From the Desk of Andrew B. Krafsur, Founder Spira™ Footwear Inc.

The WaveSpring™ Technology
We are convinced that the WaveSpring™ technology has the potential to revolutionize the footwear industry, and in the process, forever change the purpose and function of footwear.

Unlike traditional coil or conical springs, the WaveSpring is laterally stable, compact and lightweight. As a result, we have developed a remarkable energy return technology for footwear. According to a biomechanical study conducted by the Shoe Lab at Michigan State University, our springs return an astounding 87-96% of energy otherwise lost to the ground. The highest energy return score of any shoe every tested. Accordingly, our shoes allow people to participate in physical activity for longer periods of time with far less stress on the body. Recovery time following vigorous activity is greatly reduced.

What's more, because our midsole system is mechanical, it never breaks down. As Popular Mechanics concluded in a recent footwear technology review, "Unlike rubber and polymers, the springs have an almost infinite fatigue life. The shoe will fall apart before the spring performance degrades."

Perhaps most exciting is the fact that we can put the technology in almost any type of footwear.

Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?
This question is regularly asked of me. How is that major footwear companies with multi-million dollar research and development budgets have not stumbled across the WaveSpring™ technology? The answer, though not readily obvious, is fairly simple. When you think about it, in almost every industry revolutionary developments invariably come from outsiders. Here are some examples:

  • The Metal Composite Ski
    Prior to 1950, all skis were made out of wood. Howard Head, an aerospace engineer who was on a family ski vacation, noticed how difficult it was to turn in a pair of his rented wooden skis. His idea of a metal composite ski changed the skiing industry.
  • The Aluminum Bat
    In 1972, a small aluminum company in Tennessee, Worth, developed the Tennessee Thumper, the first aluminum baseball bat. Today over 90% of all bats produced are made of aluminum. At the time, the industry leader, Hillerich and Bradsby, which made the familiar wooden bat, controlled 95% of the market. Certainly Hillerich and Bradsby had no incentive to develop something new.
  • The Oversized Metal Tennis Racket
    In 1976 following his phenomenal success in the ski industry, Howard Head came up with an idea for an oversized metal tennis racket. He brought the idea to the people who had bought his ski company and was told that lightning would not strike twice. Undaunted, Mr. Head started a tennis racket company called Prince.
  • The Metal Golf Driver
    Finally in 1979, a salesman named Barry Adams noticed golfers had a difficult time hitting the sweet spot with the smaller wood drivers of the day. His idea to create a metal driver changed the game of golf.

Wearing is believing.
I became a believer in the WaveSpring™ technology shortly after trying on a pair of early round prototypes that were sent to me by my brother. I was immediately hooked. To that point, I had practiced law for 17 years. I love the practice of law and had built a sizeable practice, but destiny was calling. After all, it was not everyday that one is presented with an opportunity to revolutionize an industry and impact on the quality of life of every person on the planet.

Andrew B. Krafsur
Founder
Spira™ Footwear, Inc.