Project: MT110v2
The original MT110 we focused on having a fit like a second skin making it like a soccer boot (built using the Minimus last). With round 2 the goal was to use 3D ink printing on upper to achieve a more dynamic fit (stretch and structure) and also use an updated last aimed at straightening out the previous last.
As the project evolved the fit/execution wasn’t as good so we had to modify the concept ultimately making a shoe that was not quite as bold.
The final concept was a very different shoe than we set out to make but overall received a lot of positive feedback. The new last and design didn’t sit well with the die hard Minimus crowd but those that did like it really appreciated the updates.
(Above)The idea for the second skin, 3D ink printing execution came from the Minimus HiRez. My goal was to evolve the visual to be more dynamic and introduce a second type of print to have both stretch and support.
(Above)We built out too patterns to test with the athletes. Since the prototyping process was in some ways simpler than cut and sew product..we were able to iterate quickly.
Early sole unit designs were focused on creating a simple platform that was lightweight with a lot of traction (see the evolution from the sketches above through the model below). The original MT110 bottom was pretty sparse through the mid-foot and our athletes were looking for a bit more coverage.
The final bottom design opted for a full coverage outsole with a pretty traditional lug design (lug direction dictated by braking or accelerating). We toyed with the idea of having this ripple forefoot element to reduce weight but have some big lugs..but it was a little more complicated than our athletes were looking for at the time.
The final bottom design opted for a full coverage outsole with a pretty traditional lug design (lug direction dictated by braking or accelerating). We toyed with the idea of having this ripple forefoot element to reduce weight but have some big lugs..but it was a little more complicated than our athletes were looking for at the time.
We did a lot of sampling and work with our athletes to get the design to work but we just had too much trouble getting the print to behave and provide the structure we needed. After a few rounds of modifications we shifted from the 3D ink printed upper design to something a bit simpler(below).
The goal with the redesign was to still have a glove-like feel we full protection. Due to the design change coming so late in the process, we had to move quick..but we were able to get it done and deliver best in class product.
The final design was well received by our athletes addressing some of the concerns from the first shoe (lack of underfoot protection/comfort, upper durability, last issues). Ultimately the design was such a departure people didn’t think of it as a follow up of the original but a new model all together which is fair. Credit to the team for pulling this one together!
Credit to Biker Nate for the images above! Appreciate the feedback.