To cap off the week in our on-going LeBron James Lifestyle Design series, today we bring you a “LeBron Down Time“ concept model by Designer Titus Ares. As we initially announced here, the next generation of designers at Project Bluefoot were recently tasked with the design challenge of creating a Lifestyle-themed footwear product for LeBron James. The designers were allowed to submit up to 3 Concept Boards to illustrate their presentation and provide a design description for their composition. We have teamed up exclusively with Project Bluefoot to allow each designer to essentially “takeover” the Counter Kicks shoe silhouette logo with their Lifestyle LeBron concept and provide the backstory to it. Look for new unveilings over the next couple weeks. Continue reading to see Titus Ares’s 3 design boards and full backstory.
“LeBron Down Time” Product Details:
- an upper made of leather and suede keep the shoe stylish with premium materials and a plethora of color-blocking possibilities
- a full length drop-in PU midsole, similar to the Cushlon midsole found in the Nike Cradle Rock, keeps the shoe cushioning appear simplistic, but at the same time, is able to provide a soft and comfortable ride.
- a sticky gum sole gives it the look and feel of a chukka boot, as well as adding some extra bounce and cushion to the ride.
- exposed leather stitching adds to the casual and hand-made luxurious feel of the shoe.
When I think of LeBron I think of opposing ideas and forces, coming together in a perfect blend and harmony. Strength and speed; maturity with a sense of humor; leadership with a knowledge of respect and reverence for the game. In short, LeBron combines many elements into one dominant package. Similarly, his game on the court is as diverse and multifaceted. Points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks…he can do it all. This multi-dimensional aspect, prevalent throughout his character, is where I drew my inspiration for his casual shoe, which I call the LeBron Down Time.
The LeBron Down Time combines the comfort and technology of a basketball shoe, with the styling and materials of a casual shoe. Taking my cue from shoes in the Nike stable like the Mad Jibe, Long Ball and Dunk, along with elements of a boat shoe and chukka, the Down Time is a shoe that can be worn with jeans, shorts, or slacks. At the club, casual Friday at work, or at the yacht club, the LeBron Down Time can get down wherever you are.
In keeping with the combination of elements, the upper consists of an exposed neoprene bootie that hugs the foot. The bootie ensures that you don’t have to tie the shoe tight with the laces. This nod to a baggy, loose and casual way to wear the shoe works in contrast to with the laces, which can be tied tight or kept loose, depending on your style. -Titus Ares
Images courtesy of Counter Kicks Footwear Design Division: Project Bluefoot.com
View all the LeBron Lifestyle Design Concepts here:
