Product Design student Daniel Maré explored extending the Lifecycle of Skateboarding Shoes: A Modular and Sustainable Approach in his research.
The project addressed the premature breakdown of skateboarding footwear, a recurring problem that impacts both performance and sustainability. Skate shoes are subject to intense abrasion and wear, often becoming unusable within weeks. This results in high replacement rates, increased costs for skaters, and substantial material waste. The lack of viable repair options or products in the market revealed a critical gap in both the industry and skateboarding culture. This project set out to explore a solution that would reinforce high-wear areas of skate shoes, extending their lifespan while aligning with values of sustainability, performance, and authenticity.
This project focused on extending the lifespan of skateboarding footwear by designing durable adhesive patches, called Mega Patches. The goal was to reduce waste in the skateboarding community caused by frequent shoe replacements. Through research, testing, and design iterations, a lightweight, abrasion-resistant patch using Dyneema® fabric and industrial adhesive was developed. This solution allows skaters to reinforce worn areas of their shoes easily, improving performance and sustainability without affecting board feel. The project included material testing, user surveys, and real-world applications to validate the product’s effectiveness.
This project responds directly to a common frustration in the skateboarding community: shoes wear out fast and cost a lot to replace. By introducing a repair-based solution that’s simple, durable, and skater-approved, Mega Patches can significantly reduce waste and extend the life of footwear. The expected impact goes beyond skateboarding, promoting a repair mindset in youth culture and action sports — encouraging sustainable habits while keeping performance in focus. As the product becomes available, it has the potential to create dialogue around circular design and offer a practical solution for communities that often get left out of sustainable innovation.
Research at the KPU Wilson School of Design creates evidence-led solutions. We work with companies, organizations and institutions in a collaborative process to design and deliver solutions for complex and evolving challenges.
Supervisor: Victor Martinez
UN Goals: 9, 12, 13, 15
Program: Product Design
