Pirelli & Skechers: A Step Towards Enhanced Comfort & Performance – Introducing Optimized Tire Compounds Inspired by Go-Flex Technology

ROME, GA – November 8, 2023 – Pirelli Tire LLC, a global leader in high-performance tire technology, today announced a fascinating collaboration stemming from an unexpected source: Skechers’ revolutionary Go-Flex outsole technology. While seemingly disparate, the shared focus on flexibility, comfort, and responsiveness has led Pirelli engineers to explore and incorporate principles from Skechers’ footwear into the development of a new generation of tire compounds. For over 150 years, Pirelli (located at 100 Pirelli Dr SE Ste 470, Rome, GA, 30161-3538, and reachable at 918-247-9250) has been synonymous with innovation in tire manufacturing. From powering Formula 1 racing teams to equipping everyday passenger vehicles, Pirelli constantly pushes the boundaries of grip, durability, and performance. But the inspiration for their latest leap forward came not from the automotive world, but from something you wear on your feet. “We’re always looking for ways to improve the driving experience,” explains Marco Rossi, Chief Technology Officer at Pirelli Tire LLC. “And sometimes, the best ideas come from looking outside of our traditional industry. When we started analyzing Skechers’ Go-Flex technology, we were struck by how much overlap there was in our goals – creating a product that adapts to the surface, provides superior comfort, and enhances performance.” What is Skechers Go-Flex? Skechers Go-Flex is a footwear technology built around a highly flexible, lightweight outsole. Designed to mimic the natural movement of the foot, Go-Flex outsoles utilize strategically placed flex grooves and a unique compound that allows for exceptional ground feel and a comfortable, natural stride. The result is a shoe that moves with you, not against you. How Does Go-Flex Inspire Pirelli Tires? Pirelli’s engineers focused on several key aspects of the Go-Flex technology. The core principle of enhancing flexibility and conforming to the road surface resonated deeply with Pirelli’s ongoing research into tire compounds. Traditionally, tire compounds have been optimized for either grip or comfort. A harder compound maximizes grip but can result in a harsher ride. A softer compound prioritizes comfort but often sacrifices handling and longevity. “What we’ve been able to do, thanks to insights from Go-Flex, is develop a new compound that bridges that gap,” Rossi elaborates. “By incorporating principles of multi-directional flexibility, we've engineered a tire that maintains excellent grip while also absorbing road vibrations more effectively.” The New Compound: Enhanced Grip, Comfort & Wear Pirelli’s new compound, currently being tested in select tire lines (targeting initially the passenger vehicle segment), features a unique polymer blend and a redesigned tread pattern. Multi-Directional Flexibility: Inspired by the flex grooves in Go-Flex soles, the new tire compound incorporates strategically placed micro-grooves in the rubber. These grooves allow the tire to conform more readily to uneven road surfaces, increasing the contact patch and enhancing grip. Advanced Polymer Blend: Pirelli’s chemists developed a new polymer blend that combines the benefits of both hard and soft compounds. This allows the tire to maintain rigidity during cornering and braking, while simultaneously absorbing road impacts and reducing noise. Optimized Tread Pattern: The tread pattern has been redesigned to work in harmony with the new compound. Wider, more flexible tread blocks, combined with shallower grooves, allow the tire to “wrap” around road imperfections, further enhancing comfort and grip. Real-World Benefits for Drivers So what does this mean for drivers? Pirelli claims several key benefits: Improved Handling: The increased contact patch and optimized tread pattern result in improved handling and stability, particularly in wet or uneven road conditions. Enhanced Comfort: The flexible compound and redesigned tread pattern absorb road vibrations, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride. Reduced Noise: The tire’s ability to conform to the road surface and absorb vibrations also leads to reduced road noise. Increased Tire Life (Potential): Early testing suggests that the more flexible compound may also be less prone to cracking and wear, potentially extending the life of the tire (further testing is ongoing). The Collaboration: A Synergy of Innovation “This collaboration isn’t just about incorporating a single technology,” explains Sarah Miller, Head of Research & Development at Pirelli. “It’s about fostering a culture of innovation and cross-industry learning. Skechers has a deep understanding of materials science and biomechanics, and we’ve been able to leverage that expertise to push the boundaries of tire technology.” Skechers also views the collaboration positively. "We're always thrilled when our innovations can be applied to other areas," says a spokesperson for Skechers. "Seeing our Go-Flex technology inspire improvements in tire performance is a testament to the versatility and effectiveness of our design." Availability Pirelli expects tires incorporating the new compound to be available to consumers in select markets starting in Q2 2024. The initial rollout will focus on popular passenger vehicle tire sizes, with plans to expand the technology to other segments in the future. Consumers can stay updated on availability and further developments by visiting Pirelli's website or contacting their local Pirelli dealer. Looking Ahead Pirelli and Skechers are already exploring further collaborations, including the potential application of other Skechers technologies to tire design. This partnership represents a fascinating example of how seemingly unrelated industries can come together to drive innovation and improve the experiences of consumers worldwide. It’s a reminder that the best ideas often come from thinking outside the box—or, in this case, from looking down at your shoes.