Deckers X Lab, the innovation department of Deckers – owner of HOKA ONE ONE, UGG, Teva and Sanuk – has launched the K-ST 21 ‘hypersneaker’, described as ‘ a whole new breed of sneaker designed to make motion more efficient and enjoyable.’
At the core of the new K-ST 21 is the Carbon Bow Technology™ suspension system – new technology from Deckers X Lab designed to transform vertical landing energy into forward motion. Founded in 2019, Deckers X Lab is led by VP of Innovation Jean-Luc Diard, co-founder of HOKA ONE ONE and former CEO of Salomon.
A statement noted, ‘The carbon suspension system is uniquely shaped with the goal of capturing body load and providing extra arch support for a smooth suspension effect, while the front arms and curved surface assist with forward rolling motion. The suspension system complements the SwallowTail™ heel, a wide base designed to capture ground contact early and provide a super smooth, progressive, and stable platform for movement.’
The lightweight, breathable yet durable upper combines CORDURA® Ballistic nylon and Matryx® fabric. The stretch panel in the nose of the K-ST 21 provides adaptability to foot sizes while enabling the shoe to flex smoothly. The combination of technology in both the upper and bottom areas make the K-ST 21 suited for an extremely wide range of motion, from casual walking to fitness and extreme freestyle moves.
Diard said, “At Deckers X Lab, we’re taking the most advanced technology available and building it into sneakers – the shoes that people wear every day. We believe suspension systems are a natural and logical evolution in technologies, enabling the creation of sneakers that are at the same time incredibly comfortable and dynamic. When you put on the K-ST 21, you’ll want to move, to do more than usual. It pushes you forward comfortably and in full confidence.”
The design has outdoor heritage, from the surf-inspired SwallowTail™ heel and Carbon Bow Technology™ suspension system inspired by ski technologies and marathon racing shoes to the adaptive specifications of the upper.
Project K-ST 21 aligns with the Deckers X Lab mantra of ‘inspiring and enabling people to experience their passion on a new level, whether it’s extending a walk from one mile to two, providing confidence in all biomechanical movements and pushing boundaries wherever they are.’
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