T T N S E U E B R L L I N W U E T R H X T T E S N E N U B R N L L U I T R W X E E N H T N S E U E B R L L I N W U T E X R H E T T N S E E N B U R L N I U T W R X E E T N H S
This project strives to improve NB 997 in both functionality and aesthetic. This project endeavor to create a better version of NB 997 that prevent injury from running, to protect user’s feet, to encourage correct form of running, and to be more aesthetically appealing.
Humans are the best long-distance runners on the planet scientifically, but why do 70% of runners experience injuries every year? Natural selection has shaped humans into the best long-distance runner. We may not have acceleration like leopards but we are capable of running long distance such as marathon or even ultra-marathon. But why do runners still commonly experience injuries? If natural selection has made us the best, why aren’t our bodies more prone to prevent running injury from what we do the best?
Because runners run differently now due to the use of athletic footwear. Due to the extra cushion that athletic footwear provides, runners tend to land their foot on wherever the cushion is the thickest; therefore runners are prone to land on their heels, and roll their ankles inward. Moreover, they are also prone to take longer strides because the cushion can absorb bigger landing force. Foot muscles already act as a natural cushion for running and walking. The addition of athletic footwear drives runner’s form away from being natural. And running with an incorrect form can easily causes injuries.
RUNNING BAREFOOT CORRECT FORM LESS INJURY
How is running with NB 997 different from running barefoot? To find out how exactly different is running with shoes, in this case NB 997, and barefoot, I ran on a treadmill in both situation and captured the exact moment when my foot landed, mid-stride, and picked up. I had also created pressure graphs to see how my weight distributed while running, as well as material analysis of the footwear. Through the experimentation and research, I was able to see the difference in form in both situation and identify key factors to create a more barefoot-running-like experience.
Restricted ankle movement
Unbreathable material (suede) Unergonomic curve
Unnecessary cushion
Heavy material (rubber)
How should it make the users feel? This design should convince user that this footwear will be act extensions of their feet, instead of an attachment. This deigns should make user feel excited about the run, being dynamic, colorful and fluid. Moreover it must emphasize the relationship to the ground and feet.
How does it work? To reduce the weight and maximize breath-ability, mesh is used throughout the shoe. In fact, only the out-sole and heel counter is not mesh. The smaller tongue and larger arc of the shoe removes obstacles the restrict the movement of feet. The counter not only protects the feet, it also give the shoe a sense of dynamism. The minimal, breathable and light weight material, as well as a more ergonomic shape provide user a experience that’s similar to barefoot running, but with proper protection and style.
More space for ankle movement
Maximum mesh coverage
Minimal cushion MESH OVERLAY
MESH
PLASTIC
EVA
EVA
NEXT RUN WILL BE THE EST RUN