Client:
FOOT4ALL
Year:
2021
Role:
Industrial Design, User Research
Addressing a big challenge with a simple idea.
The Foot4All "Loop" Program began with a clear mission: create footwear for children in underserved regions that adapts to their rapidly growing feet while protecting against health risks. Shoes that fit poorly—or not at all—leave children vulnerable to injuries, infections, and stigma. The design needed to grow with its wearer, reduce waste, and remain durable enough for everyday use.
By focusing on research, iterative prototyping, and sustainable materials, I worked to develop a thoughtful, user-centered solution that addressed these needs in practical ways.
Research started with listening to real stories.
To understand the problem deeply, I began by gathering perspectives from caregivers, children, and industry experts.
What caregivers shared: Many families face a tough choice—buying shoes that fit now or ones that their child can grow into. “We buy shoes two sizes too big because they grow out of them so fast, but then they’re uncomfortable and cause blisters,” one parent explained.
What experts taught me: Conversations with organizations like Shoe4Africa and Moringa Connect highlighted the need for durability and repairability. Donated shoes often don’t last, and local resources are limited for repairs.
What surveys revealed: In Ghana, a survey of caregivers emphasized the importance of shoes that offer both protection and longevity. “I want a shoe that protects their feet and lasts longer,” said one respondent.
This research shaped the foundation of the design: a durable shoe with an adjustable fit, made with materials that could withstand local conditions and repairs.
Sketching big ideas, refining toward something real.
The design process began with broad, ambitious ideas before narrowing in on solutions that balanced innovation and practicality.
Going wide in the sketching phase: Initial concepts explored sliding bases, stretchable uppers, and modular components. I experimented with different ways to adjust both the length and width of the shoe, inspired by designs like inline skates and size-flexible sneakers.
Refining with focus: Through prototyping, I realized that simplifying the design—focusing on length adjustment with flexible materials—would create a more durable and intuitive solution.
One of the most promising concepts combined a sliding base for length adjustment with a flexible upper made from breathable, sustainable materials. This design reduced complexity while addressing the core issue of growing feet.
Prototypes were tested, adjusted, and tested again.
Building prototypes was a hands-on process of learning what worked and what didn’t.
Early iterations taught me a lot: Sliding mechanisms with locking pins and grooves were too complex, so I shifted to using durable nylon straps.
Testing with real users: 26 children across various age groups tried the prototypes. Their feedback highlighted what mattered most: simplicity, comfort, and ease of adjustment. “This is easy to use; I can make it tight without needing help,” one child said.
Iterating based on needs: Caregivers emphasized the importance of repairability. Outsoles made from recycled tire rubber proved effective—they were durable, locally repairable, and sustainable.
This iterative process ensured the final design wasn’t just functional—it was intuitive and meaningful for the people using it.
With the overall mechanism behind the product successful in user testing, the final sketching phase looked to re-examine methods to allow size-adjustability, focused on an extending, two-part construction and a flexible upper, and develop a form semantic for the shoe that felt both rugged and active.
A shoe designed to adapt and protect.
The final design combined simplicity and functionality to meet the needs of children and their caregivers:
Adjustable-length base: A sliding mechanism allowed the shoe to grow by three full sizes, extending its usability over several years.
Flexible upper: Breathable materials accommodated a range of foot shapes and sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Velcro closures: These simplified adjustments, making the shoe easy for children and caregivers to use.
The result was a shoe that could grow with its wearer while offering critical protection against environmental hazards.
Materials that balance durability, repairability, and sustainability.
The materials chosen for the shoe reflected a commitment to both the environment and the communities it served.
Recycled tire rubber: Used for the outsoles, this material provided excellent durability and could be easily sourced and repaired locally.
Organic cotton: Selected for the uppers and linings, this material offered breathability and comfort in hot climates.
Jute and cork midsoles: These renewable materials added lightweight cushioning while reducing the shoe’s overall environmental footprint.
These choices ensured the shoe could withstand rugged use, support local repair ecosystems, and align with sustainable design principles.
Room for growth.
The Foot4All "Loop" Program proved how thoughtful, research-driven design can address significant global challenges. By combining user-centered insights, sustainable materials, and iterative prototyping, the program delivered:
Health benefits: Protecting children from soil-borne diseases and injuries.
Economic value: Reducing the need for frequent replacements and supporting local repair practices.
Environmental responsibility: Leveraging sustainable materials to minimize waste and resource use.
While researching, developing, and discussing this study with users, I was struck by the universality of one of its core components: The ultra-inefficiency of producing children’s footwear the same way we produce it for adults.
No matter the geographic location, economic outlook, or personal worldview, parents are eager to outfit their kids in items that last; not just through the wear and tear of childhood, but across kids’ rapid rate of growth as well.
Foot4All aims to be a product that is based in, designed for, produced within, and eventually, exported globally from developing nations, helping to generate lasting economic development. Its key feature is something that all parents share, across borders and time zones.
