Kateem Phaway Usuta

Press Kit

Unique Properties

A tough and lightweight trail running shoe making use of new technology and traditional know-how. The upper panels form a stretchy exoskeleton. It is robust, water repellant, breathable, has a carbon toe cap and defined flex zones. A sock-like inner and custom 3D printed insole guarantee perfect fit. The thin midsole can be adjusted with different inlays. Function and ergonomics are expressed with bold volumes, controlled surfacing, striking colors and minimal graphics empowering runners to perform better and achieve more.

Dimensions & Packaging

shoe size 42 (EU)
dimensions approximately: 100m x 280 mm x 110mm

Tags

concept, design, running, shoe, sneaker, trail, off-road, sport, extreme, innovative, carbon, 3D textile, 3D printing, custom, light weight

Production Technology

New manufacturing technologies and innovative or unusual materials are very important for this concept and make it really possible. The carbon fiber toe cap, the stretchy exoskeleton made from woven 3D textile mesh panels (used for the upper) and the custom 3D printed insole that guarantees a perfect fit for every individual foot and every runner are the main examples. The design does however also build on well-established and proven footwear technology to create an innovative product with exceptional performance.

Design Challenge

The main challenge for a project that is so closely related to the human body is the right balance between ergonomic and functional requirements and the desired formal expression.

Research

The concept is based on personal research analysing the market segment, the main competitors, the target group and relevant trends. Special focus was also put on ergonomics/anthropometrics and current and future materials and production techniques in the field of sneaker and sport shoe design. This research is mainly based on articles, literature review and interviews with experts. The findings were then transformed and translated in a tangible real world clay model and then refined in an extended formal research phase.

Inspiration

We are living in competitive times and sports and recreation are getting ever more important. So it is no surprise that trail running, a sport that offers the chance of real life adventures and competition outside in nature, is growing ever more popular. The main inspirations are coming from this off-road and sometimes extreme performance sport, new production techniques, rock formations, exoskeletons and low poly modeling for good measure.

Project Duration

Kateem is a private free time project that was developed and refined step by step on long evenings and during weekends. This lengthy process was finished in 2015 in Turin, Italy.

Operation Flow

The main aim is better protection and guidance for the foot of trail runners in rough and difficult terrain. The soft inner shoe is protected by a semi-rigid outer shell and a light weight carbon fiber toe cap. The 3D printed insole is an important ergonomic feature. Created individually with a specific profile for every runner rapid manufacturing techniques change the way footwear is designed. With traditional lacing - well known, reliable, easily adjustable - and the heel ribbon getting in and out of the shoe is really simple.

Image Credits

Image #1 : Photographer Florian Seidl, Kateem Product Shot 01, 2015.
Image #2 : Photographer Florian Seidl, Kateem Product Shot 02, 2015.
Image #3 : Photographer Florian Seidl, Kateem Product Shot 03, 2015.
Image #4 : Photographer Florian Seidl, Kateem Product Shot 04, 2015.
Image #5 : Designer Florian Seidl, Kateem Selected Sketches, 2015.