Project Brief
Footwear Innovation / Athletic Performance / Summer 25 / 14 Weeks
“Redesign the Vans skate shoe to enhance performance and sustainability through modular construction and reduced material waste.”
HOW COULD A SKATE SHOE REINVENT ITSELF?
Exploring modularity, recycled materials, and performance-driven design to push durability and creativity in every ride.
SKATE / STREET PERFORMANCE
ROOTED IN SKATE HERITAGE
ADAPT TO IMPACTS AND STREET CONDITIONS
INSTINCTIVE CONTROL ON BOARD
USER / EVERYDAY SKATER
RESILIENT / CREATIVE
RHYTHMIC / PRECISE IN STYLE
DELIVER A LOCKED-IN FIT AND FLEXIBILITY FOR BOARD CONTROL AND COMFORT
WHAT IF A SKATE SHOE COULD BE REBUILT FROM ITS OWN FRAGMENTS?
IMPACT PROTECTION
RESPONSIVE CUSHIONING SYSTEM TO ABSORB LANDINGS AND REDUCE FATIGUE
EASY DISASSEMBLY
MODULAR COMPONENTS AND REDUCED ADHESIVES FOR SIMPLE REPAIR AND RECYCLING
DURABILITY
REINFORCED ZONES, RECYCLED MATERIALS FOR LONG-TERM WEAR
TRACTION
CUSTOMIZED OUTSOLE PATTERN FOR RELIABLE GRIP AND CONSISTENT FLICK
TEXTILES
MULTI-TONAL / LAYERED SURFACES
CONTRASTING MATERIALITIES
CELEBRATE FUNCTION + AESTHETIC
MATERIAL INSPIRATION
RECYCLED / REMNANT SOURCES
FUNCTIONAL / SUSTAINABLE
EXTEND PERFORMANCE THROUGH REUSE
REMATERIALIZE
The Remnant redesign transforms leftover materials into modular, performance-ready components, blending sustainability with skate-ready durability and control.
Mockup Refinement
Final Mockup
MODULARITY
EASILY REPLACED COMPONENTS TO EXTEND PRODUCT LIFE AND REDUCE WASTE
Full process on Miro
© 2025 Howard Zheng. All rights reserved.
Select projects are conceptual works created for portfolio purposes.
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