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SOLEMate

interchangable upper/outsole concept 

"SOLEMATE"

In United States, people throw away over 300 million pairs of shoes each year 

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These shoes end up in landfills, where they can take 30 to 40 years to decompose

"SOLEMATE" is an interchangeable upper/outsole shoe based on the concept of

reducing unnecessary  waste and for a more friendly future

- When do people replace their shoes? -

REASON 1

OUTSOLE ISSUE

-heels worn out unevenly

-outsole thread pattern worn down

REASON 2

UPPER ISSUE

-hole on the tip of the toe

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-broken down around ankle

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Outsole and Upper DO NOT always get worn out at the same time!

my shoe died recently...

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may it's sole(soul) rest in peace..

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situation 1 - torn outsole

Q: What happens when a shoe dies?

A: It's sole goes to heaven..

- WHOLE THING DOES NOT NEED TO GO!!

 - Design Opportunity

Replace ONLY the part that needs to be replaced!

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OUTSOLE

The Design Intention

- to create more sustainable options to reduce unnecessary waste 

and raise awareness of its uneconomical nature in the industry

- to give more options of customization of upper and outsole

- to provide a wide variety in choices (upper/outsole) according to 

different activity/weather senarios

- Ideation

Designing the Joint System

Inspiration collages

 how to connect upper & outsole?

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 Ideation Sketches

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SYSTEM 1

knitted upper has holes around that you put through insoles "button", and connect to outsole

SYSTEM 2

insole has dents that connects to outsole, knitted upper goes inbetween

biggest concerns : security of the joints, because of the nature of walking 

movement and the gravity/friction, vertical joining system might not be the

best option...

SYSTEM 3

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In order to tackle the gravity/friction issue of the vertical joining system 

in system 1 & 2, system 3 has horizontal joining system ("TAPE") for a better 

security of the connecting parts

      compared to system 1 & 2 , system 3 has more flexibility in its design, and has

more opportunities for design

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upper has holes around that connects to 

the outsole with the joining mechanism "TAPE"

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- Finalized System

 Joining "TAPE" Mechanism

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- Assembly -

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UPPER

INSOLE

"TAPE"

OUTSOLE

set the insole on the outsole

place the upper in between

insole the gap of the insole & outsole (making sure the holes align*) 

secure all three with the "TAPE"

complete.

go on adventure!

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The "TAPE" has bumps that allow for a more secure connection!

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components 

upper/insole/outsole/"TAPE"/shoelace

The "TAPE" is made from flexible rubber

Wrapping around system fights back the gravity better than the typical "vertical" 

jointing system

Process 003- 

Designing Process

comfortable sock style ankle 

breathable synthetic fabric 

durable outer layer synthetic 

stretchy synthetic fabric 

EVA foam cushioning

materials

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solemate model CA01

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solemate model CA01

Final Protptype

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 - Design Strength

What's wonderful about this design?

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Diverse Design opportunity!

As long as it has ...

holes around structure on the middle of its outsole and the "TAPE" that matches 

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outsole can have a completely different design like..

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this flexibility in design is a strong concept as

outsole can be designed differently according to a person's activity or weather situation .

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mix & match upper and outsole in any way you want!

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BASKET 

FRIDAY?

RAINY TUESDAY?

 BEACH DAY

SATURDAY?

CHOOSE YOUR SOLE, CHOOSE YOUR FUN!

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