"OL SKOOL" MODEL
It was originally designed for kicksguide.com Artist Series online footwear design contests, then it finally made it to real world serving as first shoe ever for australian basketball brand "HOPS".
The name "ol skool" hinted that the shoe was inspired by old school classics from the late 80's/early 90's while delivering modern days level of performance.
The outsole featured the "medial wing", a protruding flexible winglet placed on the medial side of the outsole, which granted an extended level of lateral grip and support in lateral movements (more about this at the bottom of this page).
The shoe was also used by australian professional basketball league NBL and Opals (australian basketball women's national team) athletes.
"FIVE STARS" MODEL
Making use of previous "ol skool" tooling, the upper design has been completely remade using clean lines creating a sort of structural frame along the shoe perimeter, capable to carry inner lighter materials within the frame, combining support, breathability and lightweight features.
Structural frame was sporting the "maori print", a pattern which was paying homage to Maori/New Zealand roots of the HOPS brand owner.
Semi-spherical collar padding on both side of the anke were put in place to copy the malleoli anatomy so to ensure one to one fit in the ankle area.
The shoe was also used in NBL competitions (australian top basketball league).
"WX" MODEL
Part of the "new school" line, and keeping in count the enormous popularity of women's sports in the australian society, this model was designed to be totally dedicated to women's basketball and netball (australian/commonwealth nations female court sport).
The upper design was a mix of curved lines, hugging and protecting the foot, and mesh parts for best breathability.
The outsole design (shared with mens "nuskool" and "TNT" models, but with proper female proportions) was geometrically studied to allow for the maximum flexiblilty and grip, while also keeping the best levels of cushioning and support, making use of an evolved version of the "medial wing".
"NUSKOOL" MODEL
Part of the "new school" line, this model was studied to deliver a distinctive modern design made of curved and straight lines to represent the idea of speed. Supportive parts had to be reduced at the maximum in size, but granting proper level of performance thanks to perfect placement and single element design. Mesh portions have also been placed in the way to provide flexibility, lightweight and breathability.
The outsole design (shared with "wx" and "TNT" models) was geometrically studied to allow for the maximum flexiblilty and grip, while also keeping the best levels of cushioning and support, making use of an evolved version of the "medial wing".
The shoe also featured "maori print" splashes on the upper to honor "HOPS" brand roots, since the founder was actually born and raised in New Zealand before moving to Australia. "Maori print" and "four dots" elements were made of 3M reflective ink/material to provide light flashes during the playing actions to enhance the speed sensation.
"TNT" MODEL
Part of the "new school" collection, the "TNT" was specifically designed for the most explosive players in the game of basketball. This shoe featured an inner mesh sock construction, for best one to one fit, while the structural parts of the upper were made of segmented portions to allow for added flexibility, without sacrificing containment and support.
Midfoot velcro strap provided extra lockdown. Top collar laceloop was a unique piece with heel counter for optimal heel fit and support. Structural parts were also widely perforated for breathability and weight reduction.
The outsole design (shared with "wx" and "nuskool" models) was geometrically studied to allow for the maximum flexiblilty and grip, while also keeping the best levels of cushioning and support, making use of an evolved version of the "medial wing".
THE "MEDIAL WING"
How Hops Medial Wing technology works
