e c t o t h e r m

// shapeshifting outdoor footwear for FIELD HERPETOLOGISTS

FIT Sport Design Award Winner 2024 - footwear and innovation

https://fitdesignawards.com/winners/fit/2024/302/0/
https://fitdesignawards.com/winners/fit/2024/358/0/

A sport product design specific honor awarded by a jury of industry professionals and esteemed educators.

Final model with the gaiter down and sheathed.

Fall 2020 (Research) - Spring 2021 (Design) - Ongoing

How can the divergent habitats of Maryland's reptiles and amphibians lead to a convergent footwear solution that promises more efficient, comfortable, and safe field research?

ECTOTHERM's purpose is to properly equip adventurous outdoor professionals and enthusiasts that need to traverse varying terrain in diverse climatic conditions without the need for multiple types of footwear. The design of this boot was inspired by and modeled after the unique use case of Maryland herpetologists. Herpetologists are those that study reptiles and amphibians. Finding herpetofauna is no easy task, often requiring one to traverse mountains, wade through rivers, cross miles of trails, trudge through muck, and push through off trail environments in a single outing. Maryland serves as a microcosm of the rest of the United States, excluding deserts. This means that it has an extremely diverse set of environments (and the animals to go along with it) that make it as challenging as it is interesting- a perfect testbed for tailoring the ultimate adventure footwear solution. With an instantly convertible and swappable waterproof liner and an exterior base boot that can tackle wading through rivers and scaling talus slopes, this boot can replace Hiking Boots, Wading Boots, Canyoneering Boots, Water Shoes, Mountain Boots, Ankle Gaiters, Knee-High Boots, Desert Boots, Walking Shoes, and more while providing a unique set of versatile features that elevate this design above any single existing option. The pop-up expandable waterproofing portion of the boot is replaceable, swappable, and can dry externally. The materials of the main boot are designed to withstand chlorine decontamination washes and harsh rock. Conversion between dry and wet use-cases can be accomplished in seconds, and the boot can be used with existing 3rd party accessories such as hip waders with the waterproofing portion removed. Additionally, with the waterproofing portion removed it becomes a highly breathable and quick-drying boot ready for warm water features and blazing deserts. The outsole and midsole are designed to optimize surface area and terrain adaptation with flexible sidewalls and stiff support where needed. TPU protective and supportive elements are carefully placed where needed, and removed where they are not. Speed lacing and an elastic gaiter complete the lockdown.

Project Video

curious?

This video explores the entirety of the project, from actual user accounts to a branded commercial highlighting the boot’s features.

Due to the pandemic, our thesis was delivered virtually using a pre-recorded video format. Taking advantage of this, I did my best to create an exciting journey that will leave viewers of all interests feeling inspired to head outside.

Initial Concept Directions

Direction 1: Accessories

Assisting existing footwear in efficient and light approaches

Left: A waterproof sock with a ripstop detachable gaiter designed to go over the boot or shoe you use the sock with in order to prevent dirt, mud and debris from getting inside. Middle: A leather snake gaiter. Right: A sock to go over a boot used wi… — Left: A waterproof sock with a ripstop detachable gaiter designed to go over the boot or shoe you use the sock with in order to prevent dirt, mud and debris from getting inside. Middle: A leather snake gaiter. Right: A sock to go over a boot used with the left concept that has a felt bottom for grip on slippery, wet surfaces. The sock also doubles as a muck manager as its smooth surface makes it easier to clean than the boot it surrounds.

Direction 2: System

Integrating greater function and flexibility with less bulk and waste

This direction is centered around a system of interconnecting footwear pieces to perform a variety of tasks. The top waterproof sock is used with the sandal to create a wader. Taking that combination and sliding it into the bottom outer rugged shell… — This direction is centered around a system of interconnecting footwear pieces to perform a variety of tasks. The top waterproof sock is used with the sandal to create a wader. Taking that combination and sliding it into the bottom outer rugged shell, inverting and zipping the top part of the waterproof sock to the bottom, and tensioning the heel strap creates a double layer ultra durable boot for rocky or difficult terrain. The bottom shell is easier to carry than a boot, having no bulky upper structure, and the sandal can be worn by itself while the reinforced waterproof sock takes up minimal pack space. The sandal serves as a universal midsole that allows the user to experience consistent comfort and fit no matter the task and also after one of the other pieces needs to be replaced.

Direction 3: Boot

Trying to do something new with tried and true

Direction 3 is all about making a traditional hiking boot especially tailored towards herpetological work. The top of this boot features an adjustable waterproof gaiter that can convert it from a traditional hiking boot to a wader in a matter of sec… — Direction 3 is all about making a traditional hiking boot especially tailored towards herpetological work. The top of this boot features an adjustable waterproof gaiter that can convert it from a traditional hiking boot to a wader in a matter of seconds, collapsing back down again with minimal bulk. The boa lacing system is best for reducing snagging and undone laces, and the midsole of the boot features plenty of support and rock protection. Engineered ripstop mesh allows for durability and breathability, with reinforced areas as necessary.

System - Gaiter to Backpack.png — A closer look at a system approach that uses an extended gaiter from the boot concept to house the rugged outer piece while the inner sandal is being used by itself. Support wings keep ankle stability while allowing for the sandal insert. The gaiter inverts itself over the outside of the shoe and the drawstring at the top when cinched gives enough slack to turn into backpack straps. Then the two pieces are hooked together, completing the backpack.

Expandable Gaiter Concept Testing

Chosen Direction: Direction 2 + 3 Hybrid

After a successful feedback session with my user group and continued 2D and 3D exploration I have decided on a hybrid direction. I will primarily be focusing on a single boot with no compromises, however I have decided to make the expandable gaiter system a replaceable inner bootie. Looking at feedback from my user group, it is clear that a compromise in the waterproofing, weather accidental or from damage, should not compromise the use of the boot. This has inspired me to ensure the design and materials used in the main boot make it function like a ruggedized canyoneering boot, offering the support and protection needed for dry rocky slopes while incorporating the drainage and breathability necessary for a boot meant to be submerged. This also lets the boot function with user’s preexisting hip waders for times when knee-deep wading is not enough and extensive wading is planned.