Work in Progress
Motherhood
Recently, I became a mother. During my pregnancy I continued to train at the gym. Most of the women in my family have been a women’s shoe size 7. Once they became pregnant their feet size changed to a size 8. In fear, I though I would loose my entire wardrobe of footwear, I was on a mission to outsmart this from happening. I learned that 48% of Womens’ feet change sizes throughout pregnancy. I started researching, asking my doctor, doing crazy things to my feet, hacking products, and trying new methods. Along the way I discovered some new ways to keep swelling feet, a common pregnancy symptom at bay. It made me question how footwear could provide these features for pregnant women as well as benefit athletes recovering from an ankle injury as well.
Women’s Collection
From my lens of being a cheerleader, I cheered for men’s and women’s sports. Often I noticed women athletes wearing men’s footwear. I am building a collection of women’s footwear specifically for her athletic needs. Through this project I am learning how women’s injuries are different from men’s injuries based on anatomy and footwear technology features.
Cushioning
Inspired by a Netherland’s scientist’s work on compression I am working on a “twisted” compression cushioning system. With the use of 3D printing, silicone and gel to create a new cushioning system with the possibility of customization for performance preference.