Tag Archives: shoes

“Decaying” shoes are made from organic materials

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If you’re the kind of person whose shoes last for years and years, you sometimes don’t know if they’re still wearable especially if you haven’t worn them for a long time (like say, during the pandemic). But as long as it’s still wearable, especially if it’s your favorite, then you probably wouldn’t mind wearing it as long as it’s still okay. But if it looks like it’s decaying or falling apart, would you still keep it and wear it? That’s an interesting question to ask when faced with a pair of “living” footwear that looks like it has seen better days.

Designer: Yussef Agbo-Ola of Olainyi Studio

The Kajola shoe collection is made to look like decaying footwear as the materials used are natural. Because of the way it’s designed, it’s really more of a piece of artwork than functional footwear. They want to call it “living artefacts” made from various biomaterials like volcanic dust, clay, and even cacao powder and so as the years pass by, it will naturally curl into itself, just like leaves and other organic materials do when they decay. They are named after an area in Nigeria and a trip to local forests. The idea is to push what other things plants can be used to create.

The collection is made up of nine experimental shoe designs, all shaped similar to slipper-like footwear. The soles are made from a mixture of plant fibers, clays, plant starch, and other materials that can be used as a base. The upper portion is made from other natural fibers and mixed with natural additives like herbs, sand, flowers, and algae. They are actually hand cut and sewn and they even used a Japanese shoe patcher sewing machine to create this. Normally this machine is used to repair leather goods so you know it can withstand tough materials.

They are planning to develop a wearable version of this next year although I’m not sure if people would be interested to wear something that looks like it. Well, it’s pretty cool looking and can be a good conversation piece if anyone asks you “Why are you wearing an old pair of shoes?”.

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Vans-like shoe concept designed for the “urban nomad”

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When I was younger, I always though that when I reach middle age, I would start wearing more “grown-up” shoes like heels, sandals, etc. But now that I’m actually here, I find myself more attracted to the comfortable, durable, and simple sneakers, boots, and other sturdier footwear (no crocs, never crocs). And since I live in the city and I walk to and from work, I really need something that will not make my feet cry but also would look fashionable in a minimalist kind of way.

Designer: Gabriel Pimentel

The brief was to create a pair of shoes that can be used by the “urban nomad” which is basically people like me. The designer was able to come up with a concept for a Vans-like pair of shoes called Sim-Plis-Tech, taking inspiration from a mixture of space, alien life, corals, and skate parks. We get something that looks like what an astronaut would wear while walking around Mars and also something us city folk can wear around while traipsing in the urban jungle.

The design has a mesh inner bootie that will let your foot breathe plus a water resistant upper part. You also get velcro covers on the side, double zipper in the front, and boa lacing at the back. The outsole is inspired by the classic Vans waffle pattern but with a more modern look with a hex pattern in the areas that get the most wear and tear. You get a textured toe bumper that will help you get more traction and you also have a slash pocket on the side.

The renders show three different colors to choose from based on the original inspiration board. You get cool gray, deep blues, and red earth-tones, adding to the minimalist look that the shoes are going for. This is a pair of shoes that I would definitely go for in case it ever goes to market. Despite all the “features” mentioned, it still comes off as simple and stark but also still fashionable enough that you’d want to add it to your OOTD. Hopefully the design also translates well to an actual pair of Sim-Plis-Tech shoes.

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Walk on beer with these limited-edition Heineken sneakers have been injected with beer in their soles

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Are you ready to ‘walk on beer’? Because Heineken’s here to ensure that you do just that! The infamous Dutch brewing company recently unveiled Heineken Silver – a new smooth, easy-to-drink beer brewed for a new generation of drinkers. And they decided to kickstart its launch, with a pair of kicks! Heineken collaborated with celebrity sneaker designer Dominic Cambrione, more popularly known as The Shoe Surgeon, to create – the ‘Heinekicks’.

Designer: Heineken x The Shoe Surgeon

What are the Heinekicks? Quite simply put, they’re limited edition sneakers FILLED with beer. There are only 32 pairs available in the world, and yes, you heard it right, they actually contain soles filled with the new Heineken Silver. Heineken promises these liquid-filled kicks “will have you Walking on Beer”.

The Shoe Surgeon maintained the brand’s iconic red, green, and silver colors in the shoes as well. The acclaimed designer has created kicks worn by the likes of LeBron James, DJ Khaled, and Drake.“Partnering with Heineken for their new beer was a fun challenge. We both share a passion for innovation and pushing boundaries and created a design to reflect that,” said The Shoe Surgeon. “The shoe not only embodies the energy of Heineken Silver but literally carries it. I can’t say I’ve ever designed a sneaker that contains actual beer before.’’

He power-packed the sneakers with a sleek green lenticular upper with silver and red accents. A removable metal bottle opener has been integrated into the tongue of the shoes. This could come pretty handy when it’s time to pop open a cold one!

Of course, the most fascinating element of the shoes is the transparent soles filled with the golden liquid, which is Heineken Silver. The beer was inserted into the soles using a specialized surgical injection method!

The one-of-a-kind soles provide the wearer with an extremely smooth walking experience, drawing a smart parallel to the smooth taste of Heineken Silver. These are the first pair of sneakers that allow you to walk on beer and a super genius marketing hack! We can’t wait to see how avid beer lovers react toward Heineken Silver!

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These eccentric inflatable concept shoes created using daily objects are breaking the internet

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Designer UV-Zhu’s inflatable shoes have quite literally been taking Instagram by storm! Completely throwing aside functionality and practicality – these unique shoes included everything else. Previously we covered his puffy soled shoes with spongy uppers and protruding tentacles that quite honestly mimicked mutated creatures. And this time, we’re diving into his new kicks, which are supposed to be ‘inflated’.

Designer: UV-Zhu

UV-Zhu’s Nike conceptual series are basically inflatable structures paired up with daily objects resulting in kicks that you would probably never see at the Nike showroom. The ankle straps are made from white garters, silicone, and paper-based tapes. The outsoles have been power-packed with springs so that they can allow the wearer, to walk without actually putting any effort into walking!

Sponges and myriad kinds of soft padding have been squeezed in between these layers, creating comfy cushioning for the wearer. Some of the shoes have also been equipped with a layer of candy, and eccentric bristles as the outsole!

Following ensuite is his ‘AIR’ collection – which is exactly what it sounds like. This collection consists of shoes that have been inflated with air, and their soles look almost like floatation devices. UV-Zhu himself implies that these astounding shoes have no practical usage, and are simply an artistic exploration of form – they’re fun in the name of art! And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Of course, there’s also the addition of bubble gum in some of the high tops (UV loves his candy in sneakers), while others have a completely transparent design.

UV-Zhu’s conceptual shoes reimagine daily objects as marvelous and inflated forms. Yes, they don’t have much functionality, but they do add a playful and quirky element to the otherwise serious world of fashion. Sometimes, it’s okay to have things that are just funny and pleasing to look at, without having a deeper agenda to them. What do you think?

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These shoes use 3D printed fabric to make sure kids’ feet grow properly

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Buying shoes is often seen as something more related to fashion, especially when it comes to shopping for specific brands or trending styles. On the flip side, some take choosing the right shoes for granted, becoming satisfied as long as the shoe fits or feels comfortable enough. As adults, we have the luxury to choose the shoes we want, but it’s a slightly different matter for kids whose bodies are still rapidly changing and settling in. Young wearers will need footwear that goes beyond just fit and comfort, but one that can also help their feet grow in the proper way, avoiding potential health problems that could arise later in their lives. Such shoes are often labeled “therapeutic” and have expensive price tags, but We|aver+ wants to make this kind of shoes more accessible and easier to make, all thanks to 3D printing.

Designer: Yumeng Li & Zongheng Sun (PEAR & MULBERRY)

3D printing has undoubtedly changed the manufacturing landscape, both for individuals and even for companies. It opened the doors to more efficient prototyping of designs and made it easier to bring ideas to life. More recent development even allows for different kinds of materials to be used when 3D printing forms and structures, giving creators more freedom in the designs they want to implement.

We|aver+ or Weaver+, for example, 3D prints something that is akin to knitted fabric, except it uses elastic TPU as the material. The shoes that it prints out actually look more like chainmail rather than conventional fabric, and it’s not without reason. The hollow-loose knitting structure gives the shoes the flexibility necessary for supporting the growing feet of children. At the same time, however, the shoe also offers stable support to make sure the heels don’t lose their suppleness in the long run.

The therapeutic shoes also use 3D modeling even before they are printed. A child’s foot can be scanned to generate a 3D model in just a few minutes. This 3D representation is then used to analyze and determine the best combination of designs that will yield the perfect thickness and form of the 3D printed fabric. This is the ultimate customization option, taking into consideration how personal feet can actually be.

The end result is a pair of shoes that are designed to feel great but also look distinctive. It’s definitely easy to spot from a see of designer shoes because of its knitted structure, giving it a bit of a unique identity. More importantly, the design allows the shoes to stretch in one direction while also providing stability in the perpendicular direction.

Weaver+ is a very good example of how 3D printing can significantly change the way even regular people live, whether they have access to 3D printers or not. Shoes can be customized to fit the specific needs and requirements of wearers, and they can use more sustainable materials like recycled TPU. It might be harder to scale this process up to the same level as traditional pipelines, but that too could change in the near future, when 3D printing becomes more widespread and more accessible.

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adidas x Victorinox EQT 93 sneaker boasts style + multifunctionality for urban adventures

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It’s not the first time adidas and Victorinox have collaborated on unexpected creations that actually serve a very useful purpose. The two renowned brands have again come together for a limited-edition combo of sneakers that are loaded with a capable Swiss Army Knife.

This is the adidas x Victorinox EQT 93 sneaker by the German activewear brand for people who have a very active lifestyle. When needed the most, the sneaker has the Swiss brand’s EDC snug in place for any fixing, cutting, or other tasks. The shoe is based on the EQT 93 sneaker, and modified for this exclusive offering. According to Veronika Elsener, Chief of Marketing at Victorinox – “We are thrilled with the outcome of the products which bring unique design and exciting details.”

Designer: adidas and Victorinox

On the right shoe the heel is adorned with the adidas logo, iconic trio of stripes on the side sole, and the coordinates of the brand’s headquarters in Herzogenaurach on the outer sole. That inner sole of the right shoe also gets the adidas’ corporate design on the inside. The left pair on the other hand has the Victorinox Cross and the Shield etched on one side which looks so cool. There’s the Swiss brand’s Ibach headquarters seen through the transparent outer sole, the image of Spartan pocket knife on the heel, and their corporate logo on the inner sole.

The left shoe is where the Classic SD Solemate Limited Edition Swiss Knife resides. Mind you, it can also be swapped for the Classic SD SAK if one desires. The EDC has tools including scissors, a key ring, a 2.5-mm screwdriver, a small blade, a toothpick, tweezers and a nail file.

To keep the theme similar on both the sneaker and the EDC – the knife has front and rear handles with different designs. One has the Damascus steel-inspired pattern while the other gets both brands’ headquarters coordinates. The blade of the exclusive EDC also gets the coordinates of the headquarters engraved on it – now that alone is pretty elusive.

Ones who get their hands on this pairing will get the genuine Nappa leather pouch attachable to the adidas sneaker. The snap hook-equipped paracord pendant on the outside is crafted from the same shoe laces to highlight parity. adidas x Victorinox EQT 93 sneaker will cost $75 and the adidas x Victorinox Classic SD Solemate Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife will be priced at $139.

 

 

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This hiking shoe with adaptive protection guards ankle from twisting on meandering trails

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There are very few ambitious hikers who have not twisted their ankle. Some may escape with slight pain, while others have career-defining injuries. But everyone on an outdoor adventure always runs the risk of twisting or spraining the ankle.

As adventurers out on meandering trails more often than on tar, we need a pair of durable boots with substantial outside traction and general responsiveness to avert injuries. Stepping on the gas with a patented adaptive ankle protection technology from Betterguards, the German start-up called Terrein has developed a high ankle Ascent boot that will provide advanced freedom to hikers while actively protecting their ankles against potential twisting injuries.

Designer: Terrein

The Terrein Ascent is made primarily with the idea to reduce the risk of ankle injuries in adventurers. The adaptive ankle support – touted to be three times more responsive than a human reflex – can reduce the risk of injuries and provide constant support to the ankle. Moreover, the Ascent is made to increase stability with its immaculate construction (we’ll talk about it a bit later).

The hydraulic ankle protection system is fastened to the outside of the ankle and wrapped around with a Velcro-enabled strap. This system integrates a piston – called adaptor – which safeguards against twisting. It triggers in (extends and retracts instantly) only when needed to protect the ankle from twisting, otherwise, the piston works naturally allowing stability to the foot like the ankle support in a premium basketball shoe.

Terrein Ascent is the first viable adaptation of the Betterguards’ system which is likely to find its way into the NBA soon. The adaptive ankle protection piston is likely to make its way into basketball sneakers through the NBA’s Launchpad tech incubator program. So, in addition to allowing hikers to regain their footing quickly, the tech is likely to support the ankles of basketball stars soon.

For its construction, which gives an air of mystery to the Ascent; the boot features a breathable laced upper on a responsive cushioned PU midsole. The outsole comprises high grip rubber and a deep lug design for maximum traction. This all-weather silhouette combines natural freedom of motion with adaptive ankle protection to provide outdoor enthusiasts the independence to explore the wilderness without thinking about physical or mental restrictions. This facility is for now limited to hikers in Europe only, as the shoe – now available for preorder – will be developed specifically for the European market initially.

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Naglev Vulcano uses bulletproof Kevlar to save your feet from rocks and crags

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Not many people know this but what makes a bulletproof vest bulletproof is a material called Kevlar. We’re not hoping we would need such a vest anytime soon, but it’s also a good idea to be prepared and knowledgeable. If only we could use the Kevlar material in most of our clothing and footwear, but it’s not that easy to implement. What we’re probably getting soon are super rugged shoes with Kevlar uppers that are able to protect and shield your feet from whatever danger or element whenever you are outdoors. With this pair of kevlar shoes, we can say you can survive any jungle or mountain cliff and all dangers you can encounter, as the shoes are basically indestructible, thanks to the material’s strong molecular structure.

Designer: Achille Morlin, Elettra Morlin

Naglev Vulcano Shoes 10

Naglev Vulcano Shoes 12

The special pair is officially called the Naglev Vulcano—-bulletproof shoes for the feet of highly adventurous people. The shoes are 100% water-resistant, so you use them for any kind of outdoor adventure that may get you dredging soil or exploring the trails of an unknown valley. The pair can keep your feet cool and dry, thanks to a Lycra interior liner that is quick-drying and moisture-wicking. The outsole is natural and is durable enough that it won’t deteriorate quickly.

Naglev Vulcano Shoes

The Naglev Vulcano can be considered part of sustainable fashion because the shoes are built with environment-friendly manufacturing practices. This means carbon footprint is significantly reduced but still with uncompromised quality. Naglev’s aim has always been to innovate the footwear production system, researching ways and solutions that would minimize shoe production steps. As a result, it’s able to develop a new process that can result in extremely low environmental impact.

Naglev Vulcano Shoes

Naglev Vulcano Shoes

The company uses the patented Fuso technology that starts by blending all structural elements of the shoe. The sole, midsole, and the upper are better and more durable and offer a better fit because they have been fused together. Increased performance is also a promise of this new technology and design of the Vulcano—a mix of the Kevlar fabric, a natural rubber sole, and an upper that wraps the structural element, lining, and sole lugs. Each shoe has a protective Kevlar shell upper, eco-made lycra lining, and an Ortholite footbed, while the outsole is Michelin natural rubber and a mid-sole that is dual-density EVA. The shoes promise comfort even if the pair is rugged and looks perfect for hiking–it’s almost ready for war! It can probably pass the military standards since the upper is characterized as tearproof, with salt resistance, cut resistance, and abrasion resistance.

Naglev Vulcano Shoes

Naglev Vulcano Shoes

Naglev Vulcano Shoes

Naglev Vulcano Shoes

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Reebok’s adaptive footwear collection truly wants to make life easier for disabled

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Everyone deserves a pair of sneakers that amplifies the craving for everyday success. That said, the power of comfortable and accessible footwear should not be exclusive. Thankfully Reebok really wants to help the physically challenged community with a gimmick-free collection of lifestyle and performance-oriented sneakers.

Brands like Nike have lately offered adaptive sneakers for people with disability but were they affordable? Surely, not. The Go FlyEase hand-free sneakers are a good example of this fact. They were at one point in time very inaccessible, and some resellers listed them online for an exorbitant price tag of $2,000. In the end, their purpose of helping the disabled community got juxtaposed. Rebook wants to fix this with the Fit to Fit accessible footwear collection which is practical and priced sensibly for everyone to explore without burning a hole in the pocket.

Designer: Reebok and Zappos Adaptive

The new edition of sneakers is designed in partnership with Zappos Adaptive, and includes two sneakers crafted for easy on-and-off wear to facilitate disabled people. Dubbed the Nanoflex Parafit TR and Club MEMT Parafit, these sneakers are low-cut and feature removable sock liners (for orthotics) and high abrasion rubber outsoles for superior grip. While the Nanoflex Parafit TR has a breathable mesh upper, medial zipper and heel pull tab for easy putting on or taking off – the Club MEMT Parafit has a leather upper and extra 4E width.

Thankfully both the sneakers come in unisex sizing, and can be purchased as a pair, or as a single shoe too. Reebok has priced them both sensibly as the Nanoflex Parafit TR retails for $90, while the Club MEMT Parafit comes for $65. We genuinely hope the sneakers will not go out of stock, and end up selling for more prices at later stages. If that’s not the case, Reebok and Zappos are surely going to be popular brands among disabled people and physically challenged athletes. After all these functional pairs of footwear permit a life of independence and free movement. All this while maintaining Reebok’s iconic design and timeless silhouettes.

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NikeCraft General Purpose Shoes always ready for everyday use

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NikeCraft GPS Design

Ah, shoes, glorious shoes. Of course, nothing is going to stop us from getting a thrill over a new pair of shoes. Sneakerheads know the excitement of being shown a new pair, colorway, or iteration, especially if they are from a famous sports brand.

The NikeCraft lineup is getting a new addition in the form of the NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe (GPS). The new pair is described as an “Ordinary Shoe for Extraordinary People” as it can allow you to do everything, everywhere. The NikeCraft GPS celebrates a 10-year collaboration between Tom Sachs and Nike. This partnership has introduced several pairs already that offer new things for the future of sports and every athlete.

Designer: Tom Sachs

NikeCraft GPS X Tom Sachs Collab

If you are to own only one Nike pair, the NikeCraft GPS should be it. It lets you enjoy all your activities with proper support and comfort. This pair is really for everyday use as you can even call it your daily tool.

Nike and Tom Sachs have been designing shoes that have an appeal of a sculpture. Some shoes these days are designed just to look good, but this new pair is wearable and actually comfortable. In addition, the NikeCraft GPS comes in a remarkable shape. The upturned toe is very obvious but complements the shoes’ distinct profile.

NikeCraft GPS

NikeCraft GPS X Tom Sachs Collection

The NikeCraft GPS comes with an ultra-breathable knit, microfiber collar, and straps with a signature. The three-piece molded cup sole appears differently, but it makes the pair very durable. The sole system comes with a very durable rubber outsole, EVA foam core, and a soft rubber midsole. The outsole has been redesigned with a rubber waffle laden with the US Patent and NikeCraft logo.

The shoe design appears simple, but the NikeCraft GPS’ structure and engineering enable the necessary support and comfort. Speaking of comfort, the pair boasts a lightning-holed foam tongue package with a heat-sealed edge. The NikeCraft woven label is found underneath the tongue.

NikeCraft GPS Tom Sachs

Artist Tom Sachs has this to say about his collaboration with Nike: “It took me years to best advantage the superpowers of scale and to deliver value while still reflecting the standards of my studio. A great collaboration is something that no partner could do without the other, and NikeCraft has always been a 50/50 collaboration.” He described the pair as something with “an understated quality.” He also mentioned, “they’re meant to do all the things that you do and tell your story.”

NikeCraft GPS Sole

The NikeCraft GPS will be available in different colorways. The launch version, though, will come with a more neutral look and feel with a muted white upper, gum rubber midsole, and the blue donning straps. The pair will be available in Women’s and Men’s sizes with a $110 price tag. That is an affordable rate you can get at nikecraft.com beginning the 10th of June.

As with some interesting pairs from Nike, the NikeCraft GPS becomes more beautiful over time. The shoes arrive in a custom box that features the NikeCraft logo. This Nike and Tom Sachs’ latest baby is expected to sell fast, especially with its price.

NikeCraft GPS X Tom Sachs

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