Topic: Final Nike Zoom Carapace concept with boards

[VD23]

Ok, you guys already know the deal. It's still kinda rough on the layout since I threw it all together tonight, but here it is! I still need to do some additional colors eventually.

-TH

[PKAB]

Looks great! Thanks for sharing thus with the community. Is this just a concept or have you sent this to any  companys that might make this concept real?

[Graham Hughes]

Looks really snazzy, man!  I'd buy a pair!

[max eisenberg]

i wouldn't get a pair, i dont like nike. all of their shoes shred like a piece of paper.

great concept though, im just fearful of materials.

[Alex B]

i wouldn't get a pair, i dont like nike. all of their shoes shred like a piece of paper.

great concept though, im just fearful of materials.

this shoe would probably be different - nike's shoes have been usually designed for ideal conditions - basketball courts and such, where the terrain has been changed to accommodate the shoe. here, the shoe has been changed to accommodate the terrain. plus theyre just concepts, so even if they ended up as a production model (we can all hope, right?) theres no guarantee it would be with nike...I think?

I like them a lot. I'd love to get a pair of those.

[Adam "Echo" C]

I'll bet they'd be expensive. They're too cool to come cheap.

Why are the toes split like that?

[Mark Hatcher]

I'll bet they'd be expensive. They're too cool to come cheap.

Why are the toes split like that?

I'm guessing because split toe allows you to independantly manipulate your big toe from the other toes, allow for better control of your balance.

A lot of construction workers in Japan wear split-toe shoes for better balance than normal construction boots when working off the ground.

[Dan Frank]

I LOVE YOU!

What were you saying before about potentially getting this out on the market?

[Christian Greene]

Please please please make this a reality  lmao I love it!

[Casquinha]

I'll bet they'd be expensive. They're too cool to come cheap.

Why are the toes split like that?

I'm guessing because split toe allows you to independantly manipulate your big toe from the other toes, allow for better control of your balance.

A lot of construction workers in Japan wear split-toe shoes for better balance than normal construction boots when working off the ground.

Actually, the split-toe tabi sock was created to protect farmers' feet in the rice fields while wearing sandals.  It was then adapted by the ninja for the purpose of movement and balance.  Others adapted it later for the same reason.

What I really appreciate about the shoe design is that we all got to assist in the design.  The only thing that keeps it from perfection is the lack of field testing.

[Corndogg]

very very cool, nice execution.  really hope you keep going forward with that!  im ready to buy a black pair when available 

also may want to check these out which are along the same lines, and you may get more ideas or inspiration from, either for the design or marketing -

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ (a few guys in our area have these and really like them)
http://www.feelmax.com/panka_leather.html (very thin shoes with 25% kevlar soles)

[VD23]

As always, thanks for the input guys!

The shoe was definitely designed with durability in mind. Obviously, yes, it needs testing to all be substantiated, but the best rubbers would be used. The whole idea was to create a cheap, recycleable shell that you can replace for 30-40 bucks while keeping the sock and mixing and matching colors. The molded footwear is cheap because there is no labor involved with stitching in linings, foams, counters etc. But it also works perfectly here because it stretches to form to the foot, has no seams to rip or wear, and lasts a long time!

Again, as stated, the split toe was to bring the foot closer to it's natural state and increase balance as well as the ability to grip link fences, ropes and crevices.

Thanks again to all! I am about in the middle of finishing this shoe, so I will update in the future as well as getting input on the less advanced models.

-TH

[Adam "Echo" C]

Oh, yeah the split toe would definitely be convenient, now that I see its purpose. Amazing designs, TH. What medias did you use to draw these things? Markers?

[Dan Frank]

But what's the situation with getting this beauty out into the bountiful sea of wondrous capitalism?

[Casquinha]

I, too, am awaiting the honor and privilege of donning a pair of these beauties.

[VD23]

Adam- The initial sketches are just markers and pencils. The black version with the overhead view was done just with adobe inllustrator, and the final renderings are a combination of illustrator and Photoshop.

As far as getting them to market- well hopefully someday soon I can get on at a performance brand and really get something developed for you guys! For now I am learning and getting a great feel for what will really make a difference. More to come...

-TH

[VD23]

Here's a new version. I adjusted the collar and made it non-split toe (for those on the other side of the fence..so to speak). It has more of an ankle cut lycra sock and articulated toe bumper for flexibility.

[Adam "Echo" C]

Adam- The initial sketches are just markers and pencils. The black version with the overhead view was done just with adobe inllustrator, and the final renderings are a combination of illustrator and Photoshop.

As far as getting them to market- well hopefully someday soon I can get on at a performance brand and really get something developed for you guys! For now I am learning and getting a great feel for what will really make a difference. More to come...

-TH

That's some good work man!

[Brandon "Shark" Dean]

Screw the Ariakes, let's go get som Carapaces! I want to be one of the first people to get them.

[Alex B]

I like that new design too - the regular toe design will probably be best for someone who wants to keep the shoe feeling more like what they're used to.

if these ever make it to production, it would be cool to see both (you were talking about different versions for different "levels" of traceurs, well this could be part of it - beginners want to keep it simple, close to what they've gotten used to, while more advanced traceurs want to the best performance possible)

once again, good job.