Skate or Die

Winner in Reimagining Iconic Shoes Design

Lead Designer Isabelle Ragnarsson
Photo credit Isabelle Ragnarsson
Prize Winner in Reimagining iconic shoe designs
Expertise Independent

The Skate or Die high heel shoe is crafted from recycled materials and leather. The upper consist of leather and parts from my old favorite skateboard shoe. The heel is wood and is handcrafted from my old worn out skateboards.
Skating for a few years I noticed that there is a lot of boards thrown away. And with that perfectly good material. Maybe not perfect for the first intended use, but why not give this material second life in a new form. The same can be said about skate shoes that get very specific holes on side of the toes or back from doing various tricks but some parts is still great

Bio
Isabelle is a creative maker formally educated dancer and dance teacher and self taught seamstress who recently got into shoemaking. Based in Stockholm she is handcrafting shoes with sustainability in mind either partially or fully from recycled materials.

Jury Comments

Oronzo De Matteis

CEO Founder & Creative Director, OROORO BRAND LUXURY

The “Skate or Die” project combines a variety of technical and stylistic elements with both emotional and functional aspects. Its bold character, along with thoughtful design and style, creates a silhouette that evokes a sleek, futuristic aesthetic. The idea of ​​the future marriage between High Heels and Sneakers is certainly the subject of undisputed attention and studies by big Brands.

Personally, I appreciated the style that this project emanates, ​ a good mix between retro and future but remaining current and elegant at the same time.​ Well done to the Designer for being able to combine attention and care in the combination of recycled materials such as old skateboards and leather, and therefore a beautiful message on the protection of our planet.

​I deeply resonated with his vision, aesthetic sense, and technique. Qualities like curiosity, determination, willpower, and refined taste are all traits I associate with this project. When paired with study and dedication, they create a solid foundation for becoming a successful designer of the future!

Caroline de Baere

Footwear Industry Expert, Adjunct Professor and Educator, Laforma

Using recycled skateboards to create shoe outsoles is not only visually appealing but also showcases a commitment to sustainability. The blend of reclaimed wood with leather elements adds a unique texture and aesthetic, making the product stand out. However, while the idea is intriguing, it would have been beneficial to see more concept drawings and thorough testing to fully validate the design and functionality. Despite this, the final product features beautiful lines and looks fantastic when worn by models, highlighting its potential appeal.

Arshiya Kapoor

Head Of Department, MIT Institute of Design

The “Skate or Die” high heel shoe concept is a creative and bold attempt to merge sustainability with fashion, using recycled skateboards and skate shoes as materials. This approach brings a unique story and character to each pair, showcasing an authentic connection to skate culture.

While the concept of giving a second life to discarded skateboards and shoes is admirable from a sustainability perspective, there are practical thoughts regarding the longevity and market appeal of the final product. Recycled materials often come with variations in texture, strength, and aesthetics, which might lead to inconsistencies in product quality. To ensure market viability, the design needs to address these issues by reinforcing the recycled components in a way that guarantees both durability and style. The idea is fresh and innovative, but it must overcome the practical challenges of creating a high heel that is both comfortable and long-lasting while remaining true to its eco-friendly ethos.

Havva Mustafa

Founder & Designer, Footwear Design Lecturer, HAVVA

One of the most admirable aspects of this design is the craftsmanship involved, particularly the repurposing of discarded materials for the upper and heel. The designer’s attention to creating a wearable, functional shoe while honouring traditional shoemaking techniques is impressive. The stacked skateboard heel adds a visually striking range of colours and opens up creative possibilities for shaping the shoe. Incorporating these materials into the upper is a clever choice. While there’s still room to push the boundaries of the design further, it remains a well-thought-out and interesting concept.