The first IMOTANA prototype

After months of development we now hold the first prototype in our hands.

This feels similar to holding a little baby in your hands. We are proud and happy about every detail.

Some parts are still from the 3D printer and many parts are handmade.

During development, we asked ourselves what makes a great soccer shoe.

In our opinion, the most important elements are:

• Fit: The material and the last determine whether a shoe fits well.
• Comfort level: This is achieved through the material used inside (insole, heel area) and the construction of the soccer shoe.
• Grip and stability: This is defined by the right sole, the material and the whole construction of the shoe.
• Design & Look: Soccer shoes have to look cool, so we want to make as many areas as possible color customizable.

#1 The fit

The shoes must fit the foot perfectly so that you feel comfortable in them.

Of course, because you need a good feel for the ball to play an accurate pass or to get the free kick where it's supposed to go.

Our goal is for the shoes to fit like a second skin. Without slipping, without pressure points, and without blisters.

We can achieve this through two points:

1. The shoe will be customized to the shape of your foot. For this, you need to scan your foot. Our artificial intelligence will then calculate your last.
2. Flexible knitting as the main component for the upper material means that the shoe adapts flexibly to your shape and hugs your foot.

#2 Comfort

The knit fabric used generally results in a comfortable fit.

Combined with a soft insole and a padded heel area, your foot sits snugly in the shoe.

It cannot slip and therefore does not cause pressure points or blisters.

#3 Grip and stability

Like a car tire, football boots need the right grip on every surface and in all weather conditions.

This is due to the sole design. It is achieved through a special arrangement of the studs (different lengths, differently oriented positioning).

Since the shoe should also be very light, we designed the sole in such a way that unnecessary areas are omitted, for example the middle area of ​​the sole is completely eliminated.

The sole is divided into two areas: ball of the foot and heel.

This reduces the overall weight of the shoe, making it feel feather-light. Each shoe weighs only 220g.

A stable insole board gives the shoe the stability that would otherwise be achieved through a thick sole.

The insole board is really stiff in one direction to reinforce your shot and flexible in the other direction to allow for good roll-through.

#4 Design & Look

There are no limits to your ideas!

We designed the shoe so that as many zones as possible can be customized:

1. Upper and Power Band
2. knitted socks
3. sole and studs
4. Grip zone and pull loop
5. Laces

Try it out right here: to the 3D configurator

More colors and graphics are coming soon. Let us know what else you'd like to see.

Next Steps

This is the first prototype. It's already pretty cool, but we're not satisfied yet and want to improve several aspects in the next step.

1. The design of the upper material:
   Right now it looks a bit too tame. But we want to appear more aggressive.
2. Stollen shape:
   This should fit the overall look even better, and we are trying to save even more weight.
3. Flexibility of the upper material:
   It should become even softer and feel more like soft leather.

If you have any further ideas and suggestions, feel free to write to us on Instagram or Facebook!

We look forward to hearing from you 😀