Hamburg-based company IQTEX has developed an innovative system which could revolutionalize shoe comfort. The system relies on BASF’s superabsorbent fabric Luquafleece.

IQTEX and BASF have jointly developed a unique, intelligent system which adapts shoes to suit weather conditions. To make this possible, IQTEX has processed a special superabsorbing fleece from BASF into a ventilation element known as Vayu Verde.

“In contrast to conventional functional clothing, shoes made with Vayu Verde technology are not only breathable but, depending on the weather, can be as air-permeable as a cotton T-shirt or as watertight as rain boots,” says Michael Dehn, managing director of IQTEX.

Vayu Verde functions like a flower that closes up in the rain and re-opens when it is dry. When the material gets wet the superabsorbing fleece in the ventilation element immediately expands and self-seals the system.

It even stays watertight under high pressure. Then, as soon as the material integrated into the sole of the shoe dries, it regains its breathability within minutes, says the company.