Outdoor sandal
KIVA
Created when I was R&D in Lizard footwear.
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Challenge
Create a feather-light, barefoot, and water-resistant sandal with quick wrapping lacing system for any outdoor conditions, but suitable for city outfits.
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Outcome
The sandals are inspired by native American's (Hohokam and Mogollon cultures) sandals made of yucca. The region of those tribes is famous for the Tarahumara runners , renowned for their extraordinary endurance running abilities in rough terrain wearing only huaraches, flat rawhide-soled sandals.
The name of the sandal derives from "kivas" that are square-walled underground places used for spiritual ceremonies by native Americans. The webbing graphics are inspired by the ancient drawing representing lizards made by native Americans on the rocks and the pottery.
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Upper
Wrapping lacing system with webbing and lace. The lacing connects 6 webbing straps in the forefoot area with an ankle fixation for a very good fit.
Polyester webbings are resistant and dry quickly, to enhance feet comfort.
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Sole
The midsole is made of non-absorbing EVA and the rubber outer sole has multidirectional lugs for best grip, suitable for slippery surfaces such as rocks.
The form of the sole is wide for underfoot protection without impeding foot's natural movements. It accommodates feet's natural shape thanks to anatomical toe box, high flexibility, zero-drop and zero support.
The sole is presented in two thicknesses: protective – 13 mm, sensitive – 8 mm.
Weight of the sandals: protective – 116 gr, sensitive – 89 gr.
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Creation process
Service/
Design research,
Concept development,
Prototype testing and refinements,
Applied graphic design
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Year /
2016
