innovation + advanced concepts
The Vans AVE 2.0 Knit - Ultimate Waffle evolution
Nate Iott's 2020 rough sketch for the Ultimate Waffle Evolution advanced concept kickoff. Bio-Based TPU enables usage of a newly developed grippier and more durable rubber compound while improving the support and grip of the original Ultimate Waffle construction with fewer components.
Neal Shoemaker's final design componentry. Uncompromised function and fit realized as Van's grippiest and most durable skateboarding shoe ever.
Brian Best's warped waffle tread design maximizes durability and grip while utilizing Vans' grippiest outsole rubber compound fitted with an exposed Bio-TPU mid-foot shank for support and protection. The upper features Vans' RapidWeld seamless bonded suede construction.
Neal Shoemaker's early sketch work bringing all of the essential elements together with Anthony Van Engelen's performance needs and style preference; breathable and fitted knit upper, lightweight support/protection through a mid-foot shank and heel counter exposing the lightweight internal midsole foam.
Max Vorlop's designs for the AVE signature apparel collection.
Vans Ultimate Waffle construction
Launched in 2019 - started in 2016 as a design led Advanced Concept. Designers had created many leading performance technologies but were always asked to hide the technology - BMW Designworks suggested the we simply "make it visible". My design provocation was to make the best skateboarding shoe possible, without compromise. The best durability, grip, and support.
Inspiration images.
Nate Iott's first Ultimate Waffle concept sketch; "Make it visible"
The Ultimate Waffle; Durability, Grip, Support without compromise. Visual design language representing each essential skateboarding need.
The Ultimate Waffle; Durability, Grip, Support without compromise. Visual design language representing each essential skateboarding need.
Break Vans' design conservatism and visually identify ways to show durability, support and cushioning that a skateboarder would instantly understand...
Neal Shoemaker's selected design sketch. Neal worked closely with AVE to evolve the 2016 AVE RapidWeld Pro upper design - that featured a seamless forefoot construction and linework inspired by the 1977 Vans "Style 36" - to fit the new Ultimate Waffle outsole construction and design ethos.
Thoroughly tested and refined by AVE along with Vans' team, designers and developers.
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The Vans Ultimate Waffle - Introduced by Anthony Van Engelen
Vans' Current Classics - Responsible Design Project
Nate Iott started a 2019 workstream to rework Vans classics to become more sustainable, comfortable, and to make subtle aesthetic improvements to shapes, textures and details within and throughout each of Vans iconic classics.
By using responsible design principles and evolving ideas developed through years of performance skateboarding designs, this rebuild improved cushioning, durability as well as flexibility.
All of these improvements while saving millions of dollars and simplifying manufacturing.
Circle Vee - Delivered in 2022
The Circle Vee - Vans' first shoe designed with circular design principles was a several year advanced concept starting in 2018.
Jerod Harmon's design utilized a 70% bio-based maximal cushioned footbed, natural rubber outsole, and a one-piece knit upper made from 95% organic cotton. The innovative upper/outsole construction is patent pending.
All Regenerative + Circular Concept
Nate Iott's concept sketch;
Can we make the world's 1st all-regenerative and circular shoe?
By evolving the Circle Vee work and incorporating VF's future capability in regenerative cotton, regenerative leather and regenerative rubber Vans will be able to deliver the world's first fully regenerative and circular footwear. Design concept sketch animation by myself, finished design by Jerod Harmon with 3D design modeling by Jill Mack.
Skateboarding Durability Research
Years of experimentation and development work starting around 2010 have helped Vans Skateboarding build some of the best performing, most durable skateboarding shoes ever made.
Lab test results comparing Vans rubber formulas, foam compounds, and upper materials/constructions to the athletic footwear giants is shown above.
Video: Durastitch is the final evolution of a thread innovation started by the VF Global Innovation Center.
Through Vans Advanced Concepts trials and testing we realized that it offers very high skateboarding specific durability while also allowing maximum breathability and flexibility.
The AVE Pro EXP is a limited edition project featuring Durastitch technology introduced in late 2021. Original concept and design by Nate Iott with final execution done by Neal Shoemaker in collaboration with Anthony Van Engelen and F.A.
Cushioning - informed by performance skateboarding
The Zahba "Impact Waffle" construction featuring a new dual durometer 50% bio-based compression EVA midsole foam.
The UltraRange Neo followed using an injected version of Vans' 50% bio-based EVA. It instantly had great feedback on its comfort and cushioning.
Trail running competitor set testing shows how the 2024 Vans CrossPath's underfoot cushioning data compares well with Nike React and other polymer based foam compounds that do not have sustainable or bio-based ingredients.
Cushioning index using compliance and resilience data to visually explain the properties of outsole stack design and foam properties.
Product usage and positioning can inform design and materials usage to control ride and experience of specific products.
