"It all started with a single call from Michelin to the company headquarters in Balingen. The very fi rst conversations were already full of positive signs. Everyone involved quickly realised: Something big could happen here. The story began. The result? A revolutionary generation of shoes.

Kempa & Michelin – The cooperation

Our requirements for our handball shoe soles are rather similar to those for tyres: Optimum grip, and the lowest possible wear. And the common development basis was quickly found, because for both Michelin and us, there was one common goal from the outset: This was not about a superfi cial attachment of a brand to a rubber sole. Our cooperation was going to be in-depth and genuine with a focus on concrete development goals that serve the players right from the start. Our common focus was therefore on the best behaviour of the sole under professional playing conditions from the outset. But also additionally the longevity of the shoe sole.

Together with leading developers of Michelin, we created a sole with characteristics reflecting the best synergy between our companies. What seemed so very different in the beginning became increasingly precise, more concrete, and fi nally - real. The cooperation entailed everything from product design, particularly in terms of the sole, the joint development of the rubber composition, down to the mutually agreed choice of the manufacturers. Hand in hand on the way to success.

The result?

The new generation of Kempa shoes in cooperation with Michelin. The answer to the rigorous demands of handball.

How was the grip improved?

The new Michelin rubber formula provides the optimal balance. Strong enough to give you absolute control over your steps, and yet not too strong, to protect your joints and bones. Another special feature? The sole characteristics. Because it ensures that less dust on the hall fl oor enters the pores.

The effect?

The sole stays grippy for even longer! How did the sole change in terms of wear? The longevity was effectively doubled *! (*according to laboratory tests of the CTC in Lyon). How to find out? Just try.

For brilliant development you do not need luck, but rather a strong will, perseverance and clear objectives. This was also the case for the co-operation with Kempa. Following the multi-month collaboration and the large number of intensive phases of development, we have exceeded the targets set for 2011 together with Kempa. But not due to chance. Dedication and commitment have lead to the creation of an incomparable handball shoe generation. Kempa primarily designs the shoe, whilst the sole is designed by Michelin.

(Dave Burt, technical director at Michelin)