Andrew Vincent
+44 (0)1869 353812

Zoe March
+44 (0)1869 353805

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