Reebok Lightweight Space Boots With Floatride

For an upcoming voyage to the International Space Station, sports brand Reebok has released a space boot designed specifically for the astronauts taking part.

The Floatride Space Boot SB-01 has been developed in collaboration with aerospace equipment experts David Clark Company, which is also producing the spacesuits for the mission.

According to Reebok, the shoe marks the first design change to astronauts’ footwear in over 50 years.

The zip-up shell of the boot is made from a fire-resistant polymer named Nomex. Inside, a stretchy, adaptable mesh allows the astronaut a full range of movement while keeping the shoe securely on their foot in a weightless atmosphere.

Rebook has also implemented its proprietary Floatride foam into the space boot, giving lightweight cushioning to the sole.

“Weight is a huge factor in space travel with just a single pound having big financial implications,” said Matt Montross, from Reebok Innovation. “Traditional space boots were made of rigid leather with firm soles and were not integrated into the actual space suit.”

“Reebok Floatride Foam introduced three revolutionary elements to the space boot,” he continued. “It decreased the overall weight significantly, it brought the added comfort in a space boot and support that you would expect in a running shoe and it delivered a new level of sleekness and style.”

The minimal design of the shoe features simple white branding printed on top of a blue-to-white gradient. It is meant to complement the royal blue spacesuits that the astronauts will be wearing on their mission.

The Space Boot SB-01 is currently being tested by astronauts before they travel to the International Space Station via Boeing’s new shuttle, the CST-100 Starliner.

Reebok is also using the Floatride foam on a number of its consumer models in order to make them as light as possible.

A running shoe, named Floatride 100g Racer, will feature the material on its sole, keeping its weight down to only 100g. The trainer is set to be released in 2018.

This isn’t the first time Reebok has released a space-related shoe. Last year they launched the classic Alien Stompers, made famous by actress Sigourney Weaver in the 1986 sci-fi film Aliens.