Dino Stride

Adaptive Sneakers for Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Dino Stride is more than footwear; it represents a necessary step forward in orthotic-friendly shoes for children. Designed with empathy, Dino Stride prioritizes user needs and addresses the unique challenges faced every day by children with orthotics. By focusing on comfort, functionality, and style, these shoes support rehabilitation and boost self confidence, allowing children with orthotics the freedom they deserve. Dino Stride seeks to provide the orthotic friendly footwear market with a shoe that empowers the children who deserve it the most.

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Dino Stride by Eric Paskach

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Adaptive Sneakers by Eric Paskach

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Eric Paskach Dino Stride

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Eric Paskach Adaptive Sneakers

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Eric Paskach Designer Portrait Photo

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Iowa State University of Science and TechnologyBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

1 in 345 children are born with cerebral palsy. That is a huge number of children that not only need lower-limb orthotics, but special shoes as well. In the orthotics-friendly footwear market, there is a massive disconnect in communication leading to a final product that completely neglects the user's needs. Dino Stride solves these issues with an orthotics-friendly shoe that is functional, stylish, and fun, making orthotics more engaging for children, and aiding rehabilitation.

Tags

adaptive, shoes, orthotics, AFO, children, dinosaur, footwear, cerebral palsy, kids, friendly

Production Technology

Empathic design is an approach that brings critical insights into the design process. Throughout this project, I did not only gather data from interviews, surveys, and secondary research. Through firsthand experiences, I immersed myself in the world of those who rely on orthotic-friendly footwear. I understood their frustrations and felt their desire for something better. Every choice was driven by what I had learned, ensuring the final design truly serves the children who need it most.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge of this project was reshaping the shoe form to comfortably accommodate an orthotic without sacrificing the look and feel of a typical kids' shoe. Every child deserves to feel confident and included, so it was crucial to design something that blends in seamlessly with their peers' footwear. Through several iterations, the final design emerged, one that works comfortably with orthotics while prioritizing style, comfort, and the joy of simply being a kid.

Project Duration

This project started in January 2024 and finished in May 2024. It was exhibited in Ames Iowa at Iowa State University in May 2024

Operation Flow

The upper is made of a breathable mesh knit to mitigate the heat generated from the foot against the orthotics. A deep sole provides space and support for the orthotics while maintaining the typical height of a kid's shoe. Side zippers allow the front of the shoe to fold open for fast and easy donning and doffing while wearing the orthotics. The dinosaur details and camo pattern add necessary character and fun to the shoe to help with acceptance of the orthotics and self-confidence.

Research

For Dino Stride, I conducted surveys and interviews of caregivers of children with lower-limb orthotics, empathic role-play of the child and orthotist, and studied research relating to gait, orthotics, and footwear for orthotics. The objective was to identify which issues were most prevalent for children with lower-limb orthotics. Style, fit, and width were the most prevalent issues. The surveys and interviews conducted provided the most critical insight for design decisions.

Inspiration

Children with disabilities are often disregarded in the world of design. Most equipment designed for these children is simply downscaled versions of technology made for adults. This practice neglects the fact that these users are children and that their wants and needs are far different from those of adults. Therefore, children with disabilities need products designed specifically for them. I was inspired to make a change in the orthotics-friendly footwear market which suffers from this exact problem.

Image Credits

Image #5: Photographer Bjorn Iverson, 2024

Project Overview

Dino Stride Adaptive Sneakers has been a Iron winner in the Social Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Eric Paskach was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Dino Stride Adaptive Sneakers.

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