top of page
synapse
GOAL_
Unite the benefits of barefoot training with innovations in traction development to improve balance, speed, and power in elite agility athletes
profile
THE AGILITY ATHLETE_
Basketball
Football
Tennis
Soccer
Lacrosse
Volleyball
Balance
Agility
Explosiveness
RESEARCH
ANATOMY OF THE ARCH
KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE ARCH_
A. Load-Sharing System
Active + passive structure in the arch work in synergy to manage changing loads
B. Energy Recycling
C. Balance + Propulsion
Plantar Fascia
Intrinsic foot muscles
SIMPLIFIED MODEL OF THE ARCH SYSTEM
Stiffness increases
competitive Analysis
Strengthens foot, best sensory feedback
Not protected, not hygenic
Interchangeable, good sensory feedback
Slippage when sweaty, expensive
Good outsole traction,
protects foot
Reduced sensory feedback, poor upper fit
Good outsole traction,
protects foot
Poor sensory feedback, no strengthening of foot
Barefoot
Textured Insoles
Minimalist Running
Lightweight Trainers
Popularity
Lightweight
Protection
Traction
Tactile Feedback
Flexibility
Solutions in the market fail to deliver tactile feedback, protection, flexibility, and traction in a single footwear product for agility athletes
functional ideation
PRODUCT FOCUS_
An articulated, low profile outsole with advanced traction, a textured footbed, and a compliant, sock-like upper will deliver a barefoot feel while protecting the foot from the elements
TEXTURED FOOTBED_
V1. Uncooked Rice
V2. Turbinado Sugar
V2. Hot Glue Dots
- Randomized pattern
- Medium grain size
- Rounded, smooth texture
- Randomized pattern
- Small grain size
- Angular, sharper texture
- Controlled pattern
- Medium grain size
- Rounded, smooth texture
7/10
9/10
8/10
ARTICULATED TRACTION_
V1. Wagon Wheel
- Large traction units
- Multidirectional
- Hollow, lightweight
6/10
- Small / medium traction units
- Somewhat directional
- Tesselate
9/10
aesthetic ideation
PARAMETRIC TRACTION DESIGN_
Truchet Pattern
- Soft, nubbed traction
- Seamless tessellation
- Connected, not fully articulated
Warped Triangle
- Soft, nubbed traction
- Good articulation + flexibility
- Not aggressive enough
Directional Diamond
- Hard edged traction
- Very good articulation + flexibility
- Aggressive look
PHOTOSHOP RENDERING
bottom of page