SOLEMate
interchangable upper/outsole concept
"SOLEMATE"
In United States, people throw away over 300 million pairs of shoes each year
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
-broken down around ankle
Outsole and Upper DO NOT always get worn out at the same time!
my shoe died recently...
may it's sole(soul) rest in peace..
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!
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?
Ideation Sketches
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
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
upper has holes around that connects to
the outsole with the joining mechanism "TAPE"
- Finalized System
Joining "TAPE" Mechanism
- Assembly -
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!
The "TAPE" has bumps that allow for a more secure connection!
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
solemate model CA01
solemate model CA01
Final Protptype
- Design Strength
What's wonderful about this design?
Diverse Design opportunity!
As long as it has ...
holes around structure on the middle of its outsole and the "TAPE" that matches
outsole can have a completely different design like..
this flexibility in design is a strong concept as
outsole can be designed differently according to a person's activity or weather situation .
mix & match upper and outsole in any way you want!
BASKET
FRIDAY?
RAINY TUESDAY?
BEACH DAY
SATURDAY?
CHOOSE YOUR SOLE, CHOOSE YOUR FUN!
