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Armored
Dynamics
Streamline
*Non-sponsored. The content does not affiliate with the brand.
ENDORPHIN BOUNCE
SUMMER 2023
FOOTWEAR DESIGN
BIOMECHANIC STUDY
14 WEEKS
STORYTELLING
Brief: Develop innovative running shoes for Saucony aimed at
maximizing the performance of runners with a chosen foot strike.
Intro to Saucony
Saucony, with its historic, exclusive dedication to running,
strives to empower ALL HUMANS to live their best lives through the sport.
Exclusive Dedication
Exclusive Perfomance
The Endorphin series is a Saucony's product line just for race day,
engineered for performance to deliver an effortless feeling of TOP SPEED.
RUN YOUR WORLD, Saucony's global call to action.
Push it. Shake it. Find it. Create it.
How you run it is up to you.
Exclusive Empowerment
Foot strike refers to the part of the foot that first makes contact with the ground during the running gait cycle.
Intro to Foot Strike
Forefoot Strike
The runner lands on the front part of the foot.
Highest downward pressure on the forefoot.
Midfoot Strike
the runner lands with the entire foot simultaneously.
Highest downward pressure on the midfoot.
Rearfoot Strike
The runner lands on the heel of the foot first.
Highest downward pressure on the rearfoot.
Based on research, at least 70% of marathon runners run in the rearfoot strike.
However, most running shoes today primarily benefit forefoot strike runners.
The rear section provides secondary cushioning.
(Provides additional landing support
after forefoot strike.)
Running Shoes Today
The front section provides reactive suspension.
(Transfers downward pressure
into forward momentum.)
Pain Point: For rearfoot strike runners, when the rearfoot lands
first, the rear section will cause energy leakage due to its softness.
Specialized running shoes that provide responsive rearfoot suspension,
soft forefoot cushioning, and the best heel-strike to toe-off transition.
Endorphin Bounce
Outsole Development
Gain inspiration from nature & artificials.
1. Different foot strikes place pressure on different muscle groups.
1. Force displaced on our bottom feet follows a fluent pattern.
2. The rearfoot requires a larger traction area to handle more pressure.
Biomechanic Takeaways
Smaller Forefoot Treads Provide Secondary Support
Fluent Force Diagram
Larger Rearfoot Treads Provide Primary Support
Blending Saucony Logo
Midsole Development
Biomimetic design inspired by the grasshopper's leg.
1. An upward midsole curvature provides a positive rolling effect.
2. The insole needs arch support to
protect the plantar fascia.
3. Midsole integrity is crucial for a smooth rear-to-forefoot transition.
Biomechanic Takeaways
Grasshopper: Pocket Dynamo, Natural Spring, "Rearfoot" Jumper...
Midsole Extends To The Upper To Ensure Anti-Rollover Stability
Hollow Carbon String Provides An Extreme Rearfoot Suspension
Upward Curvature Provides a Positive Rolling Effect
Upward Curvature Provides a Positive Rolling Effect
Upper Integration
Combine the upper, midsole & outsole designs.
BOA lacing system: Personalized tightness, lightweight & even pressure distribution.
Concept Visualization
Physical model-making process.
1. Tape Drawing
2. Pattern Board
Upper
Overlay 1
Overlay 2
Outsole
Midsole
Insole
Tongue
3. Laser Cutting & Pattern Mounting
4. Final Model
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