Holden:

The Viper Shoe is a shoe that is meant to prevent ankle sprains in children who play basketball on concrete. The shoe is meant to prevent injuries so that children don’t have to miss games/practices with sprained ankles when they could be playing and having fun with their friends. Research shows that shoes with more support in the ankle, both around the base and the top, can help prevent ankle sprains during athletic activity by keeping the foot and ankle stable. Shoes should also have a supportive sole so that the impact of running and jumping is distributed in a healthy and natural way for the foot. By using biomimicry, and imitating the scales on a fish or snake, the Viper Shoe is flexible but only to the extent that it is healthy for the ankles, and won’t tear ligaments. 

The Viper Shoe helps children who want to be able to play basketball outside but are afraid of injury. The persona that was created, Rocco, is an eleven year old boy who only has access to concrete courts. He needs a shoe that is durable and supports his foot and ankle health. He needs the shoe to have a very cushioned and supportive sole as well as a high guard that goes above his ankle, and can hold it in place. The user would put on the shoe like normal, making sure to tie it tight enough to stay on, and would go about playing basketball like they normally do. The technology behind the project is the aspects of biomimicry, and all of the materials that go into cushioning the insole, including two different types of foam. As well as making sure the outsole is durable and has a lot of traction.

Sasha:

The Viper Shoe is a shoe specifically designed for ankle support and max movement on the court. The goal of the shoe is to prevent ankle sprains for kids who play basketball but might not have shoes with proper support. Studies show that low-top shoes don’t provide enough support, and more ankle injuries happen in them. The Viper Shoe is made with extra ankle support, an adjustable fastener, and a flexible sole to provide support. 

The main concern for most basketball players is rolled ankles, sprained ankles, and just foot injuries in general. “Project name’ was curated for an 11-year-old client named Rocco who is afraid to sprain his ankle, but still wants to play his sport. With The Viper Shoe, Rocco doesn't need to worry about spraining his ankle, since the shoe is designed with extra cushion at the sole, an adjustable ankle strap, and stops just below the calf.