Footwear Project
For this project, we studied active footwear and designed a shoe for an activity that interested us. I chose to design a skate shoe due to my experience in skateboarding. From there we learned how to use shop tools, and eventually ended up with a final model that we rendered in photoshop.
BOARDFEEL
All skateboarding shoes have a flat outsole so the foot can sit level on the board. This gives the skater more control.
TAKE-OFF / IMPACT
Like basketball shoes, skate shoes need to be light and sturdy. Wider outsoles can prevent ankle rolls. A high top profile is also seen in both industries for the same reason.
DURABILITY
When you skate, you can wear out a pair of shoes fast. This is caused by the friction of the shoe rubbing against the grip tape as the board is pulled into the air for a trick.
Reinforcement of rubber in key wear spots can give the shoe longevity. The material used on the upper comes into play as well.
The rubber on the outsole of a skate shoe is put up to a similar test as a car tire.
Hiking/Workwear shoes have shared traits with skate shoes as well. They both require a balance of comfort, durability, stability, and lightness. However, the tread is where they differ.
Unlike hiking/workwear shoes, skate shoes have a flat tread that allows mobility on griptape.
DESIGNING A SKATE SHOE
OUTSOLE EXPLORATION
2D TO 3D
STUDY MODELS
THUMBNAIL SKETCHES
FINAL CONCEPTS - LINE DRAWINGS
APPEARANCE MODEL PROCESS
APPEARANCE MODEL
PRESENTATION BOARD
Disclaimer: Nike logo was used to complete my concept for the purposes of this project. The work seen here has no association with the Nike brand.