Four issued U.S. patents
5,554,694 · 5,695,850 · 6,120,880 · 6,589,630 B1 — an issued family covering the energy-return composition, its placement beneath the foot, the layered construction and the performance it produces.
OEM · Licensing · Investment
Patented OEM Footwear Technology for Shoe Brands & Manufacturers
Put patented energy return inside your footwear.
Springbak® is patented performance footwear technology developed for integration into footwear and related OEM applications: an ultra-thin, 3/32-inch rubber performance layer that sits beneath the foot. It is not EVA and not a direct-injection-molded part — Springbak supplies it as a finished OEM footwear component, made in the USA.
Built for footwear brands, shoe manufacturers, product-development and sourcing teams, footwear engineers, licensing executives and private-label partners. Relationships run through OEM component supply, private label, footwear co-development or footwear technology licensing, backed by four issued U.S. Springbak patents and independent performance testing at Weber State University. Brands integrate the technology without ever needing Springbak’s confidential manufacturing know-how.
Why Springbak
Why Shoe Brands Choose Springbak® OEM Technology
Independently tested
Force plate work at the Weber State University Human Performance Laboratory: it took more than twice the force to displace a subject standing on Springsoles. Stride analysis at USC showed fewer strides over the same distance versus placebo inserts.
Ultra-thin, drop-in geometry
An ultra-thin rubber performance layer — not EVA — thin enough to sit beneath an existing insole rather than forcing a new last or a new midsole tool. It integrates into footwear you already build.
Made in the USA
Springbak manufactures or controls the manufacture of the component. You receive finished parts, not a recipe — and Springbak's confidential know-how stays confidential.
Partnership models
OEM Supply, Private Label & Footwear Licensing
From finished OEM footwear components to private label, co-development and patent licensing — Springbak structures each relationship around your manufacturing capability, volume and IP requirements. Exclusivity is discussed case by case, never assumed.
Standard OEM supply (SB-OEM)
Springbak supplies the finished performance component.
- Springbak manufactures or controls manufacture; you integrate the finished component.
- No access to Springbak's confidential manufacturing trade secrets is required.
- Fastest route into a model year — the component drops into existing constructions.
Private label & co-development (SB-CD)
Your brand on the box, Springbak inside the shoe.
- Private-label Springsoles as an accessory line, or a co-developed footwear platform.
- Joint work on placement and category-specific performance goals.
- Marketing can cite the issued patents and the published laboratory testing.
Exclusivity & licensing (SB-LM)
Category, territory or field-of-use rights.
- Negotiated exclusivity by category, territory or field of use.
- Licensing of the issued patent family for internal manufacture.
- Any disclosure of confidential know-how happens only under a negotiated agreement.
The technology can be integrated without giving away the technology.
Integration pathways
OEM Partnership Models for Footwear Brands
Three structured pathways — from finished component supply to full formula transfer. Choose the tier that matches your manufacturing capability and IP requirements. Springbak's private formulation is not accessible under OEM Integration or Co-Development. It is disclosed only under a fully executed Licensed Manufacturing (SB-LM) agreement.
SB-OEM
OEM Integration
Finished Springsole components engineered to your size run. Springbak supplies finished components to your factory floor — they drop in beneath the existing sock liner. No formula transfer, no process documentation, no compound IP disclosed. The private Springbak formulation is never shared under this model — you receive a certified, production-ready unit, not the recipe.
- Supply Model
- Finished unit supply (FOB)
- Minimum Order
- 5,000 pairs / SKU
- Lead Time
- 6–10 weeks from spec approval
- Fit
- Sits beneath the existing insole; no new last or tool
- QC Protocol
- Lot-level inspection and certification to Springbak's QC specification
- Formula Disclosure
- None — private formula not disclosed
Includes
- Technical integration brief and CAD reference files
- Certificate of conformance with every production lot
- Dedicated account engineer for spec alignment
- Quarterly performance audit (optional)
- No access to compound formulation or processing parameters
SB-LM
Licensed Manufacturing
The only Springbak partnership model that includes full transfer of the private compound formulation and process documentation. Designed for manufacturers with the capability and volume to produce in-house. This is the highest tier of access to Springbak IP — and the most significant commercial commitment. Territorial exclusivity available.
- License Type
- Territorial; exclusive available (premium)
- Minimum Volume
- 50,000 pairs / year
- Royalty Structure
- Per-unit royalty on net production
- Formula Disclosure
- Full private formula + process transfer (this tier only)
- Training
- On-site process training (2 days)
- Audit Rights
- Annual QC audit by Springbak engineers
Includes
- Complete compound formulation and processing parameters
- Tooling design specifications and supplier list
- On-site technical training for production team
- Annual QC audit and recertification
- Access to compound updates under active license
SB-CD
Co-Development
Joint R&D program to engineer a bespoke Springbak variant targeting your specific performance parameters. The private base formulation is not disclosed — Springbak's engineers work alongside your team to develop a custom compound to your spec. The underlying base technology remains Springbak IP; co-ownership applies to jointly developed novel variants only.
- Engagement Type
- Milestone-based R&D agreement
- Timeline
- 4–8 months to production-ready compound
- Formula Disclosure
- Base formula not disclosed; custom variant co-developed
- NDA
- Mutual NDA executed at project initiation
- Team
- Dedicated Springbak R&D engineer assigned
- Exclusivity
- Category exclusivity negotiable
Includes
- Performance target definition workshop
- Iterative compound prototyping (3 prototype variations)
- Independent lab validation
- Production scale-up support
- Category exclusivity negotiation
Side-by-side
Model comparison
| Criterion | OEM Integration | Licensed Mfg. | Co-Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply model | Finished units | Formula + process transfer | Custom variant (no formula) |
| Private formula disclosed | No | Yes — this tier only | No |
| Min. volume | 5,000 pairs/SKU | 50,000 pairs/yr | Negotiated |
| Lead time to market | 6–10 weeks | 6–9 months | 4–8 months |
| IP ownership | Springbak | Springbak (licensed) | Co-owned |
| Tooling investment | None | Moderate | Shared |
| Exclusivity available | No | Territorial (premium) | Category |
| Royalty | None | Per-unit | Negotiated |
Integration roadmap
How Springbak® Integrates Into Existing Footwear
Typical milestone sequence from first contact to first shipment. Timelines assume prompt spec approval and standard tooling compatibility.
SB-OEM
OEM Integration
Wk 1
Spec Brief Submitted
Target footwear platform, size run, insole stack-up, volume forecast
Wk 1–2
Engineering Review
Size-run and platform review, variant selection, reference drawings issued
Wk 2–3
Sample Production
First-article components produced to spec
Wk 3–4
Lab Validation
Thickness, dimensional and energy-return checks against spec — lot certificate issued
Wk 4–5
Brand Approval
Samples shipped to brand for wear-test and sign-off
Wk 6–10
Production Run
Full lot manufactured, FOB shipment
SB-CD
Co-Development
Mo 1
NDA + Target Workshop
Mutual NDA executed, performance targets defined for the target footwear platform
Mo 1
Variant Definition
Thickness, coverage area and placement defined for the target footwear
Mo 1–2
Prototype Iterations
3 prototype variations; energy return and durability tested each cycle
Mo 2–3
Independent Lab Validation
Third-party laboratory testing; data package issued to brand
Mo 3–5
Tooling & Scale-Up
Production tooling designed, pilot run at scale, process parameters locked
Mo 5–8
Production-Ready Compound
Final formula locked, IP agreement executed, manufacturing transfer complete
Component reference
OEM footwear technology at a glance
- Thickness: 3/32 in (≈2.4 mm)
- Material: patented rubber composition (1,4-polybutadiene) — not EVA, not a TPE (U.S. Patents 5,554,694; 5,695,850; 6,120,880; 6,589,630 B1)
- Placement: beneath the existing insole, integrated as a finished component
- Origin: made in the USA
- Evidence: force-plate and stride data
- Background: how Springbak technology works
Technical FAQ
Technical questions from footwear engineers
Common questions from product engineers, formulation chemists, and sourcing leads evaluating Springbak integration.
What does the SB-LM formula transfer actually include?
The complete formulation and processing documentation, production specifications and supplier list, on-site training for your production team, annual QC audit and recertification, and access to updates while the licence is active. It is the only tier where the formulation is disclosed.
How is lot-to-lot consistency controlled under OEM supply?
Every production lot is inspected against Springbak's QC specification and ships with a certificate of conformance. An optional quarterly performance audit is available for ongoing programs.
Can we request a custom variant?
Yes. Standard Springsoles are supplied in a single 3/32-inch thickness across the full size run. Custom coverage, placement or construction for a specific footwear platform is engineered through the SB-CD co-development program, with energy-return and durability testing on each prototype iteration.
What IP protections are in place for co-development partners?
A mutual NDA is executed at project initiation. The underlying base formulation remains Springbak IP and is never disclosed; co-ownership applies only to jointly developed novel variants. Category exclusivity is negotiable within the engagement agreement.
Partner qualification
Who qualifies
Springbak evaluates prospective partners on manufacturing capability, volume commitment, and market positioning. We work exclusively with established footwear brands and OEM factories — not distributors or resellers.
- 01
Established brand or OEM factory
Minimum 3 years in footwear manufacturing or brand operations
- 02
Volume commitment
Minimum 5,000 pairs per SKU for OEM; 50,000 pairs/year for licensed manufacturing
- 03
Quality management system
ISO 9001 or equivalent QMS in place at production facility
- 04
Technical point of contact
Designated product engineer or sourcing lead for integration coordination
Start the qualification process
Submit a partnership inquiry and our licensing team will respond within 2 business days with a qualification questionnaire and preliminary term sheet.
A performance story you can support
For Shoe Brands, Manufacturers & Product Teams
Most cushioning claims are about how a shoe feels. Springbak gives you a claim grounded in published patents and university laboratory data — a force plate measurement of standing displacement, not a focus group. Because the component is ultra-thin and sits beneath the foot, your development team can evaluate it in an existing platform before committing tooling or a new last.
- Performance running, training and court footwear seeking a patented energy-return component
- Basketball, volleyball and field-sport lines
- Work, tactical and safety boots built for long shifts on your feet
- Golf, pickleball and racquet footwear
- Senior, wellness and balance-focused footwear built around standing stability
- Team, military and industrial programs buying at volume
Buying for a team, unit or crew rather than building footwear? The bulk and team ordering route is faster, and the consumer product is Springbak Springsoles.
Force-Plate Stability Study
In force-plate testing, subjects standing on Springbak® Springsoles showed more than twice the overall resistance to being pushed from their position.
In plain English: they were harder to move. They could hold their ground better against a sideways push—exactly the kind of stability athletes need when planting, cutting, jumping, landing, and absorbing contact.
Springbak® gives the foot a more stable, responsive platform to work from inside the shoe.
Results are from the force-plate testing described in U.S. Patent No. 6,589,630 B1. Individual results vary.
For investors & licensing partners
What the asset actually is
Issued, not pending
The family is granted, published and citable today. The inventor of record is William R. Crow, and the bibliographic data is public on every filing.
Third-party laboratory data
The performance evidence comes from a university human performance laboratory and named investigators, not from in-house marketing tests.
Manufacturing moat
The published patents describe the inventions. The formulations, process parameters and production methods that make the component repeatable at scale are held as trade secrets.
Multiple revenue routes
Direct-to-consumer Springsoles, component supply to footwear brands, private label, and licensing — the same IP supports all four.
Public IP vs. confidential know-how
Read the patents today. Everything else is under agreement.
Published & citable
- U.S. 5,554,694 — The foundation of Springbak® technology
- U.S. 5,695,850 — Placement beneath the foot
- U.S. 6,120,880 — The layered construction
- U.S. 6,589,630 B1 — Methods of increasing exercise performance
Full family with claims, dates and coverage on the Springbak patents page.
Held as trade secrets
Springbak intentionally keeps its manufacturing know-how confidential: specific formulations and blend ratios, process parameters, tooling and production methods, quality control specifications and supplier detail. None of it is published, and it is not disclosed absent a separately negotiated agreement with appropriate legal protections.
In standard OEM supply, you never need it — you receive the finished component.
Laboratory evidence
Patented Footwear Technology & Independent Testing
2×+
force required to displace a subject standing on Springsoles
Balance and stability evaluation
Sponsored by the Department of Gerontology, Brigham Young University; force plate work performed at the Weber State University Human Performance Laboratory
It took more than twice the force to push subjects off the force plate while they stood on Springsoles. The reviewing investigator concluded there is a significant strength and stability increase for individuals using Springsoles under laboratory conditions.
Fewer strides
over the same distance vs. placebo inserts
Treadmill stride analysis
University of Southern California
Athletes wearing Springsoles took fewer strides over the same distance than with placebo inserts — the pattern you expect from increased stride length at the same effort.
Study summaries describe laboratory evaluations of Springbak® Springsoles conducted with the named investigators. Individual results vary. Springbak® Springsoles are performance footwear components and are not a medical device, and no claim is made to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition.
Five steps, nothing confidential up front
How a footwear company evaluates Springbak®
- 1
Enquiry
Send the form below. It routes to a Springbak principal by track — supply, exclusivity or capital.
- 2
Evaluation call
We walk the issued patents, the force plate data and where the component fits your construction. Nothing confidential is needed at this stage.
- 3
Mutual NDA
Before anything confidential is exchanged in either direction, a mutual NDA is signed.
- 4
Samples & spec
Sample components for your development team, plus the integration spec for your target platform.
- 5
Agreement
Supply agreement, private-label terms, or a separately negotiated exclusivity or licence with field of use, territory and term defined.
OEM questions
OEM Footwear Technology FAQ
What is Springbak OEM footwear technology?
Springbak® is a patented, ultra-thin (3/32-inch) rubber performance layer designed to sit beneath the foot inside footwear. Footwear brands and manufacturers can evaluate it for integration through OEM component supply, private label, co-development or licensing. It is covered by four issued U.S. patents and made in the USA.
Is Springbak an EVA material?
No. Springbak is a rubber performance technology built on a patented 1,4-polybutadiene composition. It is not EVA and it is not a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
Does Springbak require direct injection molding?
No. Springbak does not offer or require direct injection molding. In a standard OEM relationship Springbak supplies the finished ultra-thin component, and your team integrates it into the footwear construction, typically beneath the existing insole.
Can Springbak technology be integrated into existing footwear designs?
Typically yes, without a new midsole tool or last. The component is ultra-thin and designed to sit beneath the foot inside existing footwear, which is why it can be evaluated in your current platform before you commit tooling.
Do we have to license the trade secrets to use Springbak technology?
No. In a standard OEM relationship Springbak manufactures or controls the manufacture of the performance component and supplies it finished. You integrate it into your footwear without any access to Springbak's confidential manufacturing know-how. The technology can be integrated without giving away the technology.
Does Springbak offer footwear technology licensing?
Yes. Licensing of the issued patent family for internal manufacture is available under the Licensed Manufacturing (SB-LM) model. Field of use, territory, term and any transfer of confidential manufacturing knowledge are separately negotiated and tightly controlled.
Does Springbak offer private-label opportunities?
Yes. Brands can offer private-label Springsoles as an accessory line under their own name, with Springbak supplying the finished product.
Can Springbak work with footwear brands on co-development?
Yes. The SB-CD co-development program is a milestone-based engagement under a mutual NDA to define coverage, placement or construction for a specific footwear platform. The base formulation remains Springbak IP and is not disclosed.
Is exclusivity available?
Springbak will consider exclusivity by category, territory or field of use as part of a strategic relationship. It is not automatic: terms, volume commitments and any transfer of confidential manufacturing knowledge are separately negotiated and tightly controlled.
Which patents cover the technology?
Four issued U.S. patents: 5,554,694 and 5,695,850 (energy-return composition and its placement beneath the foot), 6,120,880 (the layered construction) and 6,589,630 B1 (the performance claims). All four are published and can be read in full before any agreement.
What performance data can we cite in our marketing?
The published patent disclosure and the independent laboratory work: force plate testing at the Weber State University Human Performance Laboratory showing it took more than twice the force to displace a subject standing on Springsoles, and stride analysis at the University of Southern California. Individual results vary.
What types of footwear can use Springbak technology?
Springbak is evaluated for athletic, court and field-sport footwear, running and training shoes, work, tactical and safety boots, golf and racquet footwear, and everyday or balance-focused footwear. Suitability for a specific platform is confirmed during evaluation.
How can a footwear company evaluate Springbak technology?
Send an enquiry through the form on this page. A Springbak principal reviews the patents, the force plate data and your target construction with you; a mutual NDA is signed before anything confidential is exchanged; then sample components and an integration spec are provided for your development team.
What volumes does Springbak supply?
From development samples and pilot runs through ongoing production programs. Tell us the annual unit range in the form and we will tell you exactly what the supply path looks like.
Where is Springbak manufactured?
In the United States, by Springbak or under Springbak's control, which is how the confidential manufacturing know-how stays inside Springbak.
About Springbak®
Springbak, Inc. develops patented performance footwear technology for athletic, performance and everyday footwear applications. The technology is covered by four issued U.S. patents (5,554,694; 5,695,850; 6,120,880; 6,589,630 B1), is manufactured in the United States, and is available for evaluation by footwear brands through OEM supply, private-label, co-development and licensing relationships. Company details are on the Springbak business information page.
Next step
Request an OEM evaluation
Licensing & OEM enquiry
Start the conversation
Tell us who you are and what you are evaluating. You will get the next step for your track immediately — component supply, exclusivity and licensing, or an investment discussion — and it goes straight to a Springbak principal.
Your track: Component supply / private label
A Springbak principal replies within 2 business days.