In a revolutionary step towards innovative footwear design, Target has partnered with Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, president of the reputed design college, PLC Detroit, to launch Ünos by Sz, a stylish yet practical new brand that aims to transform the dynamics of the shoe industry. This ground-breaking series of shoes has been developed with an ingenious patented technology that enables each pair to grow congruently with the feet of the wearer, providing a novel, single solution to several footwear-related issues.
A substantial problem that Edwards, a seasoned veteran of sneaker design, aimed to address was that of inventory space. Footwear often takes up extensive physical space in the inventory, limiting product variety in outlets with constricted storage facilities. Therefore, proponents of the Ünos by Sz range have proposed a fresh solution – a shoe design that reduces space usage. The concept has been inspired by the idea of creating a shoe that demands less size diversity, accommodates more customers, and requires less space.
Edwards’ vision for the retail giant evolved around both innovation and affordability, two fronts on which he has worked intensively in his illustrious 35 years in the footwear industry. Citing that lower-priced products often do not feature suitable technological prowess, he aimed to create a product that would provide substantial value, even when the price was kept affordable.
Ünos by Sz is a representative of this concept, tackling multiple size-specific complications for customers. The unique design can adapt to the needs of the user, offering comfort to growing feet over time. For children, whose feet grow rapidly, this innovative technology allows them to continue wearing the same shoes comfortably. It also caters to adults, providing an expansive size range that can fit a woman up to a size 15 or a man needing wider shoes.
An interesting character of elevated footwear is the discrepancy that often exists between the sizes of a person’s left and right feet. Ünos by Sz shoes circumvent this problem, being designed to expand up to a half size for children and a full size for adults. The shoes also stretch in width due to the impressively flexible Z-shape design of the sole, allowing the shoe to adapt as the wearer’s foot grows. Eight sizes are available for children and adults each, ranging 1-8.
The shoes are touted as a comprehensive solution for consumers looking for durability, comfort, and style in their footwear. Consistently outgrowing shoes or constant changes in feet over time often result in discomfort for customers. Devised with this in mind, Ünos by Sz is expected to offer lasting convenience, available exclusively at selected Target stores and on the official Target website, with children’s sizes priced at $35 and adult sizes at $50, from September 29th.
Edwards describes this pioneering launch as the precursor to a broader assortment of Ünos footwear at Target. The vision here is to deconstruct the assumption that affordable products may lack durability and appeal. With potential success, customers can expect a larger assortment of styles suitable for both men and women, along with exclusive designs for children.
On the other hand, the introduction of Ünos by Sz reflects Target’s broader strategy for footwear through 2025. The company plans to curate an extensive portfolio that is relevant, trendy, and delivers comfort, quality, and value. As they continue to curate an increasingly diversified mix of national brands, proprietary designs, and novel names, the launch underscores Target’s commitment to providing smooth and evolutionary shopping experiences.
