Project Brief
Project Brief
Footwear Innovation / Athletic Performance / Spring 25 / 14 Weeks
Design a long jump shoe for optimizing athlete’s performance through variable flexibilty and materiality
Footwear Innovation / Athletic Performance / Spring 25 / 14 Weeks
Design a long jump shoe for optimizing athlete’s performance through variable flexibilty and materiality
Welcome to 2028 Olympic
Welcome to 2028 Olympic
The LA 2028 Olympics will push long jumpers to perform in extreme summer heat, with events spanning long hours and high temperatures. Athletes face limited attempts, fatigue, and shifting surface conditions—demanding footwear that delivers explosive propulsion, stability, and comfort while adapting to intense environmental stress.
The LA 2028 Olympics will push long jumpers to perform in extreme summer heat, with events spanning long hours and high temperatures. Athletes face limited attempts, fatigue, and shifting surface conditions—demanding footwear that delivers explosive propulsion, stability, and comfort while adapting to intense environmental stress.
6 Word story
6 Word story
Brand-Kelme
Brand-Kelme
Sport-Long Jump
Sport-Long Jump
Athlete-Tara Woodhall
Athlete-Tara Woodhall
It began by supporting local athletes and grew into an commanding presence — a symbol of passion, precision, and the fearless flair of a matador on the world stage.
It began by supporting local athletes and grew into an commanding presence — a symbol of passion, precision, and the fearless flair of a matador on the world stage.
A powerful build-up of speed, driven by precision and rhythm, unleashes into an explosive takeoff that propels the athlete forward with controlled force.
A powerful build-up of speed, driven by precision and rhythm, unleashes into an explosive takeoff that propels the athlete forward with controlled force.
Tara Davis-Woodhall is a long jump champion whose career is defined by fearless resilience. Despite facing setbacks and public scrutiny, she continues to rise with unshakable drive, turning adversity into fuel.
Tara Davis-Woodhall is a long jump champion whose career is defined by fearless resilience. Despite facing setbacks and public scrutiny, she continues to rise with unshakable drive, turning adversity into fuel.
What if Tension could Unlock Expression?
What if Tension could Unlock Expression?
What if Tension could Unlock Expression?
Design a long jump shoe for optimizing athlete’s performance through variable flexibilty and materiality
Design a long jump shoe for optimizing athlete’s performance through variable flexibilty and materiality
Energy loss during the competition
Long jump spikes lack optimized stiffness, leading to energy loss during takeoff.
Energy loss during the competition
Long jump spikes lack optimized stiffness, leading to energy loss during takeoff.
Force concentrated on the ball area of the foot during takeoff
Force concentrated on the ball area of the foot during takeoff
Ideal propulsion zone
Ideal propulsion zone
Athlete’s needs
Athletes need ductility to stay engaged
Without tension, control and responsiveness begin to fade.
Athlete’s needs
Athletes need ductility to stay engaged
Without tension, control and responsiveness begin to fade.
Athlete’s needs
Athletes need ductility to stay engaged
Without tension, control and responsiveness begin to fade.
Materiality research
Materiality research
Variable materiality
Forefoot: Torsion for smooth transition.
Midfoot: Stiff for explosive takeoff.
Heel: Slightly flexible for impact absorption.
Variable materiality
Forefoot: Torsion for smooth transition.
Midfoot: Stiff for explosive takeoff.
Heel: Slightly flexible for impact absorption.
BIOTENSE™
Delivers resistance to help muscles stay active before and after performance.
Focuses on the muscle groups most involved in long jump.
BIOTENSE™
Delivers resistance to help muscles stay active before and after performance.
Focuses on the muscle groups most involved in long jump.
Poor stiffness distribution reduces propulsion, affecting jump height and distance.
Poor stiffness distribution reduces propulsion, affecting jump height and distance.
Reinforcement
A high-speed additive manufacturing process that builds parts by binding powdered materials layer by layer with a liquid agent. Ideal for creating complex forms with minimal waste, binder jetting allows for rapid production and lightweight design — all without the need for heat during printing.
Reinforcement
A high-speed additive manufacturing process that builds parts by binding powdered materials layer by layer with a liquid agent. Ideal for creating complex forms with minimal waste, binder jetting allows for rapid production and lightweight design — all without the need for heat during printing.
Ideation Sketch
Ideation Sketch
Force Distribution Analysis
Force Distribution Analysis
Refinement Sketch
Refinement Sketch
Final Concept Sketch
Final Concept Sketch
Mockup Testing
Mockup Testing
3D Printed midsole & upper fit
3D Printed midsole & upper fit
Colorway
Colorway
Built to launch. Wired to win.
Built to launch. Wired to win.
Material Deep Dive
Material Deep Dive
In Situation Render
In Situation Render
© 2025 Howard Zheng. All rights reserved.
Select projects are conceptual works created for portfolio purposes.
This site is not affiliated with Kelme.
© 2025 Howard Zheng. All rights reserved.
Select projects are conceptual works created for portfolio purposes.
This site is not affiliated with Kelme.