When beginning to go about designing my sneaker, I was very much inspired by a similar market that the Levi commuter jean targets; the athletic professional who enjoys the comfort when running through the city or hopping on a bike but needs to look polished and professional at work. Using this as a basis of my inspiration, I attempted to combine the comfort and practicality associated with the “barefoot” running shoe with the style of a more traditional formal business shoe. By eliminating the bulk of the sole, the shoe feels incredibly lightweight and minimalist when its function is to serve as a running shoe and the heel does not interfere with the natural feeling associated with barefoot running. The majority of the shoe is constructed from tightly woven mesh that is extremely breathable and flexible (both of which are needed in running shoes) but also gives the the more uniform color and texture of a more formal shoe even from a few feet back. The shoe is made with an inner sock like lining which provides ankle support and the top part of the shoe, available in both leather or synthetic options, allows for a streamlined pant to shoe look. The pattern on the bottom of the shoe is rather similar to the bottom of a barefoot running shoe, providing the most support to the toe and heel region.
