First let me tell you a tiny bit about HoDong Sung. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea where vivid memories spring forth of low eco standards in high-quality athletic footwear factories (this was in the 1980s.) From there, Sung spent time developing industrial design skills in super-eco-clean Australia. Then Sung was a footwear designer for Nike in Oregon, USA. Then on to Adidas in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

This path, along with the changing and ever-greening times, Sung began designing an eco-friendly no-performance-sacrificed set of shoes. For the Bio Mituri the “main idea is combining Korean traditional Mituri upper design with western developed sole structure, which is the perfect marriage of natural material with ergonomics.”

A. Mituri twisted straw replaced with bamboo yarn for durability, eco-friendliness. (Anti-bacterial, non-allergenic)

B. Mituri adjustability improved upon with new upper structure with a string system that wraps top, bottom, heel together all at once.

C. Mituri weak points done away with using biodegradable foam midsole. This sole biodegrades 50 times faster than the average shoe.

D. Production reduction (combining toe cap, heel counter, insole, and midsole in to one injection-molded midsole) minimizes CO2 emissions. Also has recycled tire outsole.

E. Glue used to connect outsole and midsole is water-based cement, avoiding chemical bonds that pollute.

Designer: HoDong SUNG

One of the key features of the LunarGlide+ is the cushioning support Nike calls Dynamic Support System. The tech comprises of Nike’s ultra cushy LunarLite foam core providing support for both neutral and pronate runners. The “+” denotation indicates compatibility with the Nike+ iPod kit.

With my textile background, I easily recognized the tried-and-true materials of choice for footwear. Mesh uppers and microfiber layers provide exceptional support and are incredibly breathable. They also stretch quite a bit since feet tend to expand once the pavement pounding starts. The rear outsole is made of hard rubber which is perfect for me since I overpronate. The outside corners of my shoes always wear out first so it’s nice to see Nike has mastered this aspect without weighing down the shoe. The LunarGlide+ weighs a scant 10.6 oz.

I took out a whole month to use the shoe. It doesn’t come with the Nike+ iPod kit but a quick visit to the Apple store and a fresh pair of crew socks and I was ready to go. It is extremely comfortable, like air and with every step I felt some artificial spring. At times it gave me the forward momentum I needed while simultaneously cushioning my feet. If I didn’t know better I’d swear there was some sort of gel pad in there but no, it’s the LunarLite foam. It does it job very well.

That’s the real key behind all the accolades. It’s extremely lightweight, encompasses the latest Nike tech, combines great design and priced right in the middle of Nike’s range. In my month of everyday use, the shoe still looks new. The inner and outsole are intact and the foam cushioning hasn’t deteriorated one bit. At $100 it’s a bargain. I have continued to run even after my review. The shoe has converted me so that’s one more accolade the LunarGlide+ can add to the trophy cabinet.

Designer: Nike [ Buy it here ]

 

Designer: Marc Illan

Windry also uses a Venturi effect to promote air movement within the boot’s dead end space (the toe) and this is created by the air movement over the top of the product. When trials where conducted, the design proved effective in drying out the shoes in “subtle outdoor breezes and indoors with a cold fan or electric fan heater.”

Lemme explain how this works, place Windry into the gumboots, the hooded design on the top redirects the air into the gumboot, thus airing and drying it quickly.

Windry is made from HDPE plastic and is 100% recyclable; moreover it’s a single piece without any moving parts. It operates effectively in the natural wind without the need of an electrical input.

Designer: John Lee

The SCOTT Pivot System, the Brake Transfer Pad, and the Sure-Feel Shifter Pad. Boot it up! Looks rather Iron-Man-ish doesn’t it? I’ll take mine in slime-green.

For an EXTENSIVE early review of this boot from last year, check out the forums at [Thumpertalk] – the boot is now in full production. Check out the Cedric Ragot portfolio site to see video and additional process pics!

Designer: Cedric Ragot

The shoe comes in black, charcoal grey, green, yellow, silver, white and purple colorways; available in Australia May 2009 (a-hem Shane). If you live outside Aussieland, hit up the Melissa website to order online.

Architect: Zaha Hadid

• Extra traction for slippery surfaces.
• The sole of each CitySlipper has the map of either New York, Paris or Tokyo.
• Pull on/off grip and the soft siliconpad on the sides makes it very convenient.
• Flexible design to fit almost any heel height and thickness due to flexible material and construction.
• Protection for the delicate leather/suede sole of your shoe and the tip of the shoe against the elements.
• Low-Cut style is for shoes with bows and buckles.

Designer: SWIMS Studio

Designer: Rick Kay [ Product Page ] [ Via: Gizmag ]

[ Via: Design Crack ]

Designer: Natalie Cosette Thorne

Converts from a 9 cm high heel to 4 cm low heel.