About HBN Shoe, LLC
Established in 1998 by world-renowned podiatrist Dr. Howard Dananberg—widely considered the leading authority on computerized in-shoe pressure analysis and the foot’s effect on the body—HBN Shoe, LLC markets the Insolia family of products. Unlike others in the footwear and foot care industries, HBN engineers healthier feet with footwear components and foot care solutions that are not simply cushioning or padding, but technically superior products developed by a fusion of medical science and advanced engineering technology. Based in Salem, New Hampshire with offices in San Antonio, Texas and Hong Kong, China, HBN holds a leading market position and various worldwide patents issued and pending, with distribution spanning Asia, Europe and North America.
Insolia Products are unlike anything else on the market. In contrast to other footwear components and foot care products, which simply mask pain by offering cushioning or padding—Insolia Products provide foot and back solutions grounded in and proven by medical science. Rather than simple padding for the foot, Insolia Products shift body weight, allow for natural foot flexibility, and restore the foot to its natural position and without changing the style and design of the shoe. It is this formula that has enabled Insolia Products to go beyond comfort to dramatically improve foot health, body alignment and walking efficiency. Encompassing solutions for both men and women, Insolia Products represent a true fusion of medical science and advanced engineering, and have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Since 2004, more than nine million pairs of Insolia Products have been sold worldwide, and market shares continue to grow. Distributed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, Insolia Products are supplied to footwear brands and manufacturers, as well as directly to the consumers through various retail channels.
As HBN pushes forward with its mission of bringing a medical and technological revolution to footwear and foot care, more and more shoemakers and retailers are benefiting from the value and marketability of Insolia Products. Broadening its reach in both Asia and North America in 2011, HBN Shoe remains committed to maintaining leadership in the footwear and foot care technology through medical science and advanced engineering.
Research & Development
The research and development arm of HBN works at the forefront of footwear and foot care science and engineering to continually innovate products that improve the way in which the foot functions inside the shoe. Focused on enhancing the function, design and overall quality of current and future shoe solutions, HBN’s R&D program is headed by Dr. Howard Dananberg, co-founder of HBN, and Brian Hughes, Chairman of HBN.
Dr. Dananberg approaches Insolia Solutions with three absolute parameters—any Insolia Product must not affect the style, design or manufacturing process of footwear. Dr. Dananberg’s conceptual designs are developed and implemented by Hughes and his staff at HBN’s computer aided design center in San Antonio, Texas. After prototype samples are tested and further modified, discussions with manufacturers begin, and manufacturing samples are created for more testing and initial sales efforts.
Throughout the iterations of the R&D process, HBN remains focused on creating product solutions that address the needs of current and future customers, and represent advances in footwear technology. Utilizing a fusion of medical science and cutting-edge engineering, HBN’s R&D program continues to maintain a leading position in the footwear and foot care industries.
Manufacturing & Distribution
Two Insolia Products are manufactured at facilities in the United States—Insolia Insole Supplements at a facility in Texas, and Insolia Inserts at a facility in Rhode Island. Insolia Flex Insoles are manufactured at various facilities in China and India. With all its manufacturers, HBN maintains multi-year contracts and sustainable, reliable working relationships that maximize quality, cost and flexibility.
Insolia product distribution paths vary, depending on both the product in question and to whom it’s being sold. Insolia Insole Supplements are distributed from HBN’s warehouse in Hong Kong or its manufacturing facility in Texas. Insolia Inserts are distributed from both HBN’s manufacturing facility in Rhode Island and an Internet fulfillment company in Massachusetts. Insolia Flex is distributed to partners direct from factories in China and India.
In total, Insolia Products are distributed throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2011 distribution of Insolia Products will be expanded.
Sales & Marketing
HBN’s overall sales & marketing strategy for Insolia Products is to build brand recognition and awareness by targeting key brands and retailers across the globe. Using a combination of public relations, advertising, marketing materials for point of-purchase and cooperative marketing with partners, the Insolia Brand is positioned as the brand with leading technology solutions for the footwear and foot care industries.
Insolia Products further benefit from the name recognition associated with the relationships it creates with high-profile brands and retailers in each geographic region. For example, HBN’s partner, in Japan, sold over 250,000 pairs of Insolia Inserts in the first day of availability.
With over 75% of Insolia products being sold outside of the United States, HBN maintains its position on the forefront of footwear and foot care science, and the company’s market share quietly continues to grow.
