Designing a Shoe: Part 3

Now that we’ve designed the shoe on paper and on a computer it’s time to hold it in your hand.

This is the final installment of design a shoe. Please see parts 1 and 2 for the previous steps. 

Step 6)

Once the specification sheet is made, you have the necessary instructions to make a model. The model is exactly what the shoe would look like if it was to be ready to be sold in stores. The model is used in the next step, testing, to ensure the shoe performs and as holds up as it’s designed to. The model also shows what the shoe looks like on the foot and allows design elements to be changed to make the shoe more visually appealing.

Designing a Shoe: Part 2

It’s time to continue learning how shoes are designed.  (For part 1, visit here) Now the shoe starts to come alive. Although black shoes are classic, who doesn’t want color and decorations?

Step 3)

Once a rough sketch is made, the color and materials are picked. Rough sketches are often done quickly just to get an idea down. The further sketches make the idea for concrete.

Designing a Shoe: Part 1

Although we regularly buy shoes and discuss their design merits, most people do not know how the shoes they wear were created. “On average, every man, woman, and child in the United States purchases more than four pairs of shoes each year, a level of consumption that establishes the U.S. as the world's largest importer of footwear,” (Infomat, 2008). Because Americans and people worldwide buy so many shoes, they should understand how they are made.

This is a now a new series of posts (with pictures for the first time!)  to illustrate and explain the process.

As an overview, shoes are created through a multi-step design process, which begins with concept and a rough sketch. Computers are then used to make the shoe three-dimensional. From the 3-D design computer aided drawing (CAD), a model is made. Next the model is tested to ensure proper design and performance. After testing of the model, the shoe becomes a finished product, which is sold to customers. Finally, the process begins again, often based on the previous design.

Step 1)

The first thing a shoe designer must do is come up with a concept. This concept can come from anywhere. In the above drawing, the idea for a sneaker came from a car. Sometimes ideas spontaneously come to designers. Other the times they look for inspiration, such as at an art museum. Most often, the inspiration comes from another shoe. The concept does not have to be drawn out, like the image shows. However, this image illustrates the concept process for one designer.

Going Barefoot: Part 2: Can a flip-flop recreate the sensation of going barefoot?

In Part 1, I discussed Vibram FiveFingers, a glove like shoe designed to be almost like walking barefoot. Now, Crocs, a brand previously discussed, has come out with the ABF flip, a flip-flop designed to be even better than walking barefoot.

The shoe is designed to have a “ergonomic fit and feel, like you are almost barefoot,” according to Croc’s website.

The interesting part is that this supposedly good for you shoe has a flip-flop design.

Going Barefoot: Part 1: Would you run barefoot?

I previously discussed research that found that barefoot runners were better able to determine how to place their foot on the ground. Capitalizing on this concept, Vibram FiveFingers are running footwear designed to just about recreate the sensation of running barefoot. The “shoes” are made of a slim rubber sole with individual sections for each toe. They are like a glove.

According to the company’s website, FiveFingers “liberates you to move in a more natural, healthy way. FiveFingers stimulate the muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve range of motion.”

However, most people would see the FiveFingers as unstylish and not suitable for the office. So, once again you are back to the question of style or comfort.