Trekstar

One can loosen a Trekstar self-tying shoe by pressing on the lever at the back.
One can loosen a Trekstar self-tying shoe by pressing on the lever at the back.

 

On July 9, outdoor brand Trekstar announced that it turned over 4 billion won (US$3.5 million) in six months by selling 15,000 pairs of self-tying shoes overseas.

The company started to export self-tying shoes in the first half of this year, after showcasing them in the country late last year. It is currently selling them to Canada, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, the U.K., Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, China, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

In particular, the firm sold 7,000 pairs in Japan alone, nearly half of the total exports, as its self-tying shoes were hugely popular at Tokyo Int'l Gift Show 2015.

A new technology that can tighten or loosen shoelaces without using the hands was used to make the outdoor shoes. People can automatically tighten shoelaces by placing and pulling a hands-free device under the sole on the floor while wearing shoes. Conversely, shoelaces can be loosened by pressing a ring under the sole with the opposite foot.

Trekstar is planning to launch self-tying shoes for kids soon, as those for adults are hugely popular in overseas market.

Its self-tying shoes became the Gold Winner and the best Asian product of the year at this year's International Trade Show for Sports Equipment and Fashion (ISPO) last Jan.

Copyright © BusinessKorea. Prohibited from unauthorized reproduction and redistribution