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Footwear-Design-Inspired Tires

Hankook snags a design award for their team-up with an outsole manufacturer

By Rain Noe - August 10, 2016

in Cars | Sneakers

Here's a rather odd match-up: Hankook Tire has teamed up with Vibram, the manufacturer of footwear outsoles, to create concept tires that, well, resemble hiking shoes. The Hankook DynaSync borrows Vibram's distinctive-looking lugs…

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…and grafts them onto their treads:

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These will supposedly improve traction over rough terrain. (These being concept tires, proof in the form of performance figures has not been provided.)

Looking closer at the tire, you'll note the honeycomb pattern between the treads:

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"The honeycomb structure prevents puncture[s] or tire chips due to gravel or stones," the company claims. "This improves shock absorption and provides powerful and safe handling." (Again, no proof.)

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The honeycomb motif extends to the sidewalls, which are double-layered for stiffness. It is here that we see the most blatant touch of gimmickiness, as the sidewalls would be ordered "in a variety of color compounds, allowing car owners to match the tires to their car's body color."

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Gimmickiness aside, the DynaSync won a 2016 Red Dot Design Award in the Design Concept category. We're less interested in the award and more interested in the nature of the partnership; do you think others will follow suit? It might be interesting to see Puma-Pirellis, Adidas-Goodyears and Nike-Michelins.

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marc b

8 years ago

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I dig 'em- not really my style, as Jason says they could look pretty amazing on the right vehicle.

Meanwhile in cycling, the cross-branding is going in the opposite direction, with Northwave incorporating Michelin rubber and tread designs.

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Michael Wendell

8 years ago

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I have no idea how they'll perform, but as far as looks go... these things have to be the most bad-ass tires I've ever seen. I'd definitely put a set on my truck, if I had a truck.

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- Jason Pokines
  
  Michael Wendell
  
  8 years ago
  
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  I mostly agree, but they would need to be on the right truck. They'd look ridiculous on a 1989 Ford F350, but great on a F150 Raptor. They'd be perfect on a Local Motors Rally Fighter.
  
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