Innovation Stories

The knitting application originally introduced the idea for knitted shoe uppers. Since then, the versatile knitting technique has not only inspired a new way to produce shoe uppers, but has greatly influenced the way shoes are made. This method has permanently changed the footwear industry, but not without its own set of challenges.

In response to many voices questioning the durability of knitted shoe uppers, a major footwear textile provider was looking for a solution to further strengthen them. The textile provider turned to Pailung’s Open Innovation Lab and R&D team to tackle this challenge. We worked closely with the textile provider’s research and development team to create a proprietary float-plating technique, bringing shoe upper durability to another level. This technique not only improved shoe upper sturdiness for better protection, it also opened up a unique knit style to win the admiration of designers and consumers.