DOR Podcast #144: From Sketch to Final Product: How Running Shoes are Made (ft. Richard Kuchinsky of Directive Collective)
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at running shoe design and production. Matt & Nathan are joined by special guest Richard Kuchinsky, founder of Directive Collective and an expert in footwear design and development. They explore an array of topics–from defining industrial design and the significance of consultants in the footwear industry to Richard's proudest project with The Directive Collective, this is an inside look at the shoe design process from initial sketches to the finished product. Delving deeper, they discuss the factors influencing shoe pricing and the emerging trends Richard foresees in the ever-evolving footwear landscape. Additionally, they examine the categorization of running shoes, the pivotal role of comfort and "feel" in selecting the right shoe.
Video
About Richard Kuchinsky
Richard Kuchinsky, a runner and running shoe designer, is the Founder and Owner of The Directive Collective - a full-service design footwear design consultancy. A 4x Boston Qualifying marathoner, Richard has an extensive experience of 20+ years in the footwear industry, and has driven the creative design and development process for global brands, focused on design DNA and strategy. The Directive Collective provides complete footwear design solutions from concept to commercialization including technical design and development and specializes in performance running and innovation.
You can find Richard on Instagram, LinkedIn, and The Directive Collective website.
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0:00 - Intro
5:20 - Defining industrial design
10:44 - The role of consultants in the footwear industry
13:16 - What is The Directive Collective?
19:50 - The project Richard is most proud of
22:12 - The shoe design process: from sketch to final product
29:48 - The time horizons for creating a shoe
37:16 - What goes in to shoe pricing?
45:38 - The trends Richard sees coming in the footwear industry
49:22 - How Richard would categorize the variety of running shoes
55:09 - The role of comfort and "feel" in shoe selection
1:03:14 - What's next for shoes?
1:06:02 - Richard's all-time favorite shoe
1:08:02 - Wrap-up
Recent Episodes
#143: Buy or Sell These Trends | Link
(We play buy or sell with shoe trends of 2023)
#142: High School/Collegiate Running: Common Injuries to Avoid, Best Nutrition Practices and Best Shoes | Link
(Our full team gathers for a discussion on High School and Collegiete Running)
#141: Science of Sleep | Link
(Ryan Wooderson talks all about the science of sleep for runners and what it does for recovery)
#140: Mailbag! | Link
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NEXT: How Long Do Shoes Last?
