IMBOX Protection wins European Outdoor Award 2026

Recognised for material innovation in outdoor retail

Imbox Protection has been named the winner of the European Outdoor Award 2026 in the Materials category. The award is presented at the first European Outdoor Week on 16 May 2026 in Riva del Garda in, Italy.

Organized by the European Outdoor Group (EOG) in partnership with Munich-based MPM AG, the team behind the ISPO Award, it brings together the outdoor industry's leading brands, retailers, and decision-makers for a ceremony and high-profile exhibition.

The European Outdoor Award was created to make innovation visible and support retailers across Europe.

Learn about IMBOX Original

“Imbox Protection stands out because it makes shoe care services in retail effortless, safe, and effective. The PFAS-free coating is applied in a closed system, so no one inhales chemicals, while precise dosing ensures every shoe is evenly protected. It extends product life and creates a seamless, high-value service for retailers and customers alike.”

The Jury

Why IMBOX Original stands out

Materials are at the core of everything IMBOX does.

The PFAS-free coating is applied in the closed IMBOX system, meaning no chemicals are released during treatment. Precise dosing ensures every shoe is evenly and consistently protected against water, dirt, stains, and UV damage in under a minute, without affecting the look, feel, or breathability of the shoe.

It makes shoes keep their new look for longer, protects the customer's investment, and connects directly to the retailer's POS system. No disruption to the sales flow.

Professional footwear protection in outdoor retail

For IMBOX Protection, this award is an important validation. For our retail partners, it is a clear signal that professional footwear protection belongs at the heart of the outdoor retail experience.

“Winning the Materials category at the first-ever European Outdoor Award means a great deal to us. Materials are what IMBOX Protection is all about. Our PFAS-free formula has been developed with both the customer and the retailer in mind. This award recognises the work we have put into getting the balance right, and it motivates us to work even harder. We always strive to do more, do better, and deliver a product that our customers and we are proud to use.”

René Marker CEO & founder, Imbox Protection

Experience IMBOX worldwide

From outdoor retailers to global sneaker chains, IMBOX Protection operates in more than 42 countries with over 10,500 units installed globally, delivering millions of treatments annually across sneaker, outdoor, and sports retail.

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