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Warp knitting drives New Balance footwear innovation

By Haydn Davis
26 June 2026

New Balance is working with Karl Mayer’s warp knitting technology to cut complexity, speed up development and integrate multi‑functional uppers for next‑generation athletic shoes

Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy speaking at the TIC opening

Obertshausen - Warp knitting is emerging as a key platform for performance footwear as New Balance explores integrated uppers and faster product cycles using Karl Mayer technology at the company’s new Textile Innovation Center in Obertshausen, Germany.

Speaking at the centre’s opening, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, outlined how warp knitted structures can meet growing demands for lightweight, durable and sustainable athletic shoes while shortening development timelines.

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