'Born to Be Walking Shoes' Prospecs to Launch New Product Considering Foot Deformities Next Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Prospecs is developing a new concept walking shoe based on the idea that foot shape changes when moving. The goal is to develop a walking shoe (sneakers exclusively for walking) with a different wearing comfort by scientifically measuring data collected from specialized institutions.

On the 4th, LS Networks' Prospecs recently launched the "Walking Science" project, which measures foot deformation during walking and reflects it in the development of walking shoe products. This project is based on the fact that the volume (shape) of the foot differs when walking. Sejin Gong, head of Prospecs Research & Development (R&D) Center, said, "When wearing shoes, people take dynamic postures more often than static ones, but until now, research has focused on measuring feet in a static state," adding, "We are conducting research to algorithmize the volume changes of the foot during movement and apply this to shoe development."

Prospecs plans to collect sample data from up to 4,000 people from institutions and hospitals as a preliminary study and reflect it in the development process. Gong added, "We plan to launch a new walking shoe applying this idea as early as next year." While competitors diversify materials to enhance the wearing comfort of walking shoes, Prospecs focuses on foot mobility. They use scientific analysis to algorithmize volume changes and utilize this in shoe development.

As of the end of last year, Prospecs' cumulative sales of walking shoes reached 9.6 million pairs, and this year they are about to surpass 10 million pairs. This means one out of every five Koreans has purchased Prospecs walking shoes. Prospecs introduced the walking specialized line W in 2009, becoming the first in the world to launch a walking shoe category. At a time when global brands like Nike and Adidas dominated the sports sneaker market represented by running shoes, Prospecs tapped into the spreading walking culture and Korean exercise habits to launch a new walking line, and the prediction was accurate.

Prospecs, which had been thriving, began to struggle in the mid-2010s. With the rapid growth of the outdoor industry and outdoor brands entering the walking shoe market, its position narrowed, and performance declined. The growth of its main product, walking shoes, stalled, and with restructuring reducing its size, sales dropped to half in 2018 (445.9 billion KRW) compared to its peak in 2014 (948.1 billion KRW).

Prospecs is aiming for a comeback by emphasizing the "science of walking." Gong said, "There have been attempts to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) or Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into clothing or shoes in the traditional sportswear industry, but most remained experimental and were not actively commercialized," adding, "Prospecs will revive the DNA specialized in the walking line and continue innovation with walking shoes that incorporate advanced technology."

Meanwhile, Prospecs will release products such as the Power Sonic BX series, designed for stable walking on various terrains for the spring and summer seasons, the Hound series of ugly shoes popular among the 10-20 younger generation, and the Helios Evolution series, a knit-type shoe boasting high wearing comfort.