Adidas Football Project (2016)

This project was part of a collaborative effort between the Adidas Football Department and the Fashion Department at the Royal College of Art. My design was inspired by the 2002 FIFA World Cup, held in the Republic of Korea, my hometown. That year remains an unforgettable memory, as the country transformed into a sea of red—fans dressed in the national team's symbolic color—filling the streets with unmatched energy and unity. It was a historic moment, as Korea's national team reached the semifinals for the first time, leaving a lasting legacy in the nation's football history and uniting its people like never before.

Drawing from my personal experience as a member of "Team Red," I aimed to encapsulate the shared euphoria and connection between players and the crowd. The conceptual prototype football shoe reflects this bond, featuring bump-like particles that symbolize the pulsating energy of the crowd as they move, stay, and celebrate in sync with the player. Simultaneously, the player can feel the cheering energy beneath their feet, creating a dynamic exchange between athlete and audience. The shoe's structure bridges the ground with the 'sock' element, inspired by the architectural form of a stadium—an emblem of unity and shared experience.

The prototype was meticulously crafted by hand, starting with clay sculpting and sanding, followed by 3D scanning, digital editing, and reprinting in clear plastic. The sock element was developed using mold-making techniques to enhance the sensory connection between the shoe and its wearer.

This design was selected as one of the top two projects for its innovative approach, breaking industry norms by emphasizing the emotional and sensory connection between players, crowds, and the game itself.