Welcome to the first Footwearbiz issue of this year, and the first under the magazine’s new name. This issue’s special focus is on soling and insole developments and this theme runs through our three sections. In the Materials Manufacturing Innovation section, articles highlight the benefits of pressure-relieving insoles, new research from Poland on in-shoe technology that can help people with diabetic foot syndrome, and what makes thick soling leather so special. Our lead article in this section looks in detail at a soling innovation that has won wide recognition for footwear brand Keen. We also present an argument from Framas that direct-injection processes demand extra precision in lasts. In Athletic and Outdoor, soling content includes news from Yulex of increased interest in using foam from its natural rubber latex in outsoles and insoles. Soles are also among the materials that designer Helen Kirkum is harvesting for use in new sneakers. Repairability of soles and other parts of our shoes is the focus i
