Many years ago I designed a soccer shoe concept that was made with a heat/UV shrinking material.
7 years later Reebok has released U-FORM+ the first footwear with a heat shrinking upper (lining).
My original idea from 2006 was that a soccer shoe should become like a second skin to provide a virtually perfect and seamless fit, for better ball feel. My statement design was intended to work like a sock and eliminate even the use of shoe laces. Once worn the upper could be removed from the sole and recycled, while the existing sole would be used on a new upper.
Although the disposable, one time use design was not the most energy efficient, the heat shrinking material technology was intended to be trickled down into more commercial football footwear and provide a better fit for long term use.
Below are some of the designs for my Nike Hierax Soccer Concept. Click on each image for a high-res view.
The sock upper feature was also intended to allow for a greater use of graphics, including stealth camouflage and disruptive designs.
The sole technologies included a low density TPU, softer toe area for greater ball feel and fine tuning telescopic cleat/stud, which could be lengthened depending on your style of play, or ground conditions.
74 FOOTWEAR DESIGN CONSULTING 