Much of the design work can happen in 3D renderings and computer models, but to really know how the shoe feels and performs, Dachtler and his team turn to rapid prototyping. The team combined natural materials like merino wool with technologies typically found in rugged outerwear like membrane fabrics with nanocoatings. While the initial concept of an all-condition modular shoe with air cooling has remained constant, the choice of the materials used has evolved. It’s been a two-and-a-half-year journey for OB/VS to create the ADPT. The midsole is large and angular, with proprietary air cooling and drainage channels.Ĭombining the two creates a warm, supportive and rugged heavy sneaker made to go anywhere. The outer sneaker is lightweight and features hydrophobic nanomaterials making it waterproof and highly breathable. It’s essentially a compression sock that by itself is great for lounging by the campfire. The liner is a waterproof moccasin made from merino wool that’s designed to provide warmth and comfort.
Designed to be at home in the snow and cold, or on hot dusty summer hikes, the ADPT is unlike any other shoe. The OB/VS ADPT is the world’s first climate-adaptable sneaker system. Founder Kelly Dachtler leads a team of designers and athletic footwear experts as they prototype and prepare to launch a one-of-a-kind shoe, the ADPT, or Adapt. In this episode of Innovators, we go behind the scenes of Objective Virtues Inc., also known as OB/VS or Obvious Footwear. In this hotbed of shoe design, a three-person startup is attempting to reboot our perception of adventure footwear.
Nike is headquartered here, Adidas calls Portland home, and Under Armor just moved to town.
Portland (the one in Oregon) is the shoe capital of the United States.