All of the materials used in producing athletic footwear are readily available on the open market. There are
some 250 different suppliers worldwide who have the capability to furnish interior lining fabrics, waterproof
materials for external use, rubber and plastic materials for soles, shoelaces, and high-strength thread. It is
substantially cheaper for footwear manufacturers to purchase these materials from outside suppliers than it
is to manufacture them internally in the relatively small volumes needed. Delivery times on all materials
are usually less than 48 hours. Suppliers have ample capacity to furnish whatever volume of materials that
manufacturers need; no shortages have occurred in the past. Just recently, suppliers confirmed they
would have no difficulty in accommodating increased materials demand in the event footwear-makers build
additional plant capacity to meet growing worldwide demand.