VIBRAM MAKO

X-treme Race Footwear

A line of products designed to preform in the harshest conditions in a race like we've never seen before

Spring 2022

Semester 2

14 week project

THE RACE

Gates to Xibalba refers to the myth of Mayan hero brothers, Hunahpu and Xbalanque during their trials of Xibalba, the Mayan underworld.

In this race, athletes will test themselves by running through the humid jungles of Tulum, before entering the cavern system of the Sac Actun Cenote before emerging in the manatee canal, where they will race to the finish line, exiting Xibalba, and proving their worth.

LOCATION

TERRAIN

Located in the Mexican Peninsula, Tulum is one of the most biodiverse areas on the world, offering good weather year round as well as the largest cenote in the world with caves spanning for over 365 km.

Understanding biomechanics was essential not only to identify ergonomic pain points but also to understand what happens to the foot, especially in the environment where the race would be taking place.

IDEATION

Jaguar

Off-Road vehicles

Amphibious Vehicles

Sharks

Inspired by the fauna found in Yucatan, Mexico (the location of the race) I was able to come up with solutions to features needed to perform at a high level in this environment, as well as overall inspiration for shapes, and patterns.

Understanding off road vehicles traction also served as an underlying theme when designing the outsole of the shoe, the challenge was not only coming up with a suitable solution for traction on land but also one that translated properly to a wet and underwater environments.

REFINEMENT

Concept refining was all about putting together my research, insights, and findings in the ideation process.

An interesting feature in the design was the possible inclusion of fins on the upper of the shoe which open up with water drag allowing you to maximize your propulsion without the need for switching to a fin.

This concept was particularly interesting considering the terrain the race would be taking place, with constant change and overlap between swimming and light running and scrambling

Compression sock upper works both as a compression layer for a tight and secure fit as well as a barrier to avoid rocks or sand to enter the inside of the foot when racing.

THE SOLE

the outsole features a claw-like traction patterns angled in opposite directions in the heel and toe areas for traction and security going uphill or downhill.

claw-like vibram rubber traction also surrounds the midsole with a wrap around outsole technology, giving the foot traction at all angles as well as extra protection in the rocky environment the race takes place in.

FINAL SHOE

Vibram Mako - a name inspired on the fastest shark in the world, Vibram Mako provides prime performance in a variety or tough terrains and environments, with a wrap around outsole technology and a compression and cage lockdown fit to keep you going for longer.

Heel Cup - High heel cup not only gives the foot stability but also provides a specialized are for the fin to sit in without moving during swimming

Ankle Support- Included as an external element, this ankle padding wraps around your ankle on both sides as well as you achilles tendon, keeping everything supported and in place without interfering with mobility.

Cage Lockdown - Cage lockdown extends from heel to forefoot section ensuring you foot stays in place through the racing period.

Mudguards - asymmetrical mudguards serve as protection from friction caused by pairing the shoe with the fin.

Midsole - Low drop but high heel cup and toe guard give the foot stability, keeping it close to the ground but well protected, fin like feature on the medial side keeps the balls of your feet from sliding when sidestepping.

Outsole - Outsole is designed to work in both wet and dry environments thanks to the adaptability of the claw-like lug pattern to the environment, wrap around technology also provides traction and protection in all directions and all ranges of movement.

FINAL FIN

Designed to fit the Vibram Mako shoe, this fin is shapes based on the shape and features of its design, contouring to its shape for perfect fit and performance.

Designed to fit the Vibram Mako shoe, this fin is shaped based on the shape and features of its design, contouring to its shape for perfect fit and performace.

COLORWAYS

Left to right

1-Jaguar Warrior

2- White Jaguar

3- Black Jaguar

4- Cenote

MATERIALS

Designed specifically for the extreme race Gates of Xibalba which incorporated off road running, swimming and diving, Vibram Mako's materials aim to maximize performance through traction in wet environments, comfort and protection from outside elements, fast ingress and egress, as well as thermal control for changing temperatures.

FOAM PROTOTYPES

Using traditional patterning techniques for footwear I was able to create a mockup using a laser cut foam upper, as well as a clay modeled midsole to better understand dimensions, ergonomics and biomechanics of the shoes movement, its stability and range of motion.

Using foam modeling I created a model of the fin that would be paired together with the shoe, he main purpose and takeaway from this model was to both visualize dimensions and proportions as well as try to evaluate the propulsion of the surface as well as where pressure would be released to make movement easier, reducing drag but increasing propulsion.