09. Apr 2026
BASF and Clarks develop PU footwear platform with integrated material system
BASF has partnered with Clarks to develop a new polyurethane-based footwear concept, combining multiple PU technologies within a unified material platform aimed at improving comfort, performance and sustainability.
The collaboration, which also involves design studio The Directive Collective, centres on a concept shoe and Clarks’ Triease Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Rather than focusing on a single component innovation, the project integrates several polyurethane systems into a one-material PU architecture, demonstrating how different PU chemistries can be combined within a single product.
At the outsole level, the design uses transparent casting polyurethane (CPU) to deliver a combination of visual clarity, abrasion resistance and slip performance. This is paired with BASF’s Elastopan spray polyurethane, which is applied to the midsole and upper to provide lightweight cushioning while enabling more complex geometries than conventional foam systems.
In addition, the upper incorporates Haptex, a solvent-free polyurethane synthetic leather, offering improved formability and reduced environmental impact compared with traditional coated textiles. Together, these materials form a continuous PU system spanning outsole, midsole and upper, reducing material heterogeneity and potentially simplifying manufacturing and end-of-life considerations.
From a processing perspective, the use of spray PU enables greater design freedom and part integration, while casting PU provides durability in high-wear areas. The combination highlights the versatility of polyurethane across different processing routes, including casting, spraying and film formation, within a single application.
The collaboration also reflects a shift towards data-driven material selection and design integration. BASF said the development combines its materials expertise with Clarks’ biomechanics and footwear design capabilities, linking performance requirements such as cushioning and wear comfort with material formulation and processing.
For the polyurethane industry, the project is notable for its system-level approach. Rather than treating PU as a component material, the concept demonstrates how multiple PU technologies can be engineered as a cohesive platform, balancing mechanical performance, manufacturability and sustainability.
Photo: a shoe from Clarks’ Triease collection © Clarks