Culture

Freaky Sneaks for Geeks... and Everyone else

by optic | November 9, 2007 at 11:52 am

825 views | 2 Recommendations | 2 comments

I somehow feel more whole now, with the ability reconcile a lust for design and sport. Previously I had to be content drooling over Cervelo's bikes (the new white R3 particularly) and various bits of sailing gear.

You never quite know how these theoretical explorations, like those at the MIT Media Lab, will translate when they leave the ivory towers. In this case I think it's just a pretty "cool" shoe, for better or worse, sometimes that's enough.

MIT Math Whiz Releases Line of Custom Reeboks

By Jenna Wortham EmailNovember 09, 2007 | 1:31:49 PMCategories: Art, Design, Engineering, Fashion, Products

Freak for sneaks? And math? This pair of tricked-out kicks might tickle your fancy. John Maeda, renowned mathematician, graphic designer and professor at MIT's Media Lab teamed up with Reebok to release a line of original footwear, launching Tuesday, Nov. 13. The collaboration, Reebok's Timetanium shoes, feature original graphics by Maeda.

Although he's designed "skateboards, tables, chairs and clothing, but never a sneaker," this project, like all the rest, was designed completely by Maeda from scratch. Instead of relying on pre-packaged design software, Maeda came up with original mathematic algorithms and codes that resulted in the multi-colored Spirograph-like exterior. And that's not all – the interior of the shoe is printed with Maeda's hand-written calculations that were used in its creation. "I spend all my time sketching out computer codes and algorithms on paper, so those are the same codes I hand-wrote to design the shoe," says Maeda.

Reebok plans to only release a limited amount of the shoe candy, a mere 100 pairs (and be prepared to drop some serious coin for the shoe – one pair will run you $150) and only through the Rbk Custom site. However, if you miss your chance to score a set, Maeda hinted that a new design would follow soon after.

For further viewing check out this behind-the-scene YouTube video of Reebok's exclusive shoe, including a brief interview with John Maeda.