'Adamas' by Hengbo Zhang: Innovation in Shoes

Adamas

Shoes for Hengbo Zhang

Adamas is a pair of shoes that represents the attitude of the urban people of the future. It comes in a classic frosted black as a protective color that works in harmony with increasingly developed technology. The one-piece molded sole not only provides reliable abrasion resistance but also supports the sides of the upper. The technological style with clean geometric shapes allows people to easily match any style of clothing. Its rigid shape and flexible upper are meant to remind people of the spirit of breakthrough.

Hengbo Zhang 2022 Academic Iron Press Kit № 127250

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Download Press Kit № 127250 Shoes for Hengbo Zhang by Hengbo Zhang to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Adamas by Hengbo Zhang

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Shoes by Hengbo Zhang

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Hengbo Zhang Adamas

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Hengbo Zhang Shoes

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Adamas Shoes Press Releases

Press resources for Adamas are offered in several languages: English.

Adamas Shoes Media Articles

Access our collection of Adamas articles, ready for use and offered in languages: Hindi, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Dutch, Portuguese, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, French, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, English and Spanish.

Unique Properties

The accelerating urbanization has put people's lives in a constant state of tension. Adamas' style reflects the state of existence of urbanites in a rapidly developing technological city. The Adamas' diamond-like angular sole represents a seemingly impenetrable system, but the soft upper gives the foot a sense of complete wrapping and security. It encourages people to challenge authority bravely and seek breakthroughs freely.

Production Technology

The primary materials used in the production of this footwear design are synthetic rubber and elastic fabric. In this case, the synthetic rubber was optimized by computerized virtual physical algorithms and tests to derive the structure of each part and its required mass. In addition, connections for one-piece molding exists between all aspects of the sole to help achieve rapid processing and footbed stability. At the same time, the support structure extending from the sole to the ankle also provides sufficient bonding space for the upper to ensure proper curvature and wrapping.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge of this design was the need to support the upper using a structure that extends from the sole of the shoe. The streamlined material requires more detail in the side wrap structure.

Project Duration

The project started in March 2019 in Champaign, IL and finished in June 2019 in Champaign, IL, and was exhibited in Beijing in September 2020 and Los Angeles in April 2021.

Research

This design aims at innovative research and practice on outsole shape and soft/hard material fit. In the process, we explored the possibility of using computer analysis in shoe design to control the force of materials and improve the wrapping of the upper. At the same time, we also tried to create wrapping strong one-piece outsoles to reduce the waste of manufacturing materials. This design further explores the prospect of high contrast technology style in the future urban lifestyle shoe field in terms of style.

Inspiration

The inspiration of Adamas comes from unpolished diamonds. The design of the shoes reflects the designer's view on the future status of urbanization. With an elastic upper and sturdy sole, Adamas is the synthesis of organic soul and ruthless technology. It is like a high-capacity creature from the world of cyberpunk, hiding a peaceful mind in the hardened shell, wandering on the edge of high urbanization. The sharp contrast of forms brings sensory stimulation.

Image Credits

Image #1: Creator Hengbo Zhang and Wenxi Qi, Adamas, 2020. Image #2: Creator Hengbo Zhang and Wenxi Qi, Adamas, 2020. Image #3: Creator Hengbo Zhang and Wenxi Qi, Adamas, 2020. Image #4: Creator Hengbo Zhang and Wenxi Qi, Adamas, 2020. Image #5: Creator Hengbo Zhang and Wenxi Qi, Adamas, 2020.

Project Overview

Adamas Shoes has been a Iron winner in the Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design award category in the year 2021 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Hengbo Zhang was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2022, a testament to excellence of their work Adamas Shoes.

Hengbo Zhang Press Releases

We provide a series of press releases on Hengbo Zhang that journalists and press members can freely incorporate into their narratives. Available now: 1 press releases ready for immediate access by journalists.

Introducing Adamas: A Futuristic Footwear Design by Hengbo Zhang

Hengbo Zhang's Adamas: A Fusion of Urban Style and Technological Innovation

Hengbo Zhang Newsroom

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