Design Overview
How could we create a quick drying shoe that provides secure footing for open water entry and exits on slippery rocks, while providing comfort for the non-stop multiple segments of swimming and trail running of Swimrun?
Swimrun is an emerging race sport the involves athletes swimming and running multiple segments for a determined distance. These athletes face unique conditions of entering and exiting open water sections that contain wet slippery rocks and then must run extended distances in wet shoes. The Hydrostyde is focused on improving wet rock traction through a use of soft rubber Aquagrip for compression and hard Dyneema for durability. The Hydrostryde is designed for amphibious use and quick drying to improve athlete stability and comfort for this demanding race.
Course: Footwear Studio
When: May 2023 (3 weeks)
Role: Designer, Prototyper, Sewer,
Process: Research, Key Moments, Patents, Sketch, Tech Flat, Presentation
Tools: Illustrator, Rhino, Procreate, KeyShot, Keynote
Sport Background
Swimrun is a new endurance sport, first developed Sweden in 2002. Swimrun is a two persons team-sport involving non-stop multiple segments of swimming and running.
The swim legs are undertaken in open-water (lakes or the ocean) and run legs take place usually cross-country on various surfaces, mostly trails. A major rule of the event is that competitors must carry their equipment with them for the length of the race. This means that the athletes swim with their running shoes on and run while wearing their wetsuit.
