I just finished my second footwear design concept in this first series. This design is an all purpose urban bike/skate sneaker with a thick midfoot strap for fit.
I almost always tie my main bike sneakers once and then kick them on and off without untying. The strap will allow a quick secure fit without sacrificing the function and aesthetic of laces. To ensure this concept would be suitable for skateboarding, I designed the midsole to have a low sidewall in the forefoot so the user can be closer to the board. The ‘ollie’ area of the shoe has minimal structural stitching exposed to the grip tape. The vanity stitching will wear away like any skateboard shoe, but the assembly of the quarter, eyestay and toe should remain intact for the life of the shoe.
