Often our best thought processes occur outside of our office walls. While climbing, hiking, trail running, or commuting to work (by bike or hoof) we find ourselves lost in, and pulling energy from, our surroundings. Nature is a real and infinite design inspiration.
While hiking the Alps in Chamonix, France, I had an “ah ha moment” inspired by breathtaking views, and motivated by a mountain goat.
After a long ascent up the mountain, a powerful and peaceful animal appeared. She seemed to be connected to the mountain, moving in different directions, over rocky and steep terrain. Her movement appeared effortless. She was a strong animal that was equally graceful on foot, shifting pace while ascending steep climbs or scrambling descents. Watching her ease of movement on very technical climbs, my mind began to think about myself on the mountain.
This animal connected the dots from nature to design. The mountain goat’s speed and agility on the trail was the essence of the true outdoor athlete – pulling speed and energy from the mountain, that in turn motivated me to want to do the same and share this experience through design.
Cues from the hoof of the mountain goat and its abilities on the mountain influenced the design solution for fast and steep scrambling in varied terrain. For this reason, we started the design process of our Capra collection of shoes from the bottom up.
The hoof of the animal is designed for her to excel in her terrain. There is a split part and different densities that allow for exceptional grip in many directions and different surfaces. In looking at the hoof as the outsole of shoe we played with different densities and grips of rubber. Vibram Mega Grip is placed in the front, the edge and the heel for grip while ascending and braking power while descending the mountain. Multi directional lugs allow for grip in any direction while quickly scrambling up and down the mountain.
As we look to create new solutions to motivate and inspire more people to climb higher outside, Mother Nature is our design and engineer muse. Head outside, take in the views, push yourself. I promise you will be inspired by what you see around you and it will motivate you to go further and climb higher.
