What Are Spandex Tongue Holders?
Spandex is a synthetic polymer that was initially developed to replace rubber in the 1950s. Its elastic and durable properties led to the creation of spandex tongue holders for skateboarding shoes. Research and experimentation by shoe manufacturers found that spandex is lightweight and flexible enough to cope with the strains of the tricks performed by skateboarders. "Skateboarding" magazine has noted how important high-quality shoes are in improving performance, citing the need for flexibility in the tongue to prevent bruises and strains during technical stunts. Does this Spark an idea?
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Properties
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Spandex is suitable for skateboarding tongue holders because the fibers can be stretched repeatedly and will return almost exactly to their original size and shape. Its strength and elasticity make spandex a reliable material to hold a skateboarding shoe tongue in place while not restricting movement. Its spring-back characteristics provide flexible support for skateboarding tricks.
Qualities
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Spandex tongue holders are popular, not only for their strength but also for their comfort and durability. They have a smooth finish, and despite being lightweight and soft, they are eminently hardy. Spandex is also resistant to perspiration, body oils and abrasion, qualities important in a sports shoe, yet the material can be easily dyed, so it offers shoe manufacturers unlimited options for fashionable color statements.
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Style
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Shoes that cross the skateboard/street-wear sectors use spandex tongue holders to marry function with fashion. Improved performance on the park can be coupled with style on the street as the slender straps are unobtrusive and add to the shoes' streamlined appearance. Alternatively, spandex gussets can take the place of straps to hold the tongue firmly in place for high performance, providing a clean finish to a technical shoe.
Innovation
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The development of spandex tongue holders came from research by footwear manufacturers and sports scientists. The Sole Technology Institute in California, the world's only scientific sports research lab dedicated to the study of sports shoes, has been researching skateboarding footwear since 2003. It conducts experiments, using kinematic, bio-mechanic and physical tests, to ascertain the force applied to sections of shoes during skateboarding performance. The science behind spandex tongue holders has enabled manufacturers to produce snug, supple shoes that give skateboarders improved comfort and flexibility.
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References
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