SEOUL: In a cross-industry-collaboration Hankook Tire and Vibram have come together to develop futuristic concept tyres and shoes to unveil five products – two off-road concept tyres from Hankook and three concept shoes from Vibram.
Hankook has now utilized Vibram's hyper-functional design for its latest concept tyres, while simultaneously enabling Vibram to integrate cutting-edge tyre technologies into its footwear offerings.
The Korean tyre maker will unveil its DynaMIX and DynaSYNC off road tyres, while Vibram will reveal its DynaTREK, DynaSTRYKE BKL, and Omnifuse, which will replace Vibram’s FiveFingers lineup.
Construction of the DynaMIX and DynaSYNC tyres were inspired by the flexible blocks found on the outer soles of Vibram's hiking shoes.
These blocks are designed to change their contact positions in response to variations in ground surface. The use of different layer structures also allows for multiple style choices.
The DynaMIX tyres take advantage of Vibram's Ultra-light 3D Cocoon Technology and its multi-direction geometric dimensional blocks serve to protect the tyres from road impacts.
Meanwhile, the traction, block stability and flexibility are improved and sidewall weights have been reduced.
The DynaMIX's three-dimensional tread pattern excels in tough off-road conditions thanks to the texture and design of particular tread blocks in the pattern that have been tailored to maximize overall performance.
The glitter surface of the tire is polished, which enhances handling and wet performance, while at the same time promoting greater control at faster speeds.
Finally, the geometric sidewalls integrate Hankook’s wet-tech holes, enabling the sidewalls to achieve greater flexibility and disperse shocks.
As for the DynaSYNC tyre, it features Vibram's iconic Carrarmato lugs design on its tread pattern to improve traction in mountainous terrain and the honeycomb structure grooves help to prevent puncture or tyre chips from gravel or stones.
This improves shock absorption and provides powerful and safe handling, while the sidewall comes in a variety of colour compounds, allowing car owners to match the tyres to their car.
Lastly, the tyre features a dual-layered sidewall structure, which prevents cracking by enhancing the block’s stiffness and reducing severe deformations during cornering and high-speed manoeuvres.
As for Vibram’s DynaTREK and DynaSTRYKE BKL concept shoes, they have been paired with the DynaMIX and DynaSYNC concept tires, respectively, as sister products.
The DynaTREK boasts a high performance outdoor/hiking outsole, and it uses the same Ultra-light 3D Cocoon Technology found in the DynaMIX compound to provide enhanced protection and shock absorption.
It also sports the DynaMIX's centre stripe around the entire sole, highlighting the collaboration story between the two brands.
The DynaSTRYKE BKL reflects the performance attributes of the DynaSYNC with its Megagrip rubber outsole and the interlocking lugs provide unparalleled winter running performance in a Vibram FiveFingers shoe.
Moreover, a thermochromatic pigment was applied to the DynaSTRYKE BKL, which induces a subzero appearance with the colour shifting at the toes.
Finally, the Omnifuse adapts motifs from conventional tyre products.
"This joint project fits ideally with our ongoing commitment to investing in technological innovations and performance-oriented designs. Moreover,
“From a macro-perspective, the project reflects Hankook Tire's longstanding core company value – progressive innovation. This momentum will be carried forward in the future as the company continues to take an authentic, meaningful approach to meeting the challenges of future driving experience," said Hankook Tire vice chairman and CEO Seung Hwa Suh.
