UNION
Mountain Biking Footwear
THE NEXT GENERATION
The new look and feel for generation 2 of the Fox Union footwear franchise
MY ROLE
Design Manager and Lead designer
Upper Redesign
NEW LOOK AND BETTER PERFORMANCE
THE CHALLENGE
Evolve the Fox footwear franchise (BOA, lace, clipless, flat and winter specific) with an updated upper focusing on performance improvements with protection and breathability, visually communicating the story to the user. The construction must allow for greater color and material stories. The visual language must align with Fox Performance Apparel creating a cohesive Fox collection.
HIGH LEVEL GOALS:
- Protection - Inspire rider confidence with safety
- Breathability - Improve on breathability
- Color and Material - Flexible color blocking and material story
GENERATION 1 PAIN POINTS
COMPARISON
Generation 1 Fox Union was limited due to construction and material choices. The overall design did not align with the Fox aesthetics.
UNION PAIN POINTS - GENERATION 1
The one piece TPU upper construction did not allow for breathability, creating discomfort for the users while limiting color blocking and material up options
UNION BOA
IDEATION + REFINEMENT
Utilizing strategically placed TPU overlays with a textured rubber application on vamp and quarter communicates durability and protection. The tongue and rear quarter is constructed with a breathable mesh with vamp venting allows heat and moisture to escape the shoe.
Union construction details
New pattern allows for more color blocking options
Final direction
UNION LACE
IDEATION + REFINEMENT
Translating the Union Boa into a lace version incorporating a lightweight velcro power strap for reduced bulk and increased heel lock.
Union Lace medial strap exploration
Union Lace construction details
Union Lace final direction
FRANCHISE
UNION FAMILY
A cohesive Union franchise utilizing the same upper pattern and creating differentiation with multiple closure and lacing systems in combination with clipless and flat outsole options.
Union downhill footwear franchise
Union All-Weather waterproof winter trail shoe with TPU and sock construction
THE NEW AESTHETIC
FINAL DESIGN
The final design blends strategic protection overlays in impact zones while incorporating breathable panels allowing for cooling resulting in a more comfortable ride. The functional overlays drives the new aesthetic direction for the future of Fox footwear.
- Protection - Extend TPU and rubber print coverage on lower tongue, vamp and quarter in primary impact zone
- Breathability - Mesh upper quarter, tongue and perforated vamp in key heat retention areas
- Color Blocking - Updated pattern allows for versatile and seasonal color blocking and material options
