01 SURGE by POP_ performance skateboard footwear
FOOTWEAR DESIGN
Role
Footwear Designer
3D modeling & Rendering
Footwear Designer
3D modeling & Rendering
Duration
10 weeks
10 weeks
Team
School of Visual Arts
Products of Design
School of Visual Arts
Products of Design
Skills
Sketch / Procreate
Rhino / Keyshot
Illustrator / Photoshop
Figma
Physical Prototype
Sketch / Procreate
Rhino / Keyshot
Illustrator / Photoshop
Figma
Physical Prototype
Award
Project Overview
POP Shoes is a skateboarding footwear company that integrates advanced footwear technology from traditional sports into the skateboarding arena. Our initial model, Surge, addresses a specific unmet need within the skateboarding market. This project began by thoroughly researching and identifying a gap in the physical product category. The design process involved conceptualizing the product, brand, and user experience tailored to this gap.
The project spanned 10 weeks, starting with four weeks of solo work on design research, market analysis, and opportunity identification. Following this phase, we presented our findings and formed teams based on the most compelling design opportunities.
In this collaborative phase, I partnered with Nigel Keen, who contributed his expertise in skateboarding and Marketing, and Jacey Chen, who was instrumental in developing the banner image and overall branding. My role encompassed creating initial sketches, developing a 3D model using Rhino, and handling the Color Material Design. Additionally, I was responsible for the material rendering and animation in Keyshot and providing creative direction throughout the project.
Background
Skateboarding exposes feet to extreme stress, yet footwear in the sport has barely advanced technologically since the 1960s. Current options are either overly bulky, sacrificing mobility, or too focused on aesthetics, increasing injury risk. Unlike traditional sports, which offer high-performance products, skateboarding lacks a shoe that optimally balances protection, style, and peak performance. Our goal is to introduce a premium skateboarding shoe that enhances performance without compromising on safety or board feel.
Design Process
P-shaped carbon fiber plates are placed under the shoe to ensure
sufficient rebound during running and to enhance the energy for popping tricks.
sufficient rebound during running and to enhance the energy for popping tricks.
Throughout the 10 weeks, Nigel, Jacey, and I maintained close communication, whether discussing research or design directions.
Thanks to this excellent teamwork, we produced such a fantastic product and vision under a tight schedule.
Thanks to this excellent teamwork, we produced such a fantastic product and vision under a tight schedule.