The Flypack Lace sneaker is the newest expansion item in the successful Flyweight bag collection. This is a collection of ultra-light travel accessories designed with utilitarian with progressive styling. Along with new apparel offerings, the expanded Flypack Lace/Flyweight items told a comprehensive global travel story. Focusing around being lightweight and packable, this collection told a shared story through materials, trims, and color.
FLYPACK LACE
Lightweight and durability have been at the foundation of all products from The North Face and the new Flypack Lace is no different. The Geodome tent is the muse for the new Flypack Lace design. Being structurally sound, possessing incredibly durable lightweight materials while being packable are the shared features and focus within and around the Flyweight Collection as well as the Flypack Lace sneaker that exists within it.
Inspiration
The initial round of ideation sketches was for exploration into what this style could truly be.
• What visuals will be called out?
• How will this footwear be packable?
• How will we present this style to the consumer?
Initial Exploration
This round of designs established a visual read of translucency, layering of materials, and form. This references the Geodome tent as a design beacon to follow.
Initial Design Direction
Does the intent of the first visual read indicates a lightweight sneaker? Does this silhouette communicate structured packability while being functional? The thought behind this round of sketches was to create a more visual hiking aesthetic while combining lightweight materials and simplified patterning.
Direction Refinement
The final design achieved a sought after goal of being lightweight, durable, and packable. Reflecting on the philosophy behind modern tent construction and the need of doing less with more, the Flypack Lace offers a perfect balance of protection, support, and comfort.
• 1/2 pair of men’s size 9 weights in at 260 grams.
Direction Finalization
The Flypack Lace sneaker is a footwear silhouette that aligns and connects to the larger Flyweight equipment collection. It is connected through the shared usage of materials, trim articles, and logo application. This holistic approach to design creates a unique collection experience with the focus being lightweight, packable, and travel friendly.
Market Release
The midsole and outsole for the Flypack Lace sneaker is a two piece construction. The midsole is a ground contact blown EVA with a micro repeating rubber cupsole tread on the perimeter. This is to maximize traction while reducing weight.
Specs
