Amazonia: A New Wave in Footwear Design

Fernando Echeverria's Award-Winning Shoe Design Inspired by Nature and Origami

Amazonia shoes, designed by Fernando Echeverria, are a testament to the power of nature and traditional craft techniques in inspiring innovative design. The shoes' form and function are inspired by the manta ray, with its wings and enveloping nature influencing the shoe's basic structure. The construction of the shoes borrows from the art of origami, with its intricate folds playing a crucial role in the design.

What sets Amazonia shoes apart is their commitment to sustainability and efficiency. The shoes are designed to maintain the spirit and technique of handmade footwear while reducing production time and waste. The shoes are made from a single piece of leather, reducing waste and eliminating the need for sewing machines. This approach not only saves time and energy but also results in a unique aesthetic that breaks away from traditional shoe designs.

The shoes are designed to provide comfort for all types of feet, offering a unique feeling of space and comfort. The design is flexible, like a moccasin, providing a soft envelope for the feet and preventing foot malformations caused by pointy shoes. The shoes are available for both men and women, in sizes ranging from 36 to 47, and weigh an average of 500 grams per pair.

The Amazonia shoes were created in Prague, Czech Republic, between July 2017 and January 2018. The design process involved extensive research and numerous prototypes, with the aim of creating a shoe that was faster and more efficient to produce, used fewer parts, generated less waste, and required fewer steps to build. The final design is a testament to the success of this approach.

The Amazonia shoes have been recognized for their innovative design and approach to sustainability, winning the Silver A' Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and that introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. The Amazonia shoes are a perfect example of this, showcasing a new way of thinking about shoe design and production.