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According to a recent study conducted among 2,000 adults, more than one-third of people wear shoes that are not the right size, leading to issues such as bunions, calluses, and pain that can affect their mobility. In 2021, we launched our first collection of standard-width shoes. While this size suited most people, some wished to experience our self-lacing technology in wider shoes, better suited to their feet and the use of orthotic insoles.
The demand for wide shoes is growing rapidly. We regularly received requests from both our retailers and customers for models better suited to wide feet. However, the market's offering remains limited. That’s why we set out to create a wide shoe featuring our auto-lacing technology while incorporating additional improvements to ensure optimal comfort and support.
The development of a new shoe is a complex process that involves several key stages, from the initial design to full-scale production. Each phase requires deep expertise and meticulous attention to detail to ensure a final product that is high-performing, comfortable, and tailored to users' needs.
Creating the wide collection took over a year of intensive research and development. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with wider feet or those who require orthotic insoles, we worked closely with foot specialists, including orthotists and podiatrists. Their expertise allowed us to optimize the fit, enhance support, and integrate our self-lacing technology without compromising comfort.
Through this rigorous approach, every aspect of the shoe was carefully refined—from initial modeling to mold machining, followed by multiple prototyping and adjustment cycles. The result: a shoe designed specifically for those who have struggled to find footwear that truly meets their needs.
For our new wide collection, we have introduced two new colors: All Black and Coffee Brown. These choices were guided by customer preferences and requests for options that are both stylish and practical.
The Coffee Brown shade was developed in response to frequent feedback from customers looking for a brown shoe with a darker matching sole. We designed a version that combines a textured brown upper with a brown sole, offering a refined and versatile look.
Meanwhile, the All Black model meets the needs of those seeking a fully black shoe, whether for professional requirements, school uniforms, or simply for a sleek and timeless aesthetic. With these new options, our wide collection is now even better suited to different preferences and styles.
We aimed to push our limits with this new collection by enhancing an already exceptional model. Every detail has been carefully reimagined to provide an even more comfortable and high-performance experience.
First, we optimized the insole to ensure maximum comfort throughout the day. The midsole was also improved to offer better foot support.
For added convenience, we incorporated a discreet pocket on the tongue, allowing the laces to be easily tucked away while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. Additionally, a third row of eyelets was added to provide more toe space, enhancing overall fit and comfort.
Finally, it was essential for us to ensure that this new collection is fully compatible with orthotic insoles, catering to specific needs and providing optimal support for everyone.
We chose to use La Ruche, a Quebec-based nonprofit organization specializing in crowdfunding and supporting passionate entrepreneurs' projects. By opting for this platform, we not only had the opportunity to offer our shoes for pre-order at a reduced price but also gained access to additional funding to support our growth and the success of our new collection.
Beyond financing, this campaign provided us with a unique opportunity to engage our community in the project and introduce our innovation to a broader audience. For the occasion, we also created a presentation video—an enriching experience that allowed us to share our vision and commitment to comfort and performance.
More than just a new collection, our wide-fit shoes represent the culmination of meticulous work, combining innovation, comfort, and adaptability. By listening to our customers' needs and collaborating with foot care experts, we have designed a model that meets the expectations of those with wider feet or who require orthotics.
Thanks to our campaign on La Ruche, we were able to bring this project to life while involving our community in this incredible journey. With this new collection, we continue to push the boundaries of design and technology to deliver even more high-performance footwear. And this is just the beginning!
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