With the GS 2, Nike presented the lightest and fastest production boot the company has ever made. Furthermore, it is said to be environmentally friendly, due to the use of renewable and recycled materials. Every component has been optimised to reduce weight and waste, creating a football boot that weighs 160g (size 9). Incorporated in this recent release is Pearlthane Eco, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) by the Lubrizol company Merquinsa.
The 160g football boot (photos: Nike)
Conceived and engineered in Italy, the Nike GS 2 features recycled and renewable materials throughout the upper and plate design. A bio-based traction plate made primarily from castor beans ensures strength and flexibility on pitch, alongside a sock liner made from 100% castor beans. The boot laces, lining and tongue are made from a minimum of 70% recycled materials. The toeboard and collar feature at least 15% recycled materials.
Bean to boot: the GS 2 comes with recycled and renewable materials.
All Conditions Control (ACC) technology is created by a special treatment during the development of the upper materials to deliver a consistent feel on the ball at all times.
The Nike GS 2 includes the following performance, recycled and renewable materials in the new boot:
Nike GS 2 traction plate claims to combine a high performance chassis with a strong responsive and agile form. The sole plate is made of 50% renewable Pebax Rnew (a plant derived material made with 97% castor beans) and 50% TPU, made from renewable materials.
The TPU speciality producer Merquinsa delivered its Pearlthane Eco TPU to help reduce the sole plate weight. The bio-based product line is said to provide an alternative to 100% petroleum-based TPU materials. The Pearlthane Eco product line has an 82 to 95 Shore A hardness and covers a range of 32% to 46% bio-based content. The product line was specifically designed for the sports and recreation market, offering properties such as abrasion resistance and cold flexibility combined with hydrolysis resistance and good adhesion to other non-TPU shoe components, according to Merquinsa.
Bio-based TPU helps reduce the sole plate weight.
The shoe’s traction plate includes a minimalist diamond-silhouette spine, which provides optimal flex and agility in plate performance. Anatomically positioned studs maximise speed in multiple directions to ensure responsive and assured movement on pitch.
Solvent-free reinforcement
A solvent-free Kanga-Lite synthetic toe box is said to provide zonal reinforcement for exceptional touch and control. The synthetic upper also supports lockdown on midfoot and arch area. All Conditions Control (ACC) is a special treatment during the development of Kanga-Lite that delivers an optimal touch and feel of the ball in all conditions. The lightweight sockliner has no topcloth or screening, eliminating additional weight, materials and processing. Anatomical and asymmetrical heel counter and heel bucket locks the foot down for stability and support. The counter is made of Pebax Rnew, derived from castor bean oil.
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www.merquinsa.com
