Meet Madeline Helt, the designer behind the Smocked Boot | Winner of Emerging Designer of the Year 2023

Footwear Designer Madeline Helt, 2023 Global Footwear Awards Emerging Designer of the Year, unveils the inspiration behind Smocked Boot. This project redefines the climbing boot by leveraging advanced heat-retention technology and utilizing repeated structural patterns to create a new, durable textile tailored for outdoor environments. Its innovative two-part sole system, designed with both adaptability and sustainability in mind, allows for easy replacement or modification, extending the boot’s functionality and boot’s lifespan.

As a young, emerging designer of the year, what was your goal in designing these boots?

The primary intention behind creating this boot was to develop a multi-sole system tailored for extreme weather sports, combining functionality with a high-end aesthetic. I aimed to design a boot capable of tackling challenging terrains effortlessly while offering a high degree of customization. This versatility contributes to the product’s sustainability, allowing it to adapt to various consumer needs. The boot is available in a range of sizes and performance levels, ensuring it meets the unique requirements of each user.

What kind of technology did you integrate into this design to retain heat?

In this design, we might explore using an upper material with a specialized structure aimed at enhancing heat retention. A layered and folded construction, inspired by natural biological patterns found in some animals’ skin, could offer an effective way to retain warmth in cooler conditions. By emulating these natural insulation methods, this approach could potentially create a balance between warmth, lightweight feel, and comfort, ideal for cold-weather performance.

What makes this boot sustainable?

The sustainability of this boot lies in its innovative multi-sole design, which is both customizable and modular. The sole consists of a two-part structure: an inner midsole and an external outsole. The midsole provides comfort and structural support, while the external outsole can be securely screwed on and off. This feature not only extends the boot’s lifespan by allowing easy replacement of the outsole, reducing waste, but it also enables customization with different colors, letting wearers personalize the look to their preference. Overall, this design approach reflects a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the user experience.

What is the new text so you want to introduce for outdoor space would you elaborate more on the repeated structural pattern.

The repeating structural pattern showcased on the upper of this boot is referred to as “smocking.” Originally developed for textiles, this technique involves pleating fabric to enhance its elasticity. When applied to leather, smocking significantly increases the material’s strength while allowing it to retain its shape and heat. This innovative approach not only contributes to the durability of the boot but also ensures optimal performance in outdoor environments, where maintaining form and function is crucial

How did your experience at SCAD influence the decisions you made to create this particular design?

My experience at SCAD significantly shaped my design choices, particularly through the guidance of my professor, Michael Mack, who consistently encouraged me to push the boundaries of my creativity and skill. SCAD’s extensive resources also provided me with opportunities to experiment with various techniques and materials, along with valuable insights into different aspects of the industry. This combination of mentorship and access to diverse resources ultimately led to the development of this particular design.

What role did your professor play in the design development process?

While I had the privilege of learning from multiple talented professors at SCAD, Michael Mack stood out the most in my design development. He encouraged me to push the boundaries of my designs and instilled a strong belief in my craftsmanship. I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance and support, which helped me cultivate my creative confidence and allowed me to explore innovative concepts while refining my skills.

What is the thing you’re most proud of when it comes to this product?

One of my proudest achievements is the smart boot, which is a culmination of a series of six products I developed for this project. It was one of my initial concepts and presented the greatest challenge. My vision was to create a line for extreme weather sports that blurred the lines between functionality and fashion. By pushing those boundaries, I transformed the traditional idea of a puffer boot into something far more innovative. This was achieved through extensive experimentation with textiles and engaging with individuals who live extreme weather lifestyles. Ultimately, I am proud of the entire product, the collaborative effort that brought it to life, and the recognition it has received within the footwear industry.

What can we wish you for 2024?

In 2024, I hope to continue designing products that push the boundaries of both fashion and function. My aspiration is to inspire others to challenge their own skills and explore the limitless possibilities of what fashion can become.