As an ultimate shoe with the Quechua trail design language, I wanted this shoe to express the concept of the whole trail running shoe collection at it's extreme. Starting with the support structure of the upper (inspired from suspended bridge structures) where I originally wanted to use high performance fibers, such as Dyneema, between the mesh and the welded TPU external structure.

I also sourced materials used for competition sails (such as Dimention Polyant) for the 360° strap. The stability shank was planned to be made of carbon, which would additionnaly give an excellent rebound in the front part. Unfortunately a bit expensive and fragile. The sole is designed with less rubber to reduce the weight, and a hole in the middle lets the carbon shank and the 360° strap visible.

Inspiration for lightweight and structure. As the shoe should be super light and still provide superior support and response.

Concept and construction research sketches.

Sourcing high tech material

Outsole design sketches.

Sole construction details. It was more fun to do it by hand :)

Final design.

Logo.

DesignPack with upper construction process.

Mockups...

Functional prototype.