ARMOURGEL

Support, impact protection

Application: ankle, upper impact zones

design reads

CROUCHING

Bunching
Circulation issues

Take-Away: Flexibility, minimize materials

Chris, 34, former SWAT team member who is now a sheriff with the Tigard Police Dept. Chris has a wife and young daughter and lives in the community that he serves.

Chris is practical and measured, but is quick to break a smile. He has experienced major meth busts, hostage situations and active shooters in his experience as a SWAT member.

I met with Chris in order to gain further insight into his experience as a SWAT member and Sheriff and the demands that each job has for footwear.

UTILITY

ARMOUR

LIGHTWEIGHT

STRENGTH

BREATHABLE

FUNCTION

DURABLE

After carrying out market and product research on competitor products and the Spider Elite line, several major trends became apparent.

ARIAPRENE

Comfort, breathability, stretch
Custom packages

Application: bootie, upper collar

1st - shelf read

Provoking, aggressive, sleek profile

WP MEMBRANE

Added value
All season

Application: bootie, liner, package

Defining upper design, hero material

FG LEATHER

Durability, shine
Perceived quality

Application: vamp, touch points, overlays

KEVLAR THREAD

Durability, support, longevity

Application: lateral stability, tie-down

Magnum Elite Spider

WELDED OVERLAYS

Lightweight, breathability, tech, support
"Spiderweb" design opportunity

Application: quarter, vamp, collar

Immediate

Comfort

Not Chris, to protect his privacy

Waterproofing

KNEELING

Toe pressure
Scuffing

Take-Away: Toe cap, forefoot flexibility

Lightweight

Durability Issues

Sole Separation

DYNEEMA WOVEN

Lightweight durability
Sport inspired

Application: collar, quarter

Touch points

FG Leather Polishable Toe

Quality materials, construction

what is working

Anti-Slip Traction

materials AND TECH

CROSS-LEGGED

Ankle pressure
Lateral vamp scuff

Take-Away: Protection, durability

SKETCH IDEATION

design inspiration

FINAL DESIGNS

What's not working

Rubber Toe

Pressure Points

550 CORD LACING

Durability, military roots
Story telling op

Application: lacing

2nd - interaction

Construction, materials, features, branding

Eye-catching outsole

Comfort

Side Zip

Quick Access

TPU Toe

Consumer

3rd - personal, small details

Story, fit, emotional connection

Rubber Toe

SZ, WP, features

shooting positions

CORDURA BALLISTIC FABRIC

Durability, longevity
Lightweight

Application: quarter, tongue

PU SYNTHETIC LEATHER

Lightweight, durability, breathability, elongation

Application: quarter, overlays, tongue

This project called for the update and redesign of a Magnum staple tactical boot, the Elite Spider.

Launched in 2007, the Elite Spider was an instant success. It combined lightweight athleticism with durability and comfort, designed for SWAT teams and Special Forces. Because of this, the Elite Spider became the official boot of the French Gendarmerie.

The Spider Opus needed to build off of the successful characteristics of the Elite Spider, while incorporating new materials and technology and an updated design.

My research and final design helped set the direction for the production design ad final product.

Original profile

objectives:

Look towards alternative markets for inspiration in crossover products
achieve lightweight comfort while maintaining durability
bold design rooted in purpose

OTTO AUREK STEFAN