Courtside: Retro meets barefoot feeling
An urban sneaker that combines the nostalgia of 90s basketball aesthetics with the functional benefits of modern barefoot shoes.
Expanding the collection with minimal investment
The Courtside was intended to expand the Feelgrounds collection with a new, fashionable sneaker silhouette without having to invest in new sole tools. The challenge: to bridge the gap between functional barefoot shoes and the white sneaker trend while preserving and further developing the brand's DNA.
Concept & objective
In order to expand the customer base and make barefoot shoes attractive to new customers who are still inexperienced, the Feelgrounds product portfolio was to be expanded with a silhouette that follows the “white sneaker” trend. To save costs, the existing soles were to be used and the silhouette built on them.
The challenge was to combine the characteristics of barefoot shoes—wide toe box, flexible materials, zero drop—with the aesthetics of contemporary sneaker culture. The Courtside was not only supposed to be functional, but also bridge the gap between minimalist shoes and lifestyle shoes.
Retro basketball aesthetic
White sneaker trend
Positioning in the lifestyle segment
Mood board for the desired aesthetic
Design process
Targetgroup
Courtside is aimed at urban, health-conscious people between the ages of 25 and 45 who value self-optimization, comfort, and style. This target group is fashion-conscious, knows the latest trends, and looks for products that are not only functional but also communicate an aesthetic attitude.
Spending a lot of time on their feet, whether commuting in the city or walking in the park, they want shoes that offer comfort. With a keen awareness of their bodies and health, they know that barefoot shoes offer orthopedic benefits, but they don't want to sacrifice a contemporary, clean design. Courtside should offer precisely this balance: health and style, without compromise.
Target group mood board
Market analysis
What sneakers do fashion-conscious people in urban centers wear? Which retro basketball models are currently shaping the streetwear scene? What expectations do barefoot shoe wearers have in terms of design and fit?
Analysis of trend reports, competitor products, and customer feedback revealed that barefoot shoes played hardly any role in the sneaker segment and were only marginally represented. Most barefoot models were marketed on the basis of their functionality, but rarely positioned as fashionable lifestyle products. This was an opportunity for Feelgrounds.
Competitive analysis and benchmarking
Ideation & sketching phase
The ideation phase began with the findings from the research. I developed various approaches through initial sketches: classic high-top silhouettes, low-cut variants, different material distributions, and overlays. The central challenge was always the wide toe box, which is a functional must-have for barefoot shoes but often visually problematic.
The sketches quickly showed that the solution lay not in concealing the width, but in consciously integrating it through structural elements such as seams, overlays, and perforations. Through targeted lines, the proportionality could be restored without compromising functionality.
Initial sketches for concept development
Initial renderings for concept evaluation
Technical design: Adaptive and minimalist
Material selection & CAD development
The choice of materials was crucial in striking a balance between flexibility and structure. The upper material is made of high-quality synthetic leather. The perforations on the toe box not only serve a functional purpose, but also make a visual statement—a clear reference to classic basketball sneakers. Various approaches were pursued for the inner lining, including jersey, mesh, and woven fabrics. Tencel proved to be the optimal material. The composition of the lining reduces odor formation, promotes moisture exchange, and consists largely of natural materials.
The development process involved close collaboration with the production facility. Every detail—from the seam lines to the positioning of the eyelets—had to be technically feasible while also supporting the aesthetic vision. The use of existing sole shapes and lasts was a requirement that called for creative solutions within defined parameters.
Production definition and examples for the supplier
First initial concept sample
Second initial concept sample
Prototyping & Fittings
The initial prototyping phase revealed what renderings cannot show: How does the shoe feel on the foot? Where do pressure points occur? How does the material behave during movement? Several fitting sessions with different foot types provided valuable insights.
Adjustments were made to the lacing, the eyestay, and the heel construction. Each iteration brought the product closer to the design vision and functional requirements. Close coordination between design, development, and production was crucial during this phase.
Comfortably padded heel construction
Ventilation in the toe area
Tencel lining for a soft feel
Use of existing sole
Color design moodboard and inspiration
Color Designs
Results & Response
The Courtside was launched in spring 2023 and quickly became Feelgrounds' best-selling model. The market launch confirmed the strategic direction: the shoe not only appealed to existing barefoot shoe wearers, but also won over new target groups who had previously had no contact with the brand or even barefoot shoes.
The positive response is reflected not only in sales figures, but also in direct customer feedback. Users appreciate the combination of function and aesthetics, the versatility in everyday life, and the high quality of workmanship. The Courtside is perceived not only as a functional barefoot shoe, but as a full-fledged lifestyle sneaker. That was exactly the goal.
Courtside Retro Beige
Courtside Black And White
Courtside Retro Black und Retro Red
Courtside Gum White
Courtside All White