RUNMATE
Running shoes have to be replaced every 300-500 miles, what means every 4-6 months- a huge problem though. So how can we start the change and create more sustainableshoes that last as long as possible?
The answer is runmate – a running shoe or even acompanion for lifetime. Runmate describes a clean, reduced running shoe, that is mostlyexchangeable in all of it‘s parts.
Every person is unique, so is his footprint, his foot posture, his way of walking.... Why shouldn't his footwear be unique? So I thought about how we can change the system by creating a new, circular, customized system for customers. But the parts need to fit tightly and in the right position again after replacement, so this task should be done by trained staff. So I studied the general structure of a running shoe to find weak points that can be improved and redesigned.
Process
The basic idea was to develop a new type of running shoe that is durable, individual and, above all, sustainable. After all, around 260 million people in the world engage in running and they all need the right shoe for their passionate sport.
However, running shoes also create a lot of waste. That's why Runmate is a circular shoe concept with interchangeable parts that can be recycled in the right way.
To find the right shape and design, I started thinking about what I thought should be included in a new type of running shoe, in addition to what is always necessary, such as speed, comfort and less weight.
The heel part sole is hooked to the front part of the outsole and additionally connected with a kind of screw. Additional support is provided by part of the lacing. The tread is snapped into the sole by T-connections. At the top, the insole with memory function closes the sole. The stabilizing part of the sole, which extends to the upper, is connected to the outsole by vulcanization.
