Babolat and Michelin introduce new Spring/Summer Footwear
New Footbelt Technology for the Propulse 2; New Tour Pro Endorsements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robin Ashmore or Annie Coghill
2601 Blake Street, Suite 150
Denver,
303 832 2700
robin@ameliecompany.com, annie@ameliecompany.com
03/13/09 - Babolat, a leading manufacturer of tennis products, and Michelin, a global leader in the tire industry, announce the launch of the new Spring/Summer 2009 line of footwear, specifically designed for tennis.
Since 2001, R&D engineers from the two partner companies have successfully transferred technology developed for auto racing to a tennis shoe sole. Teams from the Michelin Group Technology Center in Ladoux, France, and the Babolat research unit in Lyon, France, continue to collaborate on this innovation, which derives from the fact that the soles of shoes and tires perform similar functions. Both ensure contact with the ground and play a decisive role in the ability of a vehicle to move efficiently on roads, as well as in a tennis player’s movements on the court.
Babolat footwear is engineered for the lateral and diagonal movements in tennis. The strong Michelin partnership means exceptional durability and traction on all surfaces. “Babolat is a tennis brand. We focus on tennis. That’s how we know that 80 percent of the movements in tennis are lateral and diagonal,” says Thomas Otton, Babolat Product Group Marketing Manager. “For 2009 we are launching all new models in the Propulse and Team ranges plus the new Drive range with an emphasis on comfort.” Otton explains that his team considered four designer trends for the spring/summer line: lower-to-the-ground soles, details in the layering, removal of material for better ventilation and lightness, and repetition of key graphic elements. “Of course we continue to provide the best traction and durability thanks to Michelin, with improved out-of-the-box comfort.”
“This global partnership gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our technical expertise in ground contact allowing us to help deliver greater performance to tennis players on the court,” said George Kahaleh, Regional Director of Michelin Lifestyle North America. “Our Michelin Lifestyle division is dedicated to enhancing Michelin's Better Mobility concept and to extending the brand's appeal through all kinds of lifestyle products from automotive accessories and footwear to gifts and collectibles promoting Michelin’s proud heritage.”
New Tour Pros Wearing Babolat Shoes
Two high profile Tour Pros recently signed shoe endorsements for Babolat footwear. Nadia Petrova (#9 WTA) has had proven success with Babolat Propulse Lady and Ivo Karlovic (#29 ATP) has selected the Babolat Team All Court 4 as his shoe of choice. “This show of confidence in our brand at such a high level of competition is a testament to the performance of the product,” adds Otton.
BABOLAT PROPULSE RANGE
The Propulse 2 is Andy Roddick’s (#6 ATP) official shoe. The most dynamic and durable shoes on the market, the Propulse 2, Propulse Lady and Propulse Junior feature MICHELIN Optimized Cell System (OCS) technology and have optimal foot support with Babolat’s new FOOT BELT technology, the breakthrough innovation for an incomparable secure fit. The FOOT BELT provides tailor-made foot support for perfect synergy. Babolat’s extensive research found that foot support breaks down into four criteria:
- Tailor-made fit: two independently adjustable straps allow high-precision movements
- Instep support: powerful front strap
- Ankle support: two side hoop straps
- Heel support: two ergonomic TPU counters at the heel allow an even distribution of the pressure exerted by the back strap
Michelin developed its OCS technology from auto-racing specifically to suit Babolat tennis shoes, marking a spectacular breakthrough in terms of grip and resistance to abrasion. The oblong pattern of the sculpture is combined with an exclusive Michelin rubber compound that guarantees exceptional durability. Laboratory and on-court testing before the launch have shown that the Propulse offers 40 percent ore resistance to abrasion than any other shoe available at that time on the tennis market. This is a sizeable advantage for intensive players, who can go through up to eight pairs of shoes a year.
The Propulse is also equipped with Babolat’s Exact Pro technology. Exact Pro was designed specifically to improve a player’s acceleration when pushing off the forefoot, providing more efficient lateral or diagonal movement, which account for 80 percent of all movement in tennis. Exact Pro generates a dynamic impulse with every acceleration and every step. Benefits include increased reactivity and improved footwork precision and efficiency.
Propulse Range Key Features:
Exclusive FOOT BELT provides a unique, 4-point foot support
EXACT PRO technology delivers a real feeling of forefoot recovery/rebound
MICHELIN HIGH-TECH OUTSOLE means it outlasts other shoes
Optimized ground contact for perfect traction with cutting-edge MICHELIN OCS sculptures
Out-of-the-box comfort, no break-in required
BABOLAT PROPULSE RANGE MODELS
The most high tech shoe in the entire Babolat line
Propulse 2
The Propulse 2 provides a concentrated dose of high-tech power for players looking for unmatched performance. The ultra innovative, all-court shoe is signed and worn by Andy Roddick.
Suggested Price: $109
Propulse Lady 2
Specially shaped to fit women’s feet, this is a top of the line competitive shoe for women for expert and every day use. The new design and improved comfort make it ideal for women’s needs.
Suggested Price: $104
Propulse Junior 2
The Propulse Junior 2 is signed and endorsed by Andy Roddick who wears the adult version.
Suggested Price: $59.90
BABOLAT TEAM RANGE
The Babolat Team range is engineered for highly competitive players who want an edge on the court. The new Team All Court 4, Team All Court White, Team Junior, and Team Lady are now even more comfortable, more lightweight, and enhanced with new technology.
Tour Pros who have chosen the Team All Court include Robby Ginepri (#55 ATP) Igor Andreev (#24 ATP) and Ivo Karlovic (#29 ATP).
Team Range Key Features:
Enhanced with EXACT PRO, the ultimate rebound technology.
Versatile: all-surface MICHELIN outsole.
Better fit through:
- Memory foam throughout the upper
- New, more flexible materials
- Ortholite tri-material hygienic insole
BABOLAT TEAM RANGE MODELS
Babolat Team All Court 4
An all new look for Babolat’s flagship shoe. One of the lightest shoes on the market - ultra light 13 oz! Tour players wearing the Team All Court 4 include Robby Ginepri and Igor Andreev.
Suggested Price: $89
Babolat Team All Court 4 White
Clean lines and essential style with the same features and weight as the Team All Court 4. Classic colors for classic players. One of the lightest shoes on the market - ultra light 13 oz!
Suggested Price: $89
Babolat Team Junior 4
The same design as the Team All Court 4, for a lightweight, ultra-comfortable shoe that’s still extra durable. For youth ages 7-14.
Suggested Price: $49.90
Babolat Team Lady 3
New design and improved comfort, customized for women! The exclusive ladies’ last is thinner on the forefoot - specially shaped to fit women’s feet.
Suggested Price: $85.00
BABOLAT DRIVE RANGE
The Drive Range was designed to provide improved flexibility with reinforced padding for out-of-the-box comfort.
Drive Range Key Features:
- Durable MICHELIN outsole
- Triple material hygienic insole; flexible material and flex notches in the midsole
- Excellent ventilation for even greater flexibility
- TPU shank provides excellent mid-foot support
- Tongue and upper have memory foam reinforcements for optimum comfort
Babolat Drive
Perfect balance between comfort and performance for all surfaces.
Suggested Price: $70
Babolat Drive Lady
Specially designed to fit women’s feet with new midsole and thinner last.
Suggested Price: $70
ABOUT MICHELIN
The world’s largest tire maker, Michelin (www.michelin.com) manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs approximately 23,600 and operates 19 plants in 17 locations.
ABOUT MICHELIN LIFESTYLE LIMITED
MLL is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the Michelin Group. Its mission is to enhance Michelin's Better Mobility concept and to extend the brand's appeal, which should ultimately help the Group sell more tyres worldwide. This is done by promoting the attractiveness, the image and the values of the Michelin brand, in particular quality, safety and performance via new consumer products other than just tyres. The MLL business operates to a licensing model. MLL is based in Stoke-on-Trent in the UK.
ABOUT BABOLAT
Founded in Lyon, France, in 1875, Babolat is the first company to have specialized in racquet sports and the world leader in the production of natural gut strings. Easily recognized by its trademark “double-line” (two stripes on the racquet frame and black on the stringing bed), Babolat is still family-owned. Today, with U.S. operations in Boulder, Colorado, the company also manufactures synthetic strings, shoes, and a full range of accessories as well as a best-selling line of racquets used by some of the most renowned names in tennis. For more info: www.babolat.com or (877) 316-9435.
Contacts: Annie Coghill, Media Relations for Babolat, Amélie Company (303) 832-2700
Tonya Polydoroff, Public Relations Manager, Michelin North America (864) 458-4511
