Sneaker Prototypes
The journey that became Az Below began with an interest in custom and made-from-scratch footwear.
The first prototype sneaker from Az Below, built from scratch using a “donor” sole, pictured here in Vienna in 2019.
Prototype S
This prototype sneaker from early 2019 was based loosely on a low-top skate shoe, using a donor sole removed from an existing pair and secondhand fabrics for the upper construction. A vivid purple corduroy makes up the majority of the upper, with a pale green synthetic suede-like material for the accents near the toebox, eyestays, and heel counter. Black quilted cotton make up the lining, eyestays, and heel collar. Only a right-foot shoe was made, as this project was intended as a proof of concept, and was completed using only a standard flat bed sewing machine.
Customized “Sulphur” Sneakers
This customization project used a pair of secondhand sneakers with some modifications to complete a concept piece based around Sulfur. Yellow corduroy panels and yellow laces were added to the yellow velour upper to reflect the different forms Sulfur can take in nature. The alchemical symbol for Sulfur was also added to the toebox and quarters in a light gray synthetic suede-like material.
“Tabula Smaragdina” Prototype
Another single-sided prototype, this sneaker conceptualized around the Emerald Tablet from alchemical history used a single piece of teal knit fabric for a sock-like upper. A black heel tab and black elastic collar complete the outside of the shoe, while an elastic strap was included in the forefoot to improve the fit.