TLSS TIPS | EP.4: All About Outsoles (FG) (English Version)
While many football brands race to develop cutting-edge concepts and innovations to create the most iconic and high-performance FG outsoles, TLSS takes a different approach. Our design philosophy focuses more on “balance” and “support” above all else.
Our process begins with material selection. After extensive testing of various options, we ultimately chose Arkema PEBAX, imported from France. This material offers an exceptional combination of strength, flexibility, and lightweight performance all at once.
PEBAX has become one of the most widely used materials in football outsole manufacturing. Compared to other materials, some of which are strong but heavy, or flexible but lacking durability. PEBAX delivers a well-rounded performance that enhances overall support. From our perspective, it is simply the best choice.
However, choosing the right material is only the beginning. We also carefully control the density of each section during the molding process. This is crucial because different parts of the foot serve different functions. Imagine your foot in motion at high speed:
The forefoot flexes and propels you forward.
The midfoot should remain stable and resist excessive twisting for safety.
The heel acts as the base for weight-bearing and balance.
Understanding these biomechanics allows us to design an outsole that delivers optimal balance. By adjusting the density in each area, we directly influence stiffness and flexibility where they are needed most. Our FG outsole is designed to:
- Enhance responsiveness in the forefoot for explosive acceleration.
- Increase rigidity in the midfoot to prevent excessive torsion and reduce injury risk.
- Provide stability in the heel, ensuring solid support without causing discomfort from excessive hardness.
Each section of the outsole is meticulously engineered with different density levels to maximize performance, confidence, and stability while minimizing the risk of injury.
Beyond the outsole material, stud design is equally important.
If we aim to create a balanced solution suitable for a wide range of players. Whether speed-focused or classic-style, the question becomes what studs configuration works best for everyone ?
Our answer is a hybrid stud system,
Forefoot: 8 round studs
Midfoot: diamond-shaped studs positioned laterally
Heel: 4 blade studs
Using round studs in the forefoot may slightly reduce maximum acceleration potential, but it significantly improves balance and multi-directional movement. To compensate, the diamond-shaped studs in the midfoot are strategically placed across the foot to enhance grip during push-off and improve stability.
Meanwhile, the 4 blade studs in the heel are aligned longitudinally to optimize both ground penetration for stability and release during heel lift for smoother, more agile movement at speed
By combining the variable density PEBAX outsole construction and a thoughtfully engineered hybrid stud configuration, we’ve created an FG outsole that is simple, balanced, and highly supportive. It adapts to nearly every style of movement whether you rely on speed, quick turns, or stable positioning.
Even with all that we’ve covered, this still isn’t the complete story.
There are two additional key technologies with vastly different purposes that are integrated into this FG outsole design. Despite their contrasting functions, they work together seamlessly in a single system.