Carbitex expands flexible carbon fiber plate footwear for work and sport

Carbitex (Kennewick, Wash., U.S.) is expanding its advancements across its flexible AFX technology platform for high-performance footwear with two new carbon fiber innovations. AFX anti-puncture (AFX-AP), designed for added protection in the workwear trade market, and AFX Formed, focused on performance athletic footwear, both which are built upon the company’s asymmetrically flexible AFX technology platform that is stiff in one direction and highly flexible in the other.

Carbitex says its AFX-AP material is a multi-layer composite plate that offers a high degree of performance. The company claims that it is the only patented plate with anti-puncture protection and asymmetric flexibility that provides uncompromised comfort while preventing the foot from overflexing and exhibits high flexibility in the other direction for more ergonomic movement. Carbitex’s believes its latest material innovation introduces a paradigm shift in work site footwear, expanding the possibility for lighter weight work shoes that don’t require heavy protective soles and excel in safety, stability and all-day performance. AFX-AP passes global industry test standards (ASTM F2412-11, EN 12568:2010, CZA Z195-14) and is ideal for workers at increased risk of underfoot injury as often seen in construction, workwear and utility sectors.

For the athletic performance footwear market, Carbitex AFX Formed expands upon the existing AFX flexible carbon plate material with a pre-formed angle to generate a responsive landing while allowing for a more natural toe-off. AFX Formed is designed to provide a responsive ride, bring stability to increase efficiency over time and protect the foot, all formed to align with a runner’s natural gait. Carbitex’s AFX Formed plate is customized to each brand partner’s needs and shoe designs.

“AFX has become a staple in our product offering. With the evolution into AFX Formed and AFX anti-puncture, we can tap new business segments and brands looking to achieve better performance whether that is on a construction site or on a marathon route,” Clark Morgan, VP of business development and customer product development at Carbitex, says. “Expanding the properties of our patented technology continues to bring new benefits to the footwear market, allowing for a transformational shift in traditional thought on how performance and utility footwear can be constructed.”

AFX-AP is Carbitex’s first foray into the work and utility footwear markets and is available to brand partners beginning fall 2022 for in-market product release as early as fall 2023.

AFX Formed, as featured in the Altra Vanish Carbon, is available to consumers now for the spring 2022 season, and in the Saucony Endorphin Edge trail shoe for the fall 2022 season, set to release later this summer.