MTN. VERTEX

Hybrid Mtn. Biking / Hiking Shoe

A hybrid mountain biking and hiking shoe, combining durable, waterproof, and breathable materials with dual-purpose tread and a BOA speed lace system for versatility and performance across both activities.

Moodboard

Impact Zones & Foot Placement

By breaking down the shoe into impact zones and pressure points during mountain biking, I can determine where protection is most needed. This allows me to know where to design certain areas with greater durability and support.

Medium Impact

High Impact

Most pressure put here

Narrowing it Down

Aesthetics + Function

Clay Mockups

Short Lugs- Grip for steering

Large Lugs- Off-road grip

Center Tread

Outer Tread

Tire Tread Research

Mountain bike tire tread is optimized for off-road, rugged conditions. By studying its design and incorporating similar principles into my shoe’s tread, I can ensure optimal performance for both hiking and mountain biking.

Extra Grip- Large Lugs

Hiking Zone- Medium Lugs

Pedal Zone- Short Lugs

Hiking Zone- Medium Lugs

Extra Grip- Large Lugs

Tread Refinement

Using the zone map inspired by tire tread, the design incorporates different lug sizes to enhance both hiking and biking performance. The pedal zone features shorter lugs for maximum contact with the pedal, while the hiking zones have larger lugs for better grip on rugged terrain.

3D Printed Mockups

3D-printed mockups allowed me to visually assess and physically test the tread design, helping me determine the best depth and layering.

ACG Branding

Nike’s ACG (All Conditions Gear) line focuses on rugged, outdoor-ready products. This concept aligns with their brand story and draws inspiration from their current design language.

Adding Depth

Incorporating transparent TPU with the chain-link inspired pattern adds depth, visual interest, and a cohesive design element to the shoe.

Nike

15 week timeframe

Senior, 2024

Individual Project