Shred Optics
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sporting goods, Eyewear, Protective gear |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Ted Ligety, Carlo Salmini |
| Headquarters | Park City , United States; Venice, Italy |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Sunglasses, helmets, goggles, protective equipment |
| Website | shredoptics |
Shred Optics specializes in manufacturing sunglasses, helmets, and goggles designed for skiing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and various outdoor activities. The company maintains its operations from two primary locations: Park City, Utah and Venice, Italy.
History
Following his initial Olympic gold medal victory in alpine skiing, Ted Ligety collaborated with Carlo Salmini, an MIT Sloan alumnus and expert in materials engineering, to establish Shred in 2006. Earlier that same year, the duo also created Slytech, a company dedicated to producing protective equipment for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
Shred began its product line with four different goggle models and subsequently broadened its offerings to include helmets and sunglasses. The brand concentrates on the freeride segment, catering specifically to skiers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers. It has gained considerable market presence by endorsing athletes such as snowboarders Romain De Marchi, Wolle Nyvelt, Tadashi Fuse, Kevin Backstrom, Victor de Le Rue, Brandon Cocard, Shin Biyajima, and Antti Autti, alongside mountain bikers Kelly McGarry, KC Deane, Reece Wallace, and Ryan Nyquist. Among its sponsored skiers are Lara Gut, Carlo Janka, Resi Stiegler, Alexis Pinturault, and Tom Wallisch.
Rotational Energy System
In 2015, Shred unveiled its patented Rotational Energy System (RES), marking one of the earliest helmet technologies designed to counteract both linear and rotational impact forces. While conventional helmets primarily address linear impacts, they often leave users exposed to rotational injuries. RES replicates the cushioning effect of the cerebrospinal fluid between the skull and brain by permitting slight movement between the helmet and head during collisions, thereby diminishing rotational energy transfer. This advancement delivers comprehensive 360-degree protection without significantly increasing weight or bulk, elevating the safety standards of Shred’s helmets across skiing, biking, and snowboarding disciplines.
Contrast Boosting Lens
The year 2016 saw Shred introduce Contrast Boosting Lens (CBL) technology aimed at enhancing clarity and contrast within its goggles and sunglasses range. By applying specially formulated tinted dyes tailored to particular lighting environments and activities, CBL improves visual acuity—strengthening Shred’s competitive position in the outdoor sports eyewear market.
ShredWide
ShredWide represents a design breakthrough that enlarges the wearer’s field of vision in goggles intended for skiing, biking, and snowboarding. By minimizing visual obstructions through larger lens and frame configurations, ShredWide enhances both safety and performance. This concept has been a fundamental element of Shred’s goggle collections since their inception, underscoring the company’s commitment to product innovation and market expansion via superior user experience.
NoDistortion
Shred’s proprietary NoDistortion technology incorporates a semi-permeable valve that balances pressure between the dual-lens chamber of goggles and external atmospheric conditions. This mechanism eliminates optical distortions while blocking moisture intrusion. Launched in 2011, this feature improves both functionality and wearer comfort across Shred’s eyewear products.
Slytech NoShock
The NoShock technology by Slytech enhances impact absorption through the fusion of two foams with unique mechanical characteristics: a foam structured with honeycomb cones combined with a denser, more rigid foam that compresses under force. Introduced in 2013 and patented the same year, NoShock is incorporated into Shred’s helmets designed for skiing, snowboarding, and cycling, as well as various protective items such as back protectors, vests, and pads. The choice of materials is customized to meet the distinct safety demands of each product.
Philanthropy
Beginning in 2017, Shred formed a partnership with Protect Our Winters (POW), an advocacy organization dedicated to addressing climate change within the winter sports community. The company allocates a share of its revenue to support POW’s efforts in climate action and public awareness campaigns. This alliance also inspired the creation of environmentally conscious goggles made from recycled snowboard manufacturing materials, reflecting Shred’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its business model.
External links
References
- Sporting goods manufacturers of the United States
- Eyewear brands of the United States
- Sunglasses
- Clothing companies established in 2006
- Protective gear
- Skiing equipment
- Ski equipment manufacturers
- Snowboarding companies
- 2006 establishments in Utah
- American companies established in 2006
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment