2024 | Student

MUSE Design Awards Silver Winner

Surge-professional skateboard footwear for emerging athlete

Entrant Company

School of Visual Arts

Category

Product Design - Sports Equipments

Client's Name

Country / Region

United States

Skateboarding is unlike other traditional sports when it comes to footwear. There has not been a design approach from the ground up aimed at the unique needs of elite performance.



We Believe...



that skateboarders should have access to innovative technology that enhances their performance at an elite level.



Our vision is to amplify the level of skateboarding through innovation while staying true to its street culture.



Design goal



Energy Return



The main action of skateboarding is jumping. No shoe on the market addresses this need to jump higher and get energy returns from this action.



Protection



Cushioning and structure are key elements that protect the user against injuries such as heels bruising, rolled ankles, and impact from the board



Board Feel & Grip



Board feel is the key factor in feeling confident about how the board will react to the user's input and trust that it's in the right place to land. This comes from the upper material, thicknesses, and grippiness of the rubber outsole



Flexibility



Flexibility allows for more natural foot movements which increase stability and balance



Surge is a high-performance skateboard shoe engineered for superior performance and durability



The Surge Skateboard Performance Footwear delivers key benefits to enhance skateboarding:



Enhanced Performance: The inclusion of a P-shaped carbon plate in the midsole boosts energy return, enabling higher jumps and more effortless forward movement. This aids in performing complex tricks with ease.



Durability: Crafted with Cordura fabric, suede, and a TPU-fused toecap, along with rubber side panels, Surge shoes are built for exceptional durability, withstanding skateboarding's demands.



Grip and Stability: Featuring a Vibram Mega Grip rubber outsole, Surge ensures excellent traction and control, essential for secure landings and precise maneuvers during skateboarding.



Comfort and Flexibility: Designed for both performance and comfort, Surge shoes offer a flexible and comfortable fit, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury, suitable for extended wear and skateboarding sessions.

Credits

Footwear & Brand Design / School of Visual Arts
Nigel Keen
Brand Design / School of Visual Arts
Jacey Chen
Footwear Design / School of Visual Arts
Shun Cheng Hsieh
More Silver Winners
Interior
2024
MUSE Design Awards - Eco-Luminance Oasis

Entrant Company

R+ Studio

Category

Interior Design - Retails, Shops, Department Stores & Mall

Product
2024
MUSE Design Awards - Healthy Stride A+ Running Shoes

Entrant Company

XIAMEN XTEP CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Category

Product Design - Baby, Kids & Children Products

Packaging
2024
MUSE Design Awards - Lotus Leaf · Molded Fiber Handbag

Entrant Company

AMWAY (CHINA) R&D CENTER CO., LTD.;ShenZhen YUTO Packaging Technology Co., Ltd.

Category

Packaging Design - Sustainable

Concept
2024
MUSE Design Awards - SilverGate: A Corporate ESG Impact Investing Platform

Entrant Company

Aalto University Executive MBA

Category

Conceptual Design - Other Concept Design