Hankook x Vibram

2014-2015

Whenever I’m in a creative standstill, I love to look back on this project. This collaboration was too early for its time, guaranteed.

If we launched this partnership / product story today, it would get unbelievable press. Back then it was before people blogged and wrote about every collaboration under the sun. Regardless, this one is super special for me. I was within my first year into the professional world. I was fortunate enough to be part of the collaboration and got to work with the Hankook team, visit the hankook HQ, and go to an Auto show to launch the collaboration.

My part specifically was to design and develop two FiveFingers shoes, a winter running model and a trekk/hiker. At this point in my career, I’ve never designed a full shoe (for a brand), let alone develop one… well two. I summarize this project as being thrown into the fire, but with a protective heat blanket. My boss at the time trusted us to get the job done, and we did - it was on our shoulders to figure it out along the way.

That’s why this is held so close to my heart. The process was beautiful.