TOMS Collins Casual Lace Up Sneaker

The TOMS Collins sneaker was designed to create an elevated everyday option that blended effortless style with on-the-go comfort. The brief called for a versatile lifestyle silhouette that felt feminine, refined, and easy to pair with a wide range of looks. The final design features luxe mixed materials—responsibly sourced suede and leather—paired with the shoe’s signature scalloped edge details at the heel and eyestay. A transparent gum outsole adds depth and a lightweight, modern feel, while the removable CloudBound™ foam insole provides cushy, all-day support within a low-profile ¾" outsole height.

As the lead designer for this silhouette, I helped translate this brief into a cohesive product direction from concept through execution. A key contribution was the development of a custom TOMS monogram created specifically for the Collins, intended to serve as a subtle, elevated branding element that complemented the premium materials. I explored applications across embossing, printing, and heat-stamping, ensuring the pattern integrated seamlessly into the upper’s paneling and material story. Throughout the design phase, I refined the silhouette’s proportions, scalloped detailing, and material combinations to strike a balance between femininity, versatility, and TOMS’s relaxed brand identity.

During prototyping and development, I collaborated closely with engineers and patternmakers to ensure the shoe delivered the comfort and fit expected from TOMS. This included optimizing the CloudBound™ insole geometry, tuning heel stability, adjusting toe-box volume, and refining the outsole’s flexibility and durability. Material testing and wear trials informed final adjustments to ensure the Collins maintained smooth step-in comfort, long-lasting traction, and visual clarity in the transparent outsole. The result is a thoughtfully crafted lifestyle sneaker that merges casual sophistication with everyday functionality—distinctly TOMS, and elevated through intentional design details and custom brand storytelling.