Deckers Innovation Lab combines fast, casual comfort with composite footwear

Deckers X Lab (Goleta, Calif., U.S.), the innovation department of Deckers Outdoor Group (HOKA, Ugg, Teva, Koolaburra by Ugg, and Sanuk), announces its newest experiment merging comfort with elements of race performance —  the “fast-casual” KO-Z Sport Low Wool Carbon shoe.

To achieve maximum comfort, the innovation team wrapped a carbon fiber plate in wide, upcycled soft EVA foam layers, then coupled it with a Meta-Rocker geometry — a Hoka One One proprietary technology that combines a low heel-toe drop and a traditional rounded sole rocker — in the midsole, with a refined squaretail heel. This design is said to automatically engage the foot in a “flow” experience, or heal-to-toe motion. The upper is built with felted wool and Ecotan nubuck leather for durability, warmth and added protection from the elements.

Addition features include a recycled rubber outsole, recycled polyester laces and a removable anatomical recycled EVA insole with lycra topsole. The underfoot geometry is 122-90-102, with an 8-mm drop and 30-22-mm stack height. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MRSP) starts at $160.

Further, this product was made in a factory that supports women in the Deckers supply chain with the help of HERproject, a collaborative initiative that creates partnerships with brands to empower and educate women in the workplace.