Technology that molds textiles after your body measurements? Not having to buy new boots after an injury? Yes, that’s possible if you ask Nano Textile Solutions. After performing tests with Linköping University and local horse riders, they’ve verified a solution that could extend the lifespan of horse riding boots and contribute to a more circular economy in the fashion industry.
Nano Textile Solutions uses smart textile components as a molding-textile solution to customize horse riding boots. Their component consists of polymer threads with integrated memory, along with a wire that conducts heat in the riding boots. Thanks to this, the shaft of the boot can be adjusted to fit perfectly depending on the rider’s calf size.
They have performed three tests with two types of boots: new boots that come with integrated Nano Textile technology, and old boots upgraded with smart components.
The tests have been performed in three steps:
- Verification of Nano Textile Solutions- technology in new boots.
- Repairing new boots. The new components in the boots have been repaired and renewed.
- Old boots have been upgraded with the components with the help of a shoemaker.
“While conducting our product tests and gaining valuable insights with promising results, we’ve also been fortunate to work with Linköping University, represented by PhD Marianna Kambanou, an expert in circular economy. Through her guidance, we’ve learned how to analyze and optimize our approach to maximize the impact we can create in a circular way, ensuring the longevity of the end-product’s life cycle with our technology integrated as a component,” says Sam Issa, CEO, Nano Textile Solutions.
The tests have been performed with riders from Erikstad’s stall in the region of Östergötland, and have been made possible by the handout of test bed vouchers by Linköping municipality, facilitated by Linköping Science Park.
Photo: Nano Textile Solutions
Insights and results of each test:
- Verification of Nano Textile Solutions technology in new boots
By allowing riders with varying calf sizes to try boots equipped with integrated technology, they were able to observe and test their performance firsthand. The boots showed to be adjustable, as the component is activated and heated to mold to the rider’s calf. After using the boots for some time, the riders demonstrated that the material is both durable and resilient.
- Repairing new boots
The other part of the test showed that it was possible to repair and replace the component if damaged to extend the boot’s lifespan. It was confirmed that repairing and changing components is, for a shoemaker, similar in difficulty to changing a zipper. This is essential for extending the boot’s lifespan.
- Customizing upgraded boots
Riders who have outgrown their old boots or been injured in an accident can customize their boots to their needs instead of buying new ones, lowering the costs for horse riding equipment in the long run.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the technology of making riding boots more adaptable with Nano Textile Solution’s technology has proven to work. The results show the possibilities of extending the lifespan of boots, making it possible to use them over a long period of time, and is essential for a more circular economy.
Read the full report here (PDF in Swedish)
Sam Issa, CEO, Nano Textile Solutions
