Backstage: designing our new collection of barefoot sneakers

Every collection tells a story and reflects our passion for minimalist and sustainable footwear. In this blog post, we invite you to take a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind our Fall-Winter 2024 collection. Discover how our core values—comfort, sleek design, and respect for the environment—come to life in each model. This glimpse into the creation process also highlights our commitment to crafting ever more innovative shoes without compromising on quality.

1. Creative Process

For this new collection, our incredible community served as our primary source of inspiration. Your feedback and suggestions guided every decision we made, from color palettes to technical improvements. You helped us understand what truly matters to you, and we incorporated every insight to enhance our two models, Lemon & Peach, and better meet your expectations.

The mood board for this collection builds on the foundation of our previous one, reinforcing the strong identity of our brand. We drew inspiration from the earthy hues of fall and winter, exploring warm tones reminiscent of forest foliage and deep shades that mirror the ocean’s reflections during this time of year. These colors capture the essence of the seasons’ ever-changing beauty. Staying true to our vibrant signature style, we are proud to carry forward this high-energy, colorful aesthetic.

Flexible barefoot sneaker by Fleeters

2. Material Selection and Sustainable Innovations

Material selection is a cornerstone of our philosophy at Fleeters, and this new collection marks a significant step forward in innovation. After months of rigorous testing, we are proud to introduce several new materials that align with our standards for sustainability and comfort.

One standout innovation is GrapeSkin, a material derived from grape residues. Not only is it durable, but its unique textured aesthetic adds character to the models in this collection.

To enhance wearability, we also redesigned the breathability of our shoes. The mesh lining and the mesh finish on the insole were carefully chosen to improve airflow inside the shoe. These upgrades ensure optimal freshness and comfort throughout the day.

Every material was meticulously selected for its functional and aesthetic qualities, in line with our environmental commitment. This collection embodies our dedication to blending innovation with sustainability, resulting in shoes that are elegant, comfortable, and eco-friendly.

3. Sample Development

Sample with notes from our new collection design process
Sample production is a crucial step in our creative process, where material choices are transformed into tangible prototypes. This phase typically takes 12 weeks and includes several steps: ordering and receiving supplies, assembling the upper shoe components, and attaching the upper to the sole, which is both glued and stitched.

Once the sample is produced, we enter a testing phase to verify each material's compatibility with our designs and quality standards. As we constantly explore innovative bio-sourced materials, this initial phase is vital to ensure every component integrates seamlessly while meeting our high standards for comfort, durability, and aesthetics.

This process helps us identify potential improvements, such as adjusting proportions, optimizing breathability, or reinforcing certain seams or materials. These refinements are then incorporated into a new sample, known as the "compliance pair," until we achieve the desired level of quality. This iterative process ensures that every model in our collection is perfectly polished before entering full production.

New sneakers production in our factory

Conclusion

Our new collection is now available for pre-order at a discounted price, and we can’t wait to see our new models become part of your everyday life. They are designed to inspire you to walk differently, in harmony with the earth and yourself.

Fleeters barefoot sneakers new collection FW24