Caldera 8
This project was an exciting opportunity to reimagine a high-performance trail shoe, building on the foundation we established with the Caldera 7. We approached it with the intent to challenge existing molds and push past preconceived notions, introducing something fresh to our lineup. With the Caldera 7 tooling already in place, our primary focus shifted to rethinking the upper—an area that offered significant room for innovation. The Caldera 7 team laid a solid groundwork, so our job was to refine and elevate it for this iteration.
Below is a glimpse into the design thinking and creative process behind the Caldera 8—where we balanced performance with forward-thinking design to enhance both form and function.
To turn podium dreams into a reality, we identified three core objectives that would drive the design. Athletes place unwavering trust in their gear—it’s not just equipment; it’s a critical extension of themselves. A failure in equipment, especially in the remote, technical terrain of a race, can have catastrophic consequences, not just leading to a DNF (Did Not Finish), but potentially putting them in danger.
First and foremost, the foundation of this shoe is comfort. It had to provide seamless comfort through diverse conditions, temperatures, and stages of the race. The athlete’s experience should be effortless, with no distractions.
Second, we embraced the ethos of form-fitting performance. We focused on what was absolutely essential—everything that went into the shoe had a purpose. We moved away from symmetry because our feet are anything but symmetrical. The goal was to design with the foot, not just around it, adapting every curve, every contour, for a more organic fit.
Lastly, adaptability is key. In the unpredictable environment of trail racing, no two steps are the same, and no two races are identical. Our design needed to empower runners to fine-tune their fit and secure their footing dynamically—allowing them to thrive in ever-changing conditions.
Meet Hillary Allen
Also known has Hilly Goat. Aka a Bad A** athlete and human being. Her name famously comes from her natural ability to quickly conquer steep hills and technical terrain.
Design for here and here
Quick Drying and Protective
Branding exposure at all times
This was part of my concept presentation. I wanted to show the bold blocking and how it highlights the different zones of the shoe. It’s fun to see my evolution of creativity and expression of concepts.
Let’s dissect the shoe…
For the first time in our trail silo, we introduced the path and word mark, unlocking a new visual direction. Our logo-centric design ethos is reflected in the mudguard and heel split, where form and function converge. With a closer inspections the mudguard also features a discovery element of the franchise name in it with a clear gloss finish. When color-blocked together, these elements create a bold visual statement of protection and security, while allowing the branding to remain front and center.
The medial side follows a similar narrative but with its own distinct approach. It reinforces key elements such as protection, drainage, branding, and lockdown. The materials used here were meticulously selected to offer both structure and support while remaining soft and pliable to the touch. Every detail was carefully scrutinized to strike the perfect balance between breathability, protection, and efficient water expulsion.
The integrated heel tabs do more than just offer ease of entry—they also incorporate reflectivity and serve as space for a brand marker. On the underside is silicon coat functioning to help grip the pull tab. Additionally, the number ‘8’ is thoughtfully featured in a clear gloss finish as a discovery element on the overlay, adding a layer of detail and brand storytelling.
The toe-down view is arguably my favorite angle of the Caldera 8—it truly celebrates the natural anatomy of the foot. The contrast of color blocking allows the toe cap to stand out, highlighting its shape and form. In constructing the shell pattern, we also focused on subtly shifting the U-throat to better mirror the curvature of the foot, enhancing both fit and form. Additionally, the deep, integrated pull tabs were designed to maximize articulation and comfort, allowing for smooth, efficient lacing adjustments.
I did not take these images, although I wish I did