Customer Case 1
Design Assistance for a New Shoe Style
If you are in one of these business types, this case is for you:
- Private Label Shoe Brands
- Fashion Footwear Designers
- Boutique Footwear Retailers
- Emerging Footwear Startups
Project Overview
Client Country
Czech Republic
Date
April 2023
Products
Custom Shoe Design Development
This was the first time a Czech client developed a new shoe style, and their design featured a complex multi-layered logo. Since the upper material was leather, its natural thickness created a challenge: stacking multiple layers at the sole could lead to deformation. The client lacked experience with material constraints and industrial production techniques, requiring guidance to refine their design for manufacturability.
Challenges
1. Material Constraints & Structural Issues
- The client’s original design used multiple stacked leather layers, which risked causing deformation at the sole.
- The connection between the upper and outsole needed adjustments to ensure durability and aesthetics.
2. Lack of Technical Knowledge
- The client was unfamiliar with how different leather thicknesses and processes impact production quality.
- Their design lacked feasibility for mass production without compromising on aesthetics.
3. Multiple Iterations for Perfection
- Since this was their first shoe development project, they required extensive sampling and refinement before finalizing the design.
Solutions
1. Process Optimization
- We suggested reducing the leather thickness at the joint between the upper and outsole to prevent sole deformation while maintaining the design’s original aesthetic.
- Recommended alternative craft techniques to achieve the layered effect without sacrificing durability.
2. Collaborative Design Improvement
- Worked closely with the client to update details and refine the design for manufacturability.
- Conducted multiple prototype iterations, ensuring customer input was reflected in each version.
3. Final Product Success
- After multiple refinements, we produced a sample that met the customer’s vision and technical standards.
- The client was highly satisfied and updated the colorway, turning this style into a staple product in their seasonal collections.
Showcased Capabilities
- Custom Design Support: Ability to turn complex customer designs into manufacturable, high-quality products.
- Material Expertise: Deep understanding of leather properties and production feasibility.
- Iterative Prototyping: Commitment to refining products through multiple sampling stages until perfection is achieved.
- Long-Term Partnership: The client successfully reordered this style every season, reinforcing a trusted collaboration.
