Design

Several design options were explored that dove into the conceptual side of footwear design. The intention was to recreate an innovative and dynamic classic, while keeping it minimal.

Base

Several design concepts were created to convey this idea. Originally intending to make a rubber outsole, there was a logical shift to lightweight EVA; which is seen more widely in sports and performance sneakers.

Market

The shoe was met with success, and well received by customers. After high demand for the sneaker, the brand introduced more styles on this base, ranging from chelsea boots, to wingtips and minimalist loafers.

Design

This shoe reflects the casual lifestyle of young millennials living in the city. Always on the move and ever-changing.

Direction

Style was a product of designing with two very different directions in mind; A low-top city shoe, and a rugged high-top sneaker. The two ideas were met in the middle with a design solution that incorporated the UN logo in minimal fashion.

Low-top

Inspired by the Classic Stan Smith silhouette, the minimal design incorporated the UN design with pyramid texturing on the outsole.

The last and detailing

The shape of the last had a narrow toe similar to dress shoes, with minimal branding stitched on a nylon heel tab.

Colors

While basic color combinations were chosen for the first round of production, monochromatic pastel colors followed.

Rugged high-top

Research showed rising interest in high-tops, so the sole was made to appear more rugged, similar construction to boots.

Detailing

Addded striped texture on the outsole, suede shoelace border, with a zipper and heeltab for easy pull-on.

Market

Customers responded positively to the release. Even though it did not seem to carry too much of the brand’s design language, the subtle geometry and upper details quietly revealed the brand’s DNA, which resonated with the customers.