Any Body: Process Book
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Date
2020
Authors
Bettencourt, Chrissy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The goal of this project is to design road and trail running shoes for plus-size women.
The three main focus points for the project will be on fit, underfoot cushioning, and aesthetic
appearance. The research will begin with a thorough analysis of plus-size foot scans. The scans
will be measured at various cross-sections to collect data about a variety of foot sizes and
shapes. Potential areas to explore in regard to the foot scans are proportions and girth of the
foot, location of the malleolus, and arch structure. The data will then be compared to that of a
medium width shoe last to determine the common problem areas using data comparison and
visual inspection of foot scan and last overlays. One of the 3D foot scans will then be used to
design a new last. Once a new last has been created, special design considerations will be made
to create a shoe that is specifically tuned to a plus-size foot for underfoot cushioning and upper
design. Cushioning will be designed considering the unique needs of a woman who carries more
weight than a straight-sized woman. Typically, no consideration is taken into the way the shoe
grades when designing a wide shoe. Furthermore, when creating a more anatomical last,
proportions are usually skewed such that the shoe no longer looks ideal when compared to
traditionally designed shoes. This project will
attempt to create a shoe for the wider, flatter
foot of a plus-size runner that is aesthetically
pleasing. The goal is to design a road shoe and
a trail shoe that plus-size women want to
wear—shoes that women ask for when they
look for running shoes, and not just the only
thing that fits.
Description
261 pages
Keywords
Plus size women, Athletic footware, sports marketing, size inclusivity