With the launch of the TEMPO, we’d like to introduce you to the mind behind the shoes!
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Richard Kuchinsky. I am the Owner/Principal of The Directive Collective, a design consultancy. I have been responsible for SKORA product and brand design since the very start. I’ve been in the footwear industry for more than 14 years and am also a runner.
Give us a little background behind the birth of this shoe.
TEMPO was created to offer a runner the perfect balance of cushioning, light weight and legendary SKORA fit, control and responsiveness.
What was inspiring you as you designed the TEMPO?
From the very start, TEMPO was inspired by innovative materials. Finding the right materials not only enables good performance in the final product, but influences the design as well. For example, the super lightweight breathable mesh used in the upper was custom made to allow the design to use a single piece, offering the perfect combination of breathability, stretch and durability.
Head over to the blog for a cool Q&A with SKORA designer, Richard!If you have any other questions for Richard, feel free to comment!
Posted by Skora Running on Monday, April 13, 2015
Which color do you love to wear?
Florescent Yellow. The brighter the better. Feels fast.
How many miles have you put on your personal pair and where?
I have had many different pairs throughout the testing process. Every time we make a change to the construction, materials, design, I get a new sample to put it through its paces. I’ve gone through about five different samples. Highest mileage on one single pair so far is about 250km on one of the pre-production samples.
Heard you’ve got a big year of running planned, what’s on the docket?
I’ve got a few races already booked including the 30km Around the Bay Road Race (North America’s oldest road race), a half marathon in Vienna, Austria, the Sporting Life 10k and home favorite Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I have a few others I’m also considering including the San Francisco marathon, and Reykjavik marathon in Iceland. I am aiming for 2015 km in 2015 and I’m well on my way.
What are you up to when you aren’t designing or running?
Designing and running pretty much takes up all my time. When I’m not doing either, I’m probably eating or sleeping.
Describe your dream shoe.
My dream shoe is always the next one I’m designing. I can’t give away any future plans, but let’s just say the best shoe is one that you can wear in any situation.
Do you have any questions for Richard? Comment below!
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