Sole Studies by @quispedesign

During this five-week intensive workshop, you will explore the essential foundations of performance footwear tooling design, investigating how midsoles and outsoles support athletic movement, protect the foot, and create distinctive performance characteristics. This course combines hands-on learning, technical sketching, and detailed material analysis to help you develop foundational expertise in cushioning systems, traction design logic, and contemporary midsole formulations. The curriculum integrates technical fundamentals with design-driven methodology, equipping you with the knowledge necessary to develop footwear tooling designs that are both functionally superior and visually compelling.

Target Audience:

This workshop is designed for beginning to intermediate-level design students and anyone interested in pursuing sport performance footwear design as a career path. Prior experience is not necessary; the course welcomes newcomers to the field.

Learning Goals:

• Gain a comprehensive overview of midsole and outsole functions in sports performance footwear
• Understand the design methodology used at leading sports equipment brands
• Apply knowledge through hands-on design exercises, including sketching and prototyping
• Develop portfolio pieces suitable for demonstrating your capabilities to prospective employers

Materials and Resources Provided:

• Actual midsole and outsole samples for hands-on analysis and prototyping work
• Detailed tooling blueprint template in both digital and printed formats
• Optional: Modeling clay available for purchase separately for those interested in sculpting physical tooling designs

Week-by-Week Course Breakdown:

Week 1: Understanding the Foot, Movement, and Tooling Function

• Course introduction and expectations clarification
• Understanding how midsole and outsole systems support athletic movement
• Exploring general molding methods and manufacturing processes
• Identifying key tooling components in contemporary performance shoes
• Assignment: Research and select a design challenge to address; bring an existing shoe to class that relates to your chosen problem, either as a physical sample or as images for reference

Week 2: Contemporary Tooling Materials and Technologies

• Comprehensive overview of modern midsole and outsole compounds, including EVA, polyurethane, TPU, PEBA, and specialized rubbers
• Analyzing midsole compound properties, behavior patterns, and their specific applications in footwear
• Exploring how midsole design choices communicate brand identity and tell product stories
• Class presentations: Students present their selected design challenge with instructor and peer feedback
• Assignment: Create a detailed concept board incorporating visual references and existing tooling examples that inspire your design direction

Week 3: Tooling Construction, Blueprint Fundamentals, and Design Initiation

• Learning how tooling systems are constructed, including midsole layers, outsole, and structural plates
• Understanding traction pattern anatomy, sidewall design, and strategic plate placement considerations
• Class presentations: Students present concept boards with constructive feedback from the instructor and peers
• Demonstration: Ideation techniques including hand sketching, physical prototyping, AI-assisted tools, and other approaches
• Assignment: Ideate two or more distinct tooling design concepts, considering appropriate material compounds and construction methods

Week 4: Advanced Design Process and Studio Work

• Presentation coaching: Storytelling techniques, highlighting design strengths, and verbal communication strategies for design reviews
• Class presentations: Students present initial tooling design concepts with detailed feedback from instructor and classmates
• Studio work session: Majority of class time dedicated to developing your designs with instructor guidance available
• Assignment: Refine your strongest tooling design concept, executing it on the provided blueprint template

Week 5: Final Presentations and Course Conclusion

• Final presentations: Students present their completed tooling design projects
• Comprehensive feedback: Detailed critique from peers and instructor
• Transition discussion: Exploring how to translate 2D designs into 3D physical samples
• Final revisions: Time for incorporating feedback, closing reflections, and discussion of next steps in your design journey