Roots
Barefoot Shoe
Crafting a contemporary fusion of traditional tennis sneakers and barefoot shoes, my design aims to harness the health benefits of the latter while ensuring ample support and comfort.
Hypotheses
- Regular shoes are not shaped anatomically, restricting the foot’s natural range of motion
- Conventional shoes with a heel to toe drop aren’t natural, bringing your feet out of alignment
- Shoes with too much cushioning and support weaken bones
- Regular shoes squish feet
- Barefoot shoes are not meant for walking on concrete for extended periods of time
Initial Research
Feet have to work less in padded shoes
More vulnerable to injury
Foot gets weaker
Modern shoes change the way the foot works
Stiffness prevents foot from flexing naturally
Cushioned heels absorb shock encouraging heel drive
Traditional shoes get narrow towards the front
Doesn’t match the shape of the foot
Barefoot shoes are not meant for concrete
Normal shoes vs barefoot shoes
Squashes toes unnaturally
Encourages Heel Drive
Unnatural flex
Encourages a more natural drive
Strengthens muscles
Wide toe box
Pros and Cons
Of Current Barefoot Shoes
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Strengthens the feet
Encourage a mid-foot strike
Better balance
Improves stride pattern
Improves posture
Can improve flat feet
Burns more calories
Lightweight
Helps toes spread fully
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Requires soft tissue and bones to absorb impact
Leads to overuse injuries
Less foot protection
Not very stylish
Shoe odor
May not have enough arch support
Less grip in icy and wet conditions
Not meant for concrete
Design Goal
Design Goal
The aim is to create a hybrid shoe that bridges the gap between barefoot footwear and mainstream tennis shoes, appealing to fashion-conscious individuals while preserving the health advantages of barefoot shoes but with more added support. Enhancements will prioritize better grip in challenging conditions, enhanced odor control, and allowing for prolonged use on concrete surfaces.
Inspirational Imagery
Final Design
What makes Roots unique?
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Rayon Blend Upper
Leather Lining
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Eliminates odor
Allows feet to breathe
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Prevents odor
Allows feet to stretch out
Strengthens muscles
Encourages natural drive
-
Gives traction in inadequate conditions
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Light arch support offers happy medium between too little support and too much
Feet can move naturally while still being protected
Zero-Drop
Ideal for long-term use on concrete
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Appeals to more stylish users instead of typical outdoorsy barefoot shoe users
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Keeps pressure off feet
Less stress on soles
