Friday 31 January 2014

OUGD505 - Study Task 1 - Trainers: Uses

  • Athletic shoe is a generic name for the footwear primarily designed for sports or other forms of physical exercise but in recent years has come to be used for casual everyday activities.
  • As the industry and designs have expanded, the term "athletic shoes" is based more on the design of the bottom of the shoe than the aesthetics of the top of the shoe. 
  • Today's designs include sandals, Mary Janes, and even elevated styles suitable for running, dancing, and jumping.
  • While the original design was basic, manufacturers have since tailored athletic shoes for the different purposes that they can be used for. 
There are a variety of specialised shoes designed for specific uses:
Racing

Generally it is the same as a casual sneaker. It features a bottom with a different gripping style, and most racing shoes these days are hi-tops.

Track shoes
Track shoes are used for any kind of track sport, from running to hurdles. They feature a bottom with specially made spikes for maximum grip on the surface.


Skating

Skating shoes are generally known for being the starting point to casual sneakers. They are usually wide sneakers with a thick sole, and thick material used around the whole shoe.
Climbing
Climbing shoes are much more flexible than standard sneakers. They fit more easily and are made out of thinner but tough material, making it easier for a climber to grip onto rocks.

Approach/Hiking

Hiking sneakers are standard sneakers which are a bit more hard-wearing. They have a thicker sole with grip designed in a way to work on any terrain. The materials used are thicker and more hardwearing.
Wrestling

Wrestling sneakers are for indoor sports so don't need as much grip as usual sneakers. They are usually hi-tops, covering the athletes ankles for support. They are made of more flexible material.
Football/Rugby
Football and rugby sneakers used to be the same, but because of modern developments, football trainers have been improved to a much lighter material and features studs which are permanently attached. Rugby sneakers are the traditional sneakers. They are made of hardwearing material and have studs that are removable.

Astro

Astro-trainers are a development from the original football sneakers, developed purely for use on astro-turf. These sneakers feature rubber studs which are smaller than on football/rugby sneakers, but larger than on a typical sneaker.
Basketball
Basketball sneakers are the origin of casual sneakers. They are made out of a variety of materials and have rubber grip on the sole appropriate for the basketball courts.
Casual

Casual sneakers are the most worn sneakers of the modern day. They are a development of the basketball sneakers, but not as technically specific. These are worn every day and are generally made to stand any kind of terrain for a limited amount of time.

Wednesday 29 January 2014

OUGD505 - Study Task 1 - Trainers: Iconic Trainers

Iconic Sneakers
Among the thousands or trainers/sneakers that are available in the world today, there are a few that are classed as the most iconic and recognisable in any part of the world. These are the ones that have stood the test of time and are still bought in the masses today.

Converse All Star High-Tops

1916
Arguable the most iconic trainers of all time, these shoes haven't changed one bit since their original design in 1916. Converse expanded the range of trainers but they are all centred around this original design.

Vans Checkerboard
1970's
For this iconic shoe, it's not so much the style of shoe, but the design on it. This checkerboard became the recognisable for Van's in the 1970's and grew in popularity, so much to the point where they have an entire range of trainers dedicated to variations of this one pattern.

Nike Air Jordan I
1985
Many Nike sneakers are considered to be iconic and well recognisable in todays world, but the original Air Jordan's, which started off the on going Air Jordan line, are classed as the one of the most iconic pairs. It is also the only pair in the line to feature the swoosh logo on the side.

Adidas Superstar
1969
It was a popular basketball shoe when first released but is now worn as an everyday casual sneaker choice, which was primarily down to the adoption of hip-hop crews in the early 80's.

Nike Air Force 1
1982
This sneaker pair is iconic because it was the first to be sold with Nike's air cushioning system. It was popular on the basketball courts before becoming a fashion trend a few years later thanks to the release of the Air Jordans.

Nike Air Jordan 11
1995
These sneakers were designed and created in 1995 but didn't go commercially on sale until 2000. Until that point only Michael Jordan himself wore them on the basketball courts. This caused a lot of media attention, and even more attention when he wore them in the Looney Tunes Movie 'Space Jam'. These sneakers went on to be the fastest selling shoes of all time.

Onisuka Tiger Corsair
Late 1940's
Onisuka made huge leaps in the development of it's sneakers during the time when Knight & Bowerman (Nike Founders) were working with them. The result of this was the Corsair, which are still highly recognisable today.

New Balance 574
1990
While New Balance isn't relatively large in comparison to Nike & Adidas, when it started distributing shoes with J Crew sales increased dramatically, with the 574's becoming instantly popular because of their comfortable fit.

Reebok Ex-O-Fit
1983
These sneakers practically made Reebok a household name in the 80's. They soared in popularity due to the craze around aerobics and jazzercise at the time.

Nike Mag
Originally seen 1985 - Sold in 2011
Not really a commercial sneaker, but up until 2011 it was classed at the most iconic sneaker that was never made and sold thanks to its role in Back To The Future. In 2011, 1500 pairs were put on sale, with bids of ebay going over £47,000.

Adidas Samba
1950
These sneakers are still Adidas's best selling shoe of all time, and are still sold today. In 1950 they became the blueprint for modern sneakers.

Keds Champion
1916
From the original sneaker makers, the first commercially marketed and sold sneaker is among the most iconic and still on sale today. Many sneaker companies have copied this classic style.

Puma States/Suedes
1968
These sneakers are iconic due to the multi-use of them. They are popular on the basketball courts, as well as with skateboarders and other sports. They were also popular among hip-hop crews in the 80's, cementing their status as modern iconic sneakers.

Most Expensive Sneakers Ever
As well as these iconic sneakers, there are others which are important in the sneaker world because of how much they retail for. This can be to do with a limited release, the materials used or the association of them.

Nike Air Yeezy 2 - $93,000
Designed in a collaboration between Nike & Kanye West. A pair of these were on auction on ebay for up to $93,000, making them the most expensive sneakers ever.

Air Mag - $75,000
Limited edition Nike Air Mags were selling for up to $75,000 on ebay.

Air Jordan Silver Shoe - $60,000
The Air Jordan Silver Shoe is autographed by Michael Jordan and was placed on ebay auction for $60,000.

Nike Air Force One by Prryya & Chinatan’s Couture and Jewelry - $50,000
This Nike Air Force One featured a cast in gold and 11 carats in diamonds.

Kobe Air Zoom 1 (Autographed) - $30,000
Nike released 25 pairs of Kobe Air Zoom 1, all autographed by Kobe. These were auctioned for $30,000.

Air Jordan I (Originals) - $25,000
One of the original Air Jordan I pairs now sells for up to $25,000.

Nike High Dunk - $5,405
These Nike High Dunk's were dipped in gold and retailed at the price of $5,405.

Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Paris” - $3,500
Nike made only 202 pairs of this sneaker, with the selling price now up to $3,500.

Ugliest Sneakers Ever
On top of price being something that makes a sneaker iconic, some are iconic because of how awful they are/look.

Adidas Kobe 2
The Kobe 2 by Adidas is counted as one of the ugliest pair of sneakers ever made, if not the ugliest.

Iverson for Reebok
It can be argued that the majority of Iverson shoes for Reebok are remembered for being ugly, but these red toed ones are particularly ugly.

Adidas Kobe Crazy 8
In monochrome this sneaker isn't so bad, but when the full colour is added it comes far too much to look at.

Madfoot
Madfoot isn't a relatively well known brand, but it is known for these awful sneakers.

Nike Footscape
When Nike started working with woven material it was never going to go well, and this shows the disastrous outcome.

First Round Puma Boots
Classed amongst some of the worst shoes ever by Puma, these just show why they shouldn't venture into sneaker boots without a good design.

Nike Dunk High Matador
These aren't necessarily ugly in shape, but some of the designs used are truly awful. Safe to say this was the last time Nike tried to using a fringe on the collar of their sneakers.

Puma K-1
These sneakers aren't made for every day use, they're meant for kayaking. They're still ugly in every sense of the word.

Nike Glade
Nike tried to bring a slip on shoe to the market. It didn't go down too well and shows why this style of shoe should be left to Vans.

Vibram
Aesthetically these are universally agreed on being some of the ugliest sneakers ever made, if not the ugliest.

Reebok Insta-pump
These were Reebok's attempt at using the air cushioning system in sneakers.

These lists just show that these big brands can create iconic and commercially successful sneakers, but at the same time, create some truly horrific looking sneakers.


Sources
http://www.creativebloq.com/design/20-best-sneaker-designs-ever-712388
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2035320/Back-Future-replica-Nike-trainers-sold-Michael-J-Fox-foundation.html
http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2013/05/30-iconic-sneakers-that-should-always-be-in-production/
http://www.vanityfair.com/style/carls-crush/top-ten-sneakers-of-all-time-201112
http://www.runningwithheels.com/index.php/2012/04/top-10-most-iconic-sneakers/
http://rollingout.com/sports/kanye-wests-nike-air-yeezy-2-could-retail-for-89100-5-most-expensive-sneakers-in-the-world/
http://www.bornrich.com/kanye-wests-limited-edition-nike-sneakers-sold-90000-ebay.html
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1118727-the-50-ugliest-basketball-shoes-ever-made
http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/11/25/ugliest-sneakers-ever-made-what-were-they-thinking/
http://www.sneakerwatch.com/article/001105/sneakerwatchs-100-ugliest-sneakers-ever/

Tuesday 28 January 2014

OUGD505 - Study Task 1 - Trainers: Packaging

In the sports shoe industry, the boxes and packaging has become as important as the shoes themselves. These packages are what the companies use to try differentiate themselves from competition in similar shoe designs. With some trainers coming in at such expensive prices, the companies put these custom boxes/packaging for specific shoes to try make them more individual and seem of more value than the competitors. Companies are also starting to make the boxes as much the product as the shoe is, integrating the two to draw the customers in.

A prime example of this is adicolor Lo.
Originally released in 1983, and remade in 2006, the adicolor LO was presented in a wooden painters box complete with brushes, paint and sealant. It is a literal concept, benefitting an owners creativity and the impulse to personalize shoes.

Something else that is quite popular among companies is to associate the shoe with someone well known. Nike has taken full advantage of this and has a wide range of shoes & boxes dedicated to basketball players, each with their own interesting and individual features.

Adidas Abdul-Jabbar
1971
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's adidas involvement was something that the brand was keen to capitalize on.

Nike Air Jordan II 
1987 
For the Air Jordan II, following on the breathtaking success of the original Air Jordan, this simply wouldn’t do. The Italian-made, Swooshless shoe arrived on American shores in an equally elegant one-piece black and white box that featured the ball and wings logo as a central element.

Nike Jordan XVII 
2002
The most expensive Air Jordan of all time at a cool $200, the Air Jordan XVII was presented in a metal briefcase that should have come with a pair of handcuffs. Instead, it arrived with a CD of videos and imagery giving some of the backstory to the shoe.

Nike Jordan XVIII 
2003
After the Jordan XVII set the standard for ostentatious packaging of a general release basketball shoe, expectations were high for the release of the XVIII. While materials weren't as lofty - no metal, just cardboard - the XVIII featured one of Beaverton's first drawer style boxes.

Nike Air Jordan VI/XI 
2006
This set retailed for $295. Both the Air Jordan VI and XIs have hints of gold subtlety designed on the sneakers. The casing itself is blinding with that loud gold throughout its sides. The shoeboxes slide out and then fold down revealing pictures of defining moments in Michael Jordan’s career.

Vans x Simpsons 
2007
Commemorating the Simpsons Movie, Vans commissioned 12 artists for a collaborative package of 14 total shoes. In true Simpsons form, each artist was given the Matt Groening treatment becoming fully functioning characters in the story.

Nike Jordan XXII
2007
The theme for the Air Jordan XX2 was “stealth.” Inspiration was drawn from the F-22 — at the time the most advanced fighter jet in the world — and the box followed the shape of the plane's hangar. Michael Jordan accepted the theme to the extent that he started answering to “Stealth” himself.

Nike LeBron 9 “China”
2011
This release was inspired by the Chinese zodiac’s year of the dragon, with a light blue upper, contrasting orange Swoosh and a dragon mural printed across the tongue. The packaging complements the sneakers perfectly with an intricate design throughout the shoebox.

As well as using well known figures on the packaging & to endorse the products, many shoe companies collaborate with designers to create more interesting shoes, packaging or both.

Nike "Pushead" Dunk SB 
2005
Nike SB utilized Pushead’s insole print on the lid of the box, marking the first time an SB box was as displayable as the shoes within.

Adidas x Star Wars/Bape x Marvel
Star Wars: 2005
Marvel: 2009 
When working on a shoebox design and collaborating with a toy company, it was definitely the right choice for Adidas to incorporate the traditional toy packaging. Both Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader would be proud.

New Balance x Crooked Tongues "Confederacy of Villainy" Collection
2007
New Balance collaborated with the Crooked Tongues team to package their UK-made 'Confederacy of Villainy' pack celebrating some well-known villains, and wanted something beyond the neutral beige of the contemporary box. Each shoe got its own box with the fine fonts and art skill of tattooist and Crooked crew member Mr. BJ Betts applied. That slide-out case encased the shoes in their standard packaging.

Nike x Concepts "Blue Lobster" Dunk SB
2009
Boston retailer Concepts has released two versions of the famed Lobster dunk — the first in 2008 and the second in 2009. The shoes were tagged, bagged, and stashed in a HAZMAT foam container.

Another design decision that has become popular among these brands is the materials used for the packaging. As shown above, there is a wide variety that use formats and materials not usually associated with shoe packaging.

Adizero f50 Boot
3mm Glow edge perspex with screen printed logos.

Newton Running
Environmentally friendly materials.

PureProject Shoes
Bamboo casing with laser etched lids.

Nike Air Concept Packaging
Air cushion.

Puma Clever Little Bag
Environmentally friendly materials.

Sources
http://www.complex.com/art-design/2011/08/the-25-best-sneaker-boxes
http://www.kicksonfire.com/2012/06/29/most-creative-sneaker-boxes-ever/
http://wedesignpackaging.com/cool-packaging-designs-of-shoes/
http://crnchy.com/art/evolution-of-sneaker-boxes-by-stephen-cheetham/
http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2013/8/1/20-creative-shoe-package-designs.html
http://kicksoffcourt.com/2013/10/21/important-sneakers-packaging/
http://www.icanbecreative.com/175-creative-product-packaging-designs.html