Tony Hardman: Footwear Design
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Puma Parkour Concept
Project overview: If you are unfamiliar with parkour -click the link and check it out. Also known as free running, it is a very physically demanding activities that requires strength, speed, and agility. Many examples of parkour exist on youtube, and can also be seen in older Nike Presto commercials, or Sebastien Foucan's brief appearance at the beginning of the most recent James Bond Movie, Casino Royale.
Don't forget, right click and select "view" to see the full-sized images.
The origins of parkour are rooted in Asian philosophies and practicing is a way of learning about yourself, overcoming obstacles and being one with the world around you. This led to researching more about these philosophies and cultures. As a result, the Puma Xuvia (the term for a spider's molted exoskeleton which ties into the durability and recycle-ability of the shoe) features a split toe inspired by the Tabi boots ninjas have adorned for centuries. This construction not only aids in increasing balance and agility (i.e. when climbing a fence or wall), but also provides similar benefits to acupuncture.
The origins of parkour are rooted in Asian philosophies and practicing is a way of learning about yourself, overcoming obstacles and being one with the world around you. This led to researching more about these philosophies and cultures. As a result, the Puma Xuvia (the term for a spider's molted exoskeleton which ties into the durability and recycle-ability of the shoe) features a split toe inspired by the Tabi boots ninjas have adorned for centuries. This construction not only aids in increasing balance and agility (i.e. when climbing a fence or wall), but also provides similar benefits to acupuncture.
The free runners' resemblance to real-life Spidermen brought meaning to the spider inspiration. Color-popped protective rubber toe bumpers draw inspiration from the wolf spider's fangs, but many other cues were evolved through the research of spiders. Note the 4 wrapping straps on each shoe, low profile traction resembling the body hair, abdomen-like formation of EVA under the heel, and cocoon-like upper that wraps the foot.
The spider-silk mimic that composes the upper of the Xuvia is a material we will likely see in existence within 10-15 years. Believe-it-or-not, scientists in many fields are currently devising a way to reproduce spider silk-like fabrics that could be used to create products far superior to the ones we use today. In fact, dragline silk is lighter and up to 10x stronger than Kevlar! The entire upper of the Xuvia is made of this "Biosteel" (a synthetic replication of dragline silk, spun into a fabric) to provide the ultimate in lightweight durability. This material is also recyclable and produces no pollution to manufacture: a perfect solution for people who use the Earth as their playground!
The spider-silk mimic that composes the upper of the Xuvia is a material we will likely see in existence within 10-15 years. Believe-it-or-not, scientists in many fields are currently devising a way to reproduce spider silk-like fabrics that could be used to create products far superior to the ones we use today. In fact, dragline silk is lighter and up to 10x stronger than Kevlar! The entire upper of the Xuvia is made of this "Biosteel" (a synthetic replication of dragline silk, spun into a fabric) to provide the ultimate in lightweight durability. This material is also recyclable and produces no pollution to manufacture: a perfect solution for people who use the Earth as their playground!
Ideation Sketches:
Final Concept
Colorways
Final Concept revised
Colorways
Final Concept revised
