SleepTech Magazine Mattress, Accessories, Machinery, Raw Materials
The mattress for your feet
Award winning UK pocket spring manufacturer, SPINKS SPRINGS has been working over the last 18 months with new footwear company SPRINGURU, to develop an exciting new casual shoe concept. The shoes feature innovative micro spring technology, which is only ¾” high and is embedded into the sole of the shoes. These conical springs are precision placed and pre-compressed in their fabric pockets by an ultrasonic welding process. Each pair of SPRINGURUs contains 34 micro pocket springs. SPINKS SPRINGS are part of the Harrison Spinks Group of companies who also manufacturer in the USA through their joint venture with HSM Solutions. SPRINGURU is launching with one distinctive unisex design for both men and women. The lace-less upper is made of a stretch ballistic nylon which is tough and breathable and custom conforms for a perfect fit. The shoes look as ‘springy’ and ‘comfy’ as they feel and the outsole design is a nod to the mattress heritage of the pocket spring component. “This is such an exciting project for Spinks Springs, we have been testing and developing our springs for some time now, so it’s great to see them in the finished shoe.” noted Darren Marcangelo, Spinks Springs commercial director. “Not only do the shoes look great, but they feel absolutely superb, unlike any other shoes.” The micro spring concept in footwear has been extensively tested at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the UK through a government funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). Other shoes provide a cushioning or ‘damping’ effect by using EVA in the midsole. However SPRINGURUs midsole construction deploys a ‘spring and damper’ arrangement, much like you would find in a car suspension system. Jim Richards, Professor of Biomechanics at University of Central Lancashire, says, “This is a much more efficient arrangement and can lead to reduced impact forces and improved loading rates”. The concept is being launched on the crowd-funding site, Kickstarter. Backers can preorder a first edition pair to be amongst the first people in the world to experience SPRINGURU’s unique ‘spring in your step’ sensation.
About Spinks Springs
SPINKS SPRINGS is part of the Harrison Spinks Group, which encompasses three quality UK bed brands — Harrison, Somnus and Spink & Edgar as well as the SPINKS SPRINGS component brand, the trading name for Harrison Spinks Components. With high-end bed and mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks, the company makes and designs high- quality comfort microcoil pocket springs for sale worldwide through its components business. Harrison Spinks employs nearly 400 people, operates five factories in Leeds, along with a 300-acre farm, where it grows natural, non-woven materials, such as hemp, flax and wool for mattresses.
