LIFT Aviation represents a radical shift in innovation for the Aviation industry, taking outdated heritage products and updated them with influences from cutting-edge technologies and trends in sport, outdoors, and luxury. All shoe models include the innovative FLIGHT SYSTEM™ rudder control heel slider technology (Patent Pending), and RESPONSE CORE™ stability midsole.
The LIFT footwear collection includes five performance models with three color ways each - one PRO model (Merlin Fire Resistant), two Sport models (Dakota, Talon), and two Comfort models (Air Boss, Spinner). My responsibility as Lead on the project included the full R&D process: from initial concept exploration to development of fit & function, color and trim details in tight tech pack format, 3D CAD sole design and development & tooling, to working with meticulous QC details working with partners in Asia, including overseeing production at the factory-level.
Lead Product Designer/Developer & Direction : Christoper Armstrong
Photography & Art Direction: Sergio Aguilar
Product Developers: Jeffrey Soumokil, Christopher Armstrong
Design Manager / VP: Jason Barnes
Early stage Design Discovery process:
Merlin (PRO Model)
Original Sketches:
Production Shoe:
Dakota
Talon
Air Boss
Original Sketches:
Production Shoes:
Spinner
Designed as the first-ever pilot-specific shoe, meant to deliver the best performance for in-cockpit use with specific rudder grip sole and heel sliding technology.
Air Boss AOPA Pilot Magazine Feature - Dec 2017
2016 Red Bull Air Race world champion pilot, Matthias Dolderer:
