Footwear Development + Design
By Will Nunns & Twisted X
This is not all that I’ve done, just styles I’ve chosen to spotlight. If you’d like to see more of my work, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am limited as to what I can show, so to compensate for the lack of visuals, I’ve added more text; major points will be in bold.
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Casual
My first ever design to be made publicly available
MMX0006
Specifications:
Twisted X “CellStretch® Active” Outsole
1.4 - 1.6 mm nubuck on toe cap, heel counter and tongue top
Sandwich mesh quarter
Tonal “X’ deco stitching on quarter
Embroidered eyelets
Stylized tongue top and heel tab
Flat laces
Who, What, Why, How, and So Forth
What:
The “CellStretch® Active” outsole was a new project that was emerging right around the time I was hired, and it was Twisted X’s first true attempt at making active footwear. I designed this upper, not the outsole. The goal of the outsole was to highlight Twisted X comfort technology with the striking blue heel, symbolizing CellStretch®branding.
The goal of the upper was to create a youthful, western, simplistic, yet energetic design as to not clash with the blue. This project was also introduced to compete with Ariat’s (Twisted X’s largest competitor) active footwear.
Who:
This design is targeting a young adult, rural male, in an attempt to reach an untapped market for Twisted X. The design captures Twisted X’s largest demographic, middle aged to elderly men, by evoking a sense of longing for youthful energy and fitness, while also catering to this younger market.
Ariat Athletic Footwear
How:
So Forth:
This style is currently active and available for purchase at certain online retailers, but it’s in phaseout.
However, the upper profile has continued to be reused for new development styles to be potentially put into future lines.
The end result of this design isn’t exactly how I envisioned it, there wasn’t enough time to fully develop the style because it was hastily put in the line in order to go public with all the “CellStretch®Active” styles at the same time. Here’s a few changes I would’ve liked to have made:
I’d use a single layer, tightly woven mesh, possibly ripstop, lined with sandwich mesh and potentially padding to accentuate the quarter’s deco stitching, all while providing sufficient ventilation.
I’d make the heel tab loop around and be stitched back into the heel counter with the reverse suede side of the leather showing. I’d do this to provide better ergonomic function, to bolster the lifespan of the heel tab and the shoe as a whole, and to add a suede material accent.
I’d make the lining color match the rest of the shoe.
I’d sharpen the curve of the mouth of the shoe to make for a more dynamic and athletic-looking profile.
I’d remove the entire blue window on the outsole, and replace it with the “Cell Stretch” logo painted in blue lettering on the back of the heel.
Sneak peek at a few other Casual styles I helped to develop/design!
Different Cell Stretch Active Style
Why:
The open-weave mesh was chosen to provide ample ventilation during activity.
Nubuck was chosen to add the perception of quality that is soft to the touch, while also being malleable leather that can withstand considerable wear.
The quarter’s deco stitching, as well as the stylized tongue top and heel tab were added to give the upper it’s own unique character while playing into the youthful, dynamic aspect.
Embroidered eyelets were chosen to pair with the quarter’s deco stitching and to not stand out too much on the simple upper.
The color way was chosen as a conglomerate of colors in rural landscapes.
Jump to:
Work/Outdoor
MXCNW14
Specifications:
8” work boot
CellStretch® Lace-up work boot outsole
1.4 - 1.6 mm waterproof and SPR 12% oiled leather
Triple stitched rubber skin toe cap and heel counter with lasered metal grate pattern
Two sets of speed hooks
Reinforced tonal stitching on quarter
Dark gray midsole, hardware, and laces
Eco-friendly EVA “Blend 85” footbed
PFA-free Waterproof membrane lining, with sandwich mesh lining near throat
Black canvas collar
Nano toe
Oil and Slip-Resisting rubber outsole
Who, What, Why, and So Forth
What:
This boot was designed to be an all around, capable boot with it’s added rubber toe caps, while excelling in comfort thanks to CellStretch® comfort technology.
I did not design this boot, I aided in the development.
Inspiration for this style was taken from competitors like Brunt’s toe cap and the Timberland Boondocks.
Who:
This design is targeting a blue collar worker, or anyone exposed to harsh elements on a daily basis. Likely those in the construction, industrial, agricultural, or automotive care fields. The boot is intended to be an affordable premium work boot, capable of maintaining functionality through immense wear, damage, and time, all while providing ample comfort with our CellStretch® outsole, for the days spent entirely on you feet.
So Forth:
This style is currently set to be released in the Season 1 2026 line.
We have several other boots in development based on this well-equipped style.
Moving forward, Twisted X plans expand on the idea of this well equipped upper through different avenues.
Why:
The leather was chosen as a rich, but tough-looking, neutral, medium brown leather, that is thick and stiff enough to withstand consistent wear.
The scratch rubber toe cap and heel counter was implemented to reinforce the leather in the most high-impact areas of the boot.
Triple stitching was added in high stress areas to extend the lifespan of the boot.
The 6” height of the boot was chosen because that is the most popular work boot height, therefore, only two speed-hooks were needed on either side.
Sneak peek at a few other Work/Outdoor styles I helped to develop/design!
Western
MXTP009
Different style with Airlite X™ shaft
Specifications:
11" Pull-on boot
Rubber “Rugged Tech X™ Performance” outsole
Chocolate 1.4 - 1.6 mm vamp and pull tab leather
Airlite X™ canvas shaft with printed stitch pattern
Wide Square toe
Leather pull tabs
CellStretch® comfort technology
Sandwich mesh lining
Standard toe bug
Pigskin strip on throat
Tonal stitching
Eco-friendly Blend85™ footbed
Who, What, Why, and So Forth
So Forth:
This style was released in the Season 2 2025 line.
Boots with the Airlite X™ shafts have sold well at the lower price point, so we are continuing to develop styles utilizing the canvas shaft.
Sneak peek at a few other Western styles I helped to develop/design!
Why:
The canvas shaft was developed for a few reasons; to save on manufacturing costs and costs for the consumer, to provide more ventilation, and to increase possibilities of what could be printed on the shaft.
The vamp leather for this style was chosen as a common look to service that market of men who just want a basic boot, at a lower cost.
The upper was put on our Rugged Tech X™ Performance outsole containing CellStretch® comfort technology, to allow for all-day comfort and be capable of tackling many terrains.
Wide Square toe was chosen as it is the most popular toe shape in the western market, and sells the best for Twisted X.
What:
This boot includes an Airlite X™ shaft of canvas textile, which significantly reduces cost.
I did not design this boot, I aided in the development.
The boot’s design goal was to show quality on what’s visible under the pant leg, and save on what would normally be shrouded by pants.
Who:
This design is targeting a man interested in not breaking the bank for a pair of western boots, while still getting a lot in return. This man would be looking for a good-looking pair of boots for everyday ranch wear and/or a boot capable of tacking any sort of adventure.
Youth/Infant
YCW0014
Specifications:
9” youth Airlite X™ boot
Saddle leather vamp
Airlite X™ canvas shaft with Cow skull and logo pattern designed by me
Square toe
Leather pull tabs
Rubber outsole
EVA pho-welt to match piping color
Who, What, Why, and So Forth
So Forth:
This style was released in the Season 3 2025 line, and the other two boots in the “Mommy and Me” collection have yet to be released.
We are testing sales with the “Daddy and Me” collection on a previously popular style, to determine if this type of collection is worth releasing for “Mommy and Me”
Why:
The canvas shaft was developed for a few reasons; to save on manufacturing costs and costs for the consumer, to provide more ventilation, and to increase possibilities of what could be printed on the shaft.
The rubber outsole was chosen to withstand all sorts of child activities, while maintaing comfort.
The pho-welt was chosen to save on costs.
The color on the pattern was chosen to be unisex for a child and more suitable for an adult woman than a man, as we have a different “Daddy and Me” collection.
What:
This boot includes an Airlite X™ shaft of canvas textile, which significantly reduces cost, and increases ventilation.
I designed the shaft’s pattern, chose the colors, and the materials.
This boot belongs to a “Mommy and Me” collection that includes an infant bootie and a adult woman’s boot, all with the same western pattern printed on the shaft.
Who:
This design was made to outfit a child in fun western prints without sacrificing durability and comfort in this Cowboy Work boot. A leather vamp and rubber outsole help ensure these boots hold up during chores and play, while the lightweight shaft features breathable Airlite X™ fabric to them feeling cooler.
Sandals
YCW0014
Specifications:
9” youth Airlite X™ boot
Saddle leather vamp
Airlite X™ canvas shaft with Cow skull and logo pattern designed by me
Square toe
Leather pull tabs
Rubber outsole
EVA pho-welt to match piping color
Who, What, Why, and So Forth
So Forth:
This style was released in the Season 3 2025 line, and the other two boots in the “Mommy and Me” collection have yet to be released.
We are testing sales with the “Daddy and Me” collection on a previously popular style, to determine if this type of collection is worth releasing for “Mommy and Me”
Why:
The canvas shaft was developed for a few reasons; to save on manufacturing costs and costs for the consumer, to provide more ventilation, and to increase possibilities of what could be printed on the shaft.
The rubber outsole was chosen to withstand all sorts of child activities, while maintaing comfort.
The pho-welt was chosen to save on costs.
The color on the pattern was chosen to be unisex for a child and more suitable for an adult woman than a man, as we have a different “Daddy and Me” collection.
What:
This boot includes an Airlite X™ shaft of canvas textile, which significantly reduces cost, and increases ventilation.
I designed the shaft’s pattern, chose the colors, and the materials.
This boot belongs to a “Mommy and Me” collection that includes an infant bootie and a adult woman’s boot, all with the same western pattern printed on the shaft.
Who:
This design was made to outfit a child in fun western prints without sacrificing durability and comfort in this Cowboy Work boot. A leather vamp and rubber outsole help ensure these boots hold up during chores and play, while the lightweight shaft features breathable Airlite X™ fabric to them feeling cooler.
Other
