ISPO Award Winner 2024: Blumaka’s Konnect Max Cushion

Blumaka's Konnect Max Cushion insoles are more than just a step forward in athletic support; they represent a holistic approach to performance and sustainability. In a market inundated with disposable products, Blumaka stands out by offering a durable, eco-friendly solution that doesn't compromise on quality or performance.

Traditionally, insoles on the market cover a range of sizes, requiring trimming to fit specific shoe sizes. However, Blumaka challenges this norm by offering whole-sized insoles, minimizing waste and simplifying the selection process for customers. This commitment to reducing waste aligns with Blumaka's broader sustainability ethos. Blumaka founder Stuart Jenkins is delighted that the innovative insole has been recognized with an ISPO Award: "It’s an honor because winning an ISPO award means being recognized by an organization that sees the top innovations in sporting goods every year. We are proud they have recognized Blumaka’s Konnect insoles that combine performance with sustainability without compromising either."

At the heart of the Konnect Max Cushion insole is its revolutionary anti-slip surface, engineered to provide unparalleled stability and control. Stuart Jenkins, founder of Blumaka, emphasizes, "Our insoles are proven to give users a competitive advantage in sports. Every athlete who wants to enjoy the benefits of increased ground reaction force, more stability, power, and mobility will find our insoles to be a game-changer." This advantage stems from the increased ground force production facilitated by the anti-slip surface, resulting in faster starts, efficient running, and reduced injury risks. Blumaka has worked closely with professional athletes and trainers across multiple sports to develop its insole designs.

Durability is a hallmark feature of Blumaka's Konnect insoles. With a lifespan of over 1,000 miles, these insoles outlast many OEM alternatives, reducing both waste and costs for consumers. Jenkins highlights, "We make durable insoles that last magnitudes longer than equivalent products. Recreational hikers, runners, and athletes will enjoy the same benefits of extra stability, more foot control, and greater cushioning, just like the pros." This longevity is achieved through the use of 85% recycled foam content, underscoring Blumaka's commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for Blumaka; it's woven into the fabric of their manufacturing process. By utilizing recycled foam and minimizing water usage, Konnect insoles significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Jenkins elaborates, "We've shown that water usage and carbon emissions can be significantly decreased. Our manufacturing process uses no toxic chemicals, blowing agents, or high-degree heating ovens, which helps reduce our energy consumption."

Even the packaging reflects Blumaka's dedication to sustainability. Simple paper bands and recyclable kraft paper packaging minimize waste, while leveraging existing delivery networks like USPS reduces transportation emissions. "We are thoughtfully unpackaged," Jenkins remarks, highlighting their eco-conscious approach. "We’re continuously exploring new ways to minimize our environmental impact."

For retailers, Konnect insoles offer a unique selling proposition with a compelling environmental narrative. Jenkins explains, "We offer arch support, cushioning, and stability with our Konnect technology, all while using up to 85% recycled foam. Retailers have a differentiated insole product that has a demonstrable performance advantage and an environmental story that is unmatched in the insole world." This combination of performance and sustainability resonates with a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers. Blumaka also offers insole varieties for high-volume feet and consumers needing targeted arch support.

In conclusion, Blumaka's Konnect Max Cushion insoles represent a paradigm shift in athletic support. By seamlessly integrating performance and sustainability, Blumaka sets a new standard for the industry. From enhanced grip to reduced environmental impact, these insoles cater to athletes and eco-conscious consumers alike, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

• Konnect anti-slip technology
• 85% recycled scrap foam by volume
• Insole combines performance and sustainability
• Cushioning will last for over 1600 Kilometers(1000 miles)