Nuria HANSEN

Easy, lightweight and toe protected water shoe.

After observing kids at Jamison Square in Portland’s downtown Pearl District I realized the need for added toe protection for play urban environments.

My original design ran 10 years until 2018 when it was updated with the next version.

It has been copied by numerous companies.

When working with gymnasts for the 2008 Olympics I learned about what it takes to be an elite athlete and how minimal changes in the training routine can enhance or derail success. The ‘paw’ design for these gymnasts applied just a minimal traction plate to their feet for better grip when running up to the horse. This was a need that became apparent after studying not just what happens during the vaulting part, which is the part that gets graded, but what is needed for the prep part to make the vaulting more successful. This paw was an exercise in balancing how much should be added to a shoe design. In this case it was minimal.

After many years in the footwear industry I am passionate about sustainable practices in design, production and distribution. During my tenure at See Kai Run I was able to implement efficient practices, being smart with tooling choices, direct waist reducing pattern engineering and source sustainable materials.

I was trained as a footwear maker and spent many years in production and in shoe making which helps me realize where and how sustainable practices can be implemented.

From 2011 to 2023 I was the VP of Design and Development at kids footwear company See Kai Run. During my time the company’s revenue quadruplet. We implemented efficient processes, grew the product line with innovative and performance footwear, expanded retail presence by designing sub brands and established See Kai Run as the go to for healthy foot development.

In 2018 successfully launched a sub brand for Target called See Kai Run Basics. Represented in almost all 2000 doors across the USA. Designs include classic sneakers, sandals and waterproof boots.

Over 15% of Americans have some sort of disability. I launched adaptive shoes that meet the needs for all children. Through fit and wear tests we were able to determine how wide the shoe needed to open to accommodate Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO).

Footwear Designer at renowned children’s shoe company Elefanten from 1998-2003. I was in charge of collections for Nordstrom and Hanna Anderson and received two design awards in 2000 and 2001.

Fit is everything. Designing for correct fit is my passion. I learned pattern engineering at Are Sutoria and have studied feet for over 25 years resulting in creations of correct lasts, closure systems and functional and comfortable upper and outsole designs.

kids play shoe designed with an easy closure system inspired by the biomimicry concept that in nature there are always multiple systems working together for best results. In this case the combination of lace and hook and loop that can be handled with one pull. It received the Nike Shoe Dog award in 2007.

crib shoe that can be handled with one hand only to keep the other hand free to hold the baby

This presentation while working out of the Nike Tokyo office in 2005 is about considered and adaptable design

‘Seeing Faces’ from 2005 was a little trip report when working out of the Nike design office in Tokyo for two months