MOST INNOVATIVE

Many technical challenges have been presented to me. Some have resulted in patents and awards. Some were world-firsts or found themselves on a Paris runway. Others achieved commercial success.

Here are a few of the most innovative:

  • VELOUS Footwear: The Recovery category is lacking in true performance solutions. ‘Soft foam’ is as technical as it gets, until now. Patent-pending Tri-Motion Technology is a simple and effective performance solution. It addresses exactly what the foot needs at three phases of the foot-strike motion: a stable and cushioned heel impact, an ergonomic and supportive arch, and a flexible forefoot. The perfect balance of softness, stability and support.

  • Ventolation: The task was to create a modular, molded sandal concept. The sole unit was to be shared amongst many molded uppers. This enabled internal water/debris drainage channels within the sole unit. A pop-through attachment-plug array allows for a quick, no-glue assembly.

  • Berghaus: The 'Vapour Claw' is an ultra lightweight, breathable, high traction 'off-trail' runner. It's lug design was patented. In 2013 it was Trail Running Magazine UK’s ‘Gold Medalist - Best New Trail Running Shoe’ and The Great Outdoors’ ‘Trail Runner of the Year’.

  • Speedo: 'Fathom AQ' is a high-water mark in the brand's aquatic workout category. The most technical aqua shoe from Speedo to-date, employing seamless construction, welding reinforcement and engineered textile techniques.

  • Simple: Green Toe is an environmentally conscious collection. Using car tires for soles and old carpet padding for cushioning, it also used no glue in its construction.

  • Teva: 'Trail Wraptor' is the world's first running sandal. A patented strapping system pulls the sandal up to meet the foot, creating the very secure fit needed for the stresses and unpredictable movement of trail running.

  • Adidas: The 'Hellbender' was both a technical and commercial success. A unique internal midsole construction kept the dirt and pebbles entering the shoe when in water away from the foot. The upper construction was a counter-intuitive solution of having the more minimal drainage mesh along the lower half, where it is needed to allow water egress.

  • Adidas: 'M2SP' boot was an unusual ski boot style 'clamshell' construction, with the tongue on the outside and laces along the qtr panels. It was adopted into the Yohji Yamamoto/Adidas collection, the brand's pre-Y3 collaboration with the fashion designer.