SHINOBI

The process began with research into the evolution of the Boost shoe to define its key characteristics, which include its innovative energy-return sole and stealth performance aesthetics. The shoes also work effectively with monochrome graphics.

Initial pencil sketches, aimed to enhance the sense of boost, required a new sole unit to be devised, incorporating heel and forefoot boost ‘capsules’ to provide additional energy return.

These boost capsules were strategically positioned in voids between a more rigid chassis, which offered anatomical support to various areas of the foot.

To convey the overall look and feel intended for the redesign, a certain ‘stealth’ quality in the existing shoes was identified. This led to the exploration of an ‘urban-ninja’ direction, defined through a mood board that outlined the creative vision.

A theme board was also developed to examine traditional and modern ‘ninja’-style shoes. An intriguing discovery was made regarding the undersole, where distinct zones for the heel and forefoot resembled the outsole concept begun earlier. Hidden tab closures emerged as a potential insight for a key feature, forming part of the design specification.

The ‘BOOST’ theme evoked ideas of astronauts, rockets, and space travel. This reference to familiar space attire inspired material choices and forms, while another iconic Adidas shoe, the Micropacer, aligned with the ‘boost’ concept of space travel due to its external tongue panel resembling a space shuttle, as well as its innovative bi-density sole.

Rapid sketches of the upper section were created, focusing on thematic features and details inspired by space shuttle silhouettes and the notion of ‘strapping in’ with elasticated belts and tab fastenings.

A final hand sketch was produced and subsequently translated into a digital format to retain overall proportions and allow for the accurate refinement of geometries, constructions, and details, resulting in a design specification drawing.

Explorations of possible graphic and tonal combinations provided an initial impression of the shoe as it would first be seen by its audience. Panels were checked for alignment to ensure that various elements could create a variety of strong silhouettes in future versions, should the shoe evolve into a long-term brand style.

Finally, several material samples were proposed to complement the visual and tactile impression intended for the shoe, including soft, padded, textured leather, silver detailing, and contrasting sole finishes.

The name SHINOBI translates from Japanese as ‘STREET NINJA’.