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I asked 55 climbers of different skill levels
"What is the biggest complaint about your current shoe?"
Breathability
Fit
Appearance
"If you could make your own climbing shoe, what would you do differently?"
"More ventilation in the sides. I also love Velcro but after awhile it’s hard to keep them snug."
"I think most climbing shoes are super functional, but they are all so ugly! I think the appearance design could improve tremendously!"
"Make them more comfortable"
"I would use a different material!"
"Make them more breathable" x3
"More ventilation for better comfort, and less odor."
"I like the fit of the laces and the convenience of the Velcro. I’d try to find a way to combine the two".
"Add straps that make the shoe more secure, but still easy and fast."
"Have rubber around your toes and sides of the shoe, but more mesh/breathability on the surface of your foot."
"An easily adjustable width. Tight for climbing but quickly loosened for belays."
So... I asked myself, What principles of design can I borrow?
Breathability
Nike's Fly Knit technology provides comfort and ventilation.
KEEN Sandals have open straps but also maintain rigidly.
All Birds' Tree runners are knitted with eucalyptus tree fibers, for light and sustainable approach.
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Fit / Closures
Solomon Quick Lace provides a quick and rigid way to fasten shoes.
BOA Laces are highly adjustable and maintain a consistent tension.
Chaco straps, take a different approach to tension, add some fun color, and are easy to use.
Heel Cup Straps, keep your heel locked in place, and provide tensioning in an otherwise loose area.
Appearance
How can I represent culture
and environment in functional shoe design?
Elastic
(customizable heal)
knit (breathability)
hook & eye (adjustable width)
heel strap (customizable Tension between climbs)
Webbing straps for quick tension
boa (Speed)
Mesh (ventilation)
Colored Rubber
(Not common in climbing shoes)
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