Lynxplore Boots

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  Lynxplore Boot

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  Lynxplore Sole

Inspiration

Canada Lynxes have the unique ability to 'float' on top of snow with their large, padded, fluffy paws. To emulate their four-legged gait, we designed a snow boot sole that can redistribute the weight of a human walking on two feet. This allows for easy walking across snowy terrain without the need to change shoes or attach snowshoes to winter boots.

What it does

Using 3D-printed TangoPlus (FLX930) filament, which mimics the behaviour and properties of human plantar fat (i.e. the soft tissue on the soles of your feet), the paw pads on the base of the shoe will be able to 'squish' down as you walk. This emulates the way a Canada lynx's paws (toe beans!) spread out and absorb energy as it pads along, redistributing its weight across even freshly fallen snow. In addition to these soft, fleshy pads, there will also be traction pads at a slightly lower level. This will prevent slipping once the paw pads compress and the foot is fully depressed on the ground.

How we built it

We designed the Lynxplore sole in Autodesk Inventor, using a template sole as the base silhouette and expanding on it. The paw pads mimic the shape of a lynx's paws, with room for the flexible material to spread out as pressure is applied with each step. Additionally, there are extrusions to allow for traction to grip icy surfaces. The extrusions have holes similar to those in OnCloud shoes, making the shoes lightweight.

What's next for Lynxplore Boots

Next steps include obtaining and/or developing the materials required, constructing high-fidelity prototypes to test the functionality and durability in cold winter weather, and iterating the overall design of the sole. Moreover, we hope to incorporate some additional features onto the boot, such as crampons to grip icy surfaces with more stability, like the lynx's claws.

Built With

• autodesk
• grabcad