Oct. 15, 2026
By David Wilson
How advanced materials are reshaping performance footwear and the leadership behind it.
Behind every breakthrough in performance footwear lies a complex network of chemical manufacturers, materials specialists, product teams and consumer brands.
In the first of a new series, Dave Wilson, Partner and Chemicals Lead at Norman Broadbent, explores how advances in foam chemistry, manufacturing and sustainability are changing the way running shoes are developed, and turning traditional supply relationships into much closer innovation partnerships.
Drawing on expertise from across our Chemicals & Advanced Materials and Consumer Markets practices, The Chemistry of Speed examines the competition between material technologies, the partnerships bringing new ideas to market and the challenge of moving from a promising innovation to commercially viable scale.
It also considers what this convergence means for leadership. As chemical businesses move closer to consumers and brands become more deeply involved in materials science, both need people capable of connecting scientific knowledge, product development, brand and commercial opportunity.