The FUTRSPRT Product Series: Casca Avro Knit Review w/Co-Founder Braden Parker
The Future of Footwear is Made On-Demand in Vancouver
By Matt Bowen
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FUTRSPRT Product Series presents reviews on some of the latest products that will impact the future of sportstech. From wearables to the latest app, FUTRSPRT tests them out.
FUTRSPRT reviewed Casca’s Avro Knit low top with 3D printed insoles and sat down with Casca Co-Founder Braden Parker to learn about 3D printing within the future of fashion and sports.
Casca Co-Founder Braden Parker filled FUTRSPRT in on the company’s plans to push fashion and sportstech into the next generation.
Parker told FUTRSPRT that Casca started when he became curious about how to “create the perfect shoe.”
He knew his co-founder Kevin Reid, who was a shoe designer. They met with a doctor of orthopedics. They then asked themselves, “Where is the [shoe] world going?” Wanting something truly functional, Casca settled on the in-sole.
Pay special attention to the term “settled” above, Parker and company know what it wants.
Technologies he likes are autonomous vehicles and advanced textiles, mentioning a “lab-grown leather.” Recycling and sustainability is also near the top of Parker’s list, stating that Casca’s insoles are “100-percent recycled.”
“Customers are fascinated to see the 1:1 prints. The technology has been around for a while but no one’s really seen it in action.”
Based in Vancouver, Casca aims to 3D print advanced, customized footwear now and in the future. In his words, Parker “think(s) about high-performance materials all the time.”
Casca understands where textile tech is headed and its Avro Knit with FootB3D™.
Casca doesn’t mislead users when describing its FootB3D™technology by stating, “Upgrade to FootB3D™ and experience the future.”
The shoe proves that the company is trailblazing a path to the future of footwear. The Casca Avro Knit with FootB3D™ will change the way you think about shoes forever.
Casca Product Review
Branding: A shoe that has an insole specifically for my foot? Sign me up for that. Casca’s brand has a core product that turns heads. The website is smooth, the packaging was better.
An outer shell with a pull tab makes the shoe appear to pop out from its own drawer. The user finds delight in finding a message…… and opens the box to find that the pull tab is part of a tote for the shoes. The yellow tab on the tote matches that of a subtle branding hint on the outside of the shoe. The inside of the tote serves as a rain jacket for the main product. Parker mentions that “being from Vancouver it’s going to be wet.” Casca has continuity w/ itself, grooving in harmony. The shoes also come with an extra pair of laces — not a bad present. The only thing missing from the box — a sticker, which is arguably the greatest marketing tool of all time. Even so, the packaging gets makes the user believe they are ahead of its time.
The individual packaging for the personalized FootB3D™ insoles seals the deal — it’s metallic packaging with simple black print is exactly what one thinks of when “science fiction” comes to mind.
“Created by Robots” says it all.
Tech: 3D printing — who isn’t curious about it? Casca takes the future into modern times with its FootB3D™ product.
The user must utilize Casca’s app to scan their feet for a precise fit. Honestly, this is the only downside to Casca right now. The app/process/checkout for the FootB3D™ insoles is a touch clunky. It’s somewhat separate from the shoes and a touch too complex.
That said, FUTRSPRT urges future Casca fans to be patient. The scanning process isn’t the best but the end product is phenomenal. Parker and company know the app isn’t perfect and is a focal point for the company to improve upon. It has good instructions/tutorials and is functional, yet the app is a work-in-progress. When it evolves, watch out.
Look/Feel: The Casca Avro Knit looks like an everyday shoe, one you could wear in every situation.
The look is sleek, the fit of the knit is a snug hug that’s firm but gentle.
The hand feel is an initial shocking, they seem so heavy. Keep in mind, over the past handful of years shoes have only gotten lighter. Only when Casca’s are worn does the consumer realize that on the foot the shoes join featherweight status.
After actually wearing the Avro Knit’s w/ FootB3D™ the shoes become nearly perfect.
The only downside — the tongue sits a little tight at times and a thin sock should be worn.
The upside — the FootB3D™ technology is your foot. A truly personalized fit. It’s magnificent.
The look, feel, and fit is nearly too good to be true when it comes to Casca. The insoles are a must for the future — the company will surely have a seat at the influential table when creating the kicks of the future.
Extended Experience: The Avro Knits from Casca are sturdy and the tote is a great compliment. They’re as comfortable after a couple months of wear-and-tear as they were on day one. They still look sharp and make fans believe that they’ll never wear a non-custom insole again.
There’s life in shoes. Then there’s life in Casca’s.
The game has changed, the bar, raised.
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Want some, look here: https://casca.com/products/avro-knit-lightgrey?variant=32042150821970
