DESIGNER & ULTRARUNNER

THE SIGNATURE

INNOVATION CONCEPT RUNNING

This academic project is independent of New Balance. All ideas and designs are for educational purposes only and do not represent the company’s views, products, or affiliations
Brief:
Develop a footwear innovation concept for Alex Yee positioned to disrupt the supershoe market. The debut is set for the LA 28 Olympic Marathon world stage.





Alex Yee

M24
ELITE TRIATHLETE


NEEDS

OPTIMIZED TAILORED FIT AND ENERGY RETURN

CONSIDERATIONS

HOW HIS  MULTI-SPORT STRENGTHS IMPACT HIS GAIT

UNIQUE PREFERENCES IN FIT

HOW TO INFUSE THE SPIRIT  OF THE ATHLETE, LOCATION, AND BRAND INTO THE CONCEPT’S FORM &  FUNCTION










HOW IT WORKS

EXTERNAL SUSPENSION SYSTEM

The lever system delivers micro-adjusted heel fit throughout each phase of the gait cycle, channeling energy from midfoot touchdown into elastic propulsion at toe-off.







REFINED FIT WITH 
EVERY STRIDE

THIS IS DESIGNED  TO COMPLIMENT ALEX’S INWARD PRONATION AND LONG STRIDE. TURNING HIS POSSIBLE WEAKNESSES INTO POWER.

What would traditionally be separated into an upper and midsole is instead unified into an integrated structure that moves in sync with the torsional motion of the foot. 

The bottom structure remains detached from the upper, except at the heel and forefoot. This allows elastic energy to build and release in the forefoot while enabling natural sway and freedom of movement.






BEHIND THE SIGNATURE


What’s more cocky than having your own signature 
on your footwear


????


Alex has built a reputation for his confident and sometimes polarizing persona.  A photo of his “cold” celebration winning Supertri Boston 
stirred up controversy online. 

He’s young, fiery, and unafraid to rile up a 
crowd. But he doesn’t just talk. He delivers. His performances speak louder than the headlines.




PROJECT PROCESS


RESEARCH DRIVING QUESTIONS


What are his current footwear habits?
What is working and what doesn’t?
What are his preferences in fit/feel?
How has his multi-sport background influenced
his signature gait?

SWIMMING INSIGHTS 

FLEXIBLE ANKLES AND FLOPPING FEET

This is likely a strong factor for his inward pronation but, his ankles are strong enough to maintain this.

 

Inspired by the form and function of a spring. This concept’s form follows the path water travels around the feet while kicking, that transforms downward power into forward movement. 



BIKING INSIGHTS

STRONG ANKLE LOCKOUT

Adds power to the toe off like a rigid plate. His biking has contributed to a quad-dominant running form that becomes more noticeable with fatigue.





Mock-up with found materials: 1/4 in plywood, gauze, cat toy, & tape.
It was able to hold my body 
weight for a few strides
I noticed a significantly smoother touchdown & toe-off

This innovation concept 
develops an internal pedal within the footwear. The mechanism dampens the touchdown impact and facilitates foot turnover.

INNOVATION IDEATION SKETCHES



SKETCHING PROCESS


3D MODELING PROCESS

SILHOUETTE GROUNDED IN CURRENT MODEL FC REBEL
CUSTOMIZED LAST FOR TAILORED FIT
UTILIZED ORTHOGRAPHIC DRAWING FOR STRUCTURE BUILD-OUT
QUICK PROTOTYPE TO TEST
STL FOR FIRST ROUND OF PRINTING
PHYSICS CHECK TO SEE IF SHOE CAN STAND ON ITS OWN
BUILD-OUT OF BRANDED ELEMENTS
REFINEMENT OF FORM FOR DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL MODEL
Currently in, Pasadena, CA
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