Shoes
Shoe 1, Shoe 2 and Shoe 3
I engineer shoes for a living but can I make shoes? No fancy production methods, machines, simulations, automated optimization algorithms, optical scanning, lasts, or 3d print, just some materials and hand tools in my living room/workshop. If I don’t have all the pro equipment, what would I make to keep my feet safe and comfortable for walking around? These, apparently.
I made the pattern by draping material over my foot, marking, and cutting. Since my stitch speed with a Speedy Stitcher is about 5/minute, I tried to keep the seam length short. Version One was okay and Version Two was more refined and I might give in and use a sewing machine for Version Three.
The minimal shoe approach offers a nice balance with the 50 mm adidas adiZero Prime X - I like both.
Shoe 2
Trial 1
The first and second versions were made with leather scraps from an upholstery company. The toe piece on the outside of the lace area improves ventilation and articulation around the metatarsal phalangeal joint. Unfortunately, this one was a little short. On to version two!
Shoe 2
Trial 2
Same materials as the first, but with the toe section under the mid/heel section, like more normal shoes. The toe area had a bit too much volume, but the fit is good otherwise. For this one, I got some help (and special tools) from colleagues in the shoe prototyping shop - good opportunity to learn first-hand more about professional-level prototyping!
This rubber outsole was made by a organization of German shoe repair companies that get together to make bulk orders from rubber suppliers.
Trial 3
Same plan as the first, but with different materials to be more suitable for warmer conditions. The toe area is waxed canvas and the heel area is perforated leather.
Trial 3
Removed for a minute.