The challenge turned into a pursuit of the right weather-resistant sneaker, and a statement on local capability. I pushed our manufacturing partners past traditional leather construction to show that the local industry can produce world-class, high-end technical footwear.
It took three prototypes and a final round to get there.
Silhouette sketches
Sketches set the direction early: a sock-like high-top wrapped in elastic straps, closed with a zip, with pull loops front and back so it slips on without laces.
Four rounds
Each round changed the shoe in one clear direction, and the sole changed the most: from a white-skirted cupsole, to chunky molded EVA, to a heavy-duty outsole balanced by a cleaner upper.
Set the high-top silhouette: black neoprene, elastic straps and a water-resistant zip. A white skirt visually extends a standard cupsole and adds some architecture to a simple base.
Dropped the traditional cupsole for a chunky, molded EVA outsole. The shoe moved away from a standard sneaker toward a rugged, utility-focused boot.
Balanced the heavy-duty outsole with a refined, minimal upper. This round locked in the clean, functional techwear direction.
Premium, high-performance materials and functional details throughout, on a high-end Vibram midsole for comfort and durability.
The final pair
The final pair keeps the neoprene sock, the crossing elastic straps and the water-resistant zip, adds a buckle strap at the ankle, and sits on a molded sole with a Vibram midsole that gives it comfort, durability and a distinct technical look.
