Composites with Purpose in Athletic Footwear: Stronger, Lighter, Faster

Basketball was invented on December 21, 1891. In its earliest days, players wore generic athletic footwear, as the sport was still developing and less physically demanding than it is today.

The Foundation Era: From Non-Skid Traction to the Chuck Taylor Legacy

In 1917, the first basketball-specific shoe was introduced: the Converse Non-Skid. It featured a treaded sole for better traction, reflecting the growing intensity of the game, which now involved more running, jumping, and quick directional changes. From the 1920s through the 1960s, the era of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star dominated. Chuck Taylor, a semi-pro player turned Converse salesman, helped redesign the Non-Skid and promoted it nationwide through workshops and events. By the 1960s, an estimated 90% of college and professional basketball players were wearing Chuck Taylors, a testament to their performance and popularity.

Material Innovation and Cultural Influence

Innovation accelerated into the 1970s, as brands introduced leather uppers, replacing canvas. This shift improved durability and support, aligning with the increasing physical demand of the game. It also marked the beginning of basketball shoes influencing fashion and hip-hop culture. Sleeker silhouettes and bolder colors emerged and as basketball stars became cultural icons, their shoes transcended the court, becoming symbols of identity and status.

The Performance Era: From Air-Sole to Air Jordan 11 Carbon Fiber Innovation

From the 1990s onwards, basketball shoes began to reflect the explosive nature of modern play. Designers introduced advanced cushioning systems, breathable mesh uppers, and precision traction patterns to support quick cuts, vertical leaps, and high-speed transitions. Among these innovations, carbon fiber plates emerged as a game-changing technology, first appearing in the Nike Air Jordan 11. This model not only introduced lightweight rigidity to support dynamic movement but also set a new standard with its full-length Air-Sole cushioning, breathable ballistic mesh, and patent leather upper. The Jordan 11’s impacted extended beyond the court, becoming a cultural icon and redefining how athletic footwear could enhance both style and performance. This shift marked a new era where shoes were engineered not just for protection but to actively elevate the athlete’s game.

Toray PMC’s Involvement in Footwear Innovation

At Toray PMC, we’ve been supplying composite materials for athletic footwear for over 30 years. In today’s market, carbon fiber and other composites offer clear advantages: durability, lightweight construction, and enhanced biomechanical support. For a sport as physically demanding as basketball, these materials can significantly elevate performance.

Carbon fiber plates are now a critical component in high performance basketball shoes. The combination of stiffness and lightweight allows for more efficient energy transfer during explosive movements such as jumping, sprinting, and cutting. Unlike traditional foam or rubber midsoles, carbon fiber does not compress under intense pressure. Instead, it stores the energy helping the player generate more force with less effort. A recent study says that carbon composite shoes can increase vertical leap by up to 5%.

The rigidity of carbon fiber also contributes to improved foot and ankle stability. By limiting excessive flexion and torsion, carbon fiber plates help maintain proper alignment during high-impact play which can reduce common injuries such as ankle sprains and other leg or foot-related issues. This biomechanical support is especially valuable in a sport where rapid acceleration, deceleration, and lateral movement are constant.

Durability is another key factor. Carbon fiber maintains its structural properties over time, even under continuous stress. According to the International Journal of Sports Footwear, basketball shoes with carbon fiber plates demonstrated a lifespan up to 50% longer than their traditional counterparts. For serious and elite athletes, this longevity makes them a more sustainable and cost-effective choice.

As the game continues to evolve, the gear must support it as well. Carbon fiber composites represent not just a technological upgrade, but a strategic advantage, one that empowers athletes to push boundaries, reduce injury risk, and perform at their highest level. At Toray PMC, we’re proud to be part of that evolution.