sustainability + circularity
Vans' Current Classics - Responsible Design Project
I started this project in 2019 to make Vans classics more sustainable, improved comfort, and to make aesthetic improvements - now Vans' standard classics as of late 2023.
...By using responsible design principles and evolving ideas developed through years of performance skateboarding designs, this rebuild improved cushioning and durability as well as flexibility.
All of these improvements while saving millions of dollars and simplifying manufacturing.
Vans OTW + Premium LX Classics
The Vans LX "Premium" classics build features iconic lost details of Vans' Made in USA factory production shoes from decades ago - all done sustainably - with modern bio-based footbed foam, recycled internal reinforcements, and regenerative rubber outsole parts.
These designs feature reimagined and perfected versions of Vans iconic styles - reintroducing the textures, paneling, pattern work, branding and handcrafted details.
No compromises were made regarding the quality, comfort, longevity, design, and fit of these new premium "LX" icons.
Lizzie Armanto Signature
Performance skateboarding shoe designed with sustainable materials and a women's specific performance fit.
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
Design concept;
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.
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.
