SIGG and HP Team Up to Take the Meaning of a Custom Running Shoe to a Whole New Level

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Isn't it nice to customize a pair of "smart" running shoes based on one's own physical measurements and exercise habits? And isn't it nice to own a pair of such unique and exclusively-created running shoes? In the past, these ideas were beyond the possible, but now have become a reality. Recently, SIGG Outdoors ("SIGG") formally announced a tie-up with US-based HP, one of the world's top 500 high-tech companies. Based on the FitStation platform, the two companies will jointly research and develop the most personalized and technologically advanced professional digital and dynamically-customized running shoes worldwide. According to the plan, SIGG, the exclusive partner of HP FitStation in China, will debut this innovative product at the ISPO, which will be held in China in January 2019, and roll out the product to Chinese consumers in March 2019.

FitStation, a pioneering 3D technology platform supported by HP's software and hardware technologies, takes a series of exercise-related measurements from the prospective purchaser, including dynamic gait analysis and foot pressure while walking and running, using 3D scanning and printing technologies. The platform accurately creates a 3D image of each foot as well as measures foot pressure while the person is in motion, among other needed data, to customize a unique pair of running shoes, creating a perfect fit based on the exact contour of the foot, while matching other aspects of the shoe's construction with their running habits and posture. At the pre-shows of the last Beijing and Shanghai marathons, SIGG demonstrated the FitStation testing equipment to passers-by and took dynamic foot contour measurements of some who stopped to look so they could have a hands-on experience, attracting much attention from runners. The FitStation platform has revolutionized the traditional shoemaking process as well as how runners and joggers manage their training, marking the beginning of the personalized customization era in the running shoe sector.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has opened the way to fully meeting consumers' personalized demands, putting the "I" and "my" front and center in the process for the purchase of consumer goods. Old-generation running shoes from traditional production and assembly lines can only meet the most basic expectations from consumers. Yet, each individual has different needs and expectations from their running shoes, and that is influenced by the level of cushioning, the running frequency and even the way that the runner's foot lands on the ground as he or she takes each step.

To meet the challenge, SIGG focused on producing a personalized running shoe fully contoured to the shoe owner's foot and responsive to his or her exercise habits after taking precise measurements of the foot contour and an in-depth survey of the runner's behavior while exercising, with the end result a shoe that delivers the desired running experience. With the advent of AI technology, HP, an internationally renowned printer manufacturer, has dedicated itself to the research and development of higher-quality 3D printing technologies with an enhanced performance-to-price ratio, helping consumers benefit from the superiority of high technologies. SIGG and HP agree that the global running shoe market will enter a promising "personalized customization era". Accordingly, the two companies from two different industries have teamed up to develop and produce professional digital and dynamic customized running shoes. Commenting on the cooperation, SIGG Outdoors CEO Qi Jun said, "The project jointly developed with US-based HP marks SIGG's entry into the world's sports goods sector of the future, one that will be characterized by forward thinking and innovation. We plan to launch several other new sports products leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, which we look forward to jointly developing with world-class high-tech companies."

Currently, SIGG and HP are introducing version 1.0 customized running shoes and will gradually expand their R&D efforts to the customization of all components of the running shoe, including the outsole and vamp, to produce higher-quality and more affordable wholly-customized running shoes. SIGG, the more-than-a-century-old Swiss kettle brand, is famous for its outdoor sports kettles and sells products to more than 50 countries on six continents. The company focuses on providing a comprehensive lineup of outdoor sporting goods and services to consumers in China and other countries and regions around the world.

SOURCE SIGG Outdoors