Producing a trainer prototype could be relatively straightforward for this sportswear brand. They already have a successful supply chain in operation; however, they may need to work with new suppliers to find the right materials or equipment. Let’s assume they had everything they needed to create their trail trainers, they are happy with the look, the feel, the costs. There now will usually be a period of testing. This could involve asking people to wear the trainers and provide feedback; there will be machine testing to determine the strength and lifespan of a typical pair, and they may need to check if the trainers will be waterproof or shock-resistant. There will be many questions the team or business will want answers to at this early stage.
Only once the new product development team are confident the trainer meets their expectations will the concept move from their control on its journey to becoming a real product available to buy.