Good Thinking

Pikkpack flat-packed shoes – the Ikea of footwear?

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The Pikkpack shoes, by Hungarian designer Sara Guylas (Photo: Pikkpack)
Those wanting something a little different from their footwear now have another option in the form of Pikkpack (Photo: Pikkpack)
Pikkpacks are leather shoes that are delivered in flatpack form and require minor assembly on the part of the purchaser (Photo: Pikkpack)
The shoe's designer, Sara Guylas, has turned to Kickstarter in a bid to move her footwear into production (Photo: Pikkpack)
Guylas originally created the Pikkpack as part of a diploma project for a master's degree in leather design (Photo: Pikkpack)
The Pikkpack shoes are unisex and come in either black or brown (Photo: Pikkpack)
There's a wide choice of shoelace color, including reflective laces for cyclists (Photo: Pikkpack)
The soles are 5 mm thick, and also sport an additional heel for comfort (Photo: Pikkpack)
The Pikkpack shoes, by Hungarian designer Sara Guylas (Photo: Pikkpack)
The water buffalo upper and cowhide sole are sewed together before delivery in flatpack form (Photo: Pikkpack)
The purchaser is required to thread some laces through some required holes and break the shoes in, so nothing too taxing (Photo: Pikkpack)
As of writing, those hoping to secure a pair of Pikkpacks can pledge a minimum of $110, which is good for one pair of shoes and a choice of two different shoelace colors (Photo: Pikkpack)
The expected delivery date is August (Photo: Pikkpack)
There's a wide choice of shoelace color, including reflective laces for cyclists (Photo: Pikkpack)
View gallery - 13 images

Those wanting something a little different from their footwear now have another option in the form of Pikkpack: a leather shoe that's delivered in flatpack form and requires minor assembly on the part of the purchaser. The shoe's designer, Hungarian Sara Guylas, has turned to Kickstarter in a bid to move her footwear into production.

Drawing inspiration from an old one-piece Hungarian shoe called Bocskor, Guylas originally created the Pikkpack as part of a diploma project during a master's degree in leather design. After admiring glances and positive feedback convinced the designer that her kicks held widespread appeal, a plan was hatched to move them into production.

The Pikkpack shoes are unisex and come in either black or brown, with a generous choice of shoelace color (including reflective laces for cyclists), and sizes. The soles are just 5 mm thick, and also sport an additional heel for comfort.

The Pikkpack shoes are unisex and come in either black or brown (Photo: Pikkpack)

Each shoe comprises a water buffalo upper and cowhide sole, which are sewed together before delivery in flatpack form within a reusable canvas bag. The buyer is then required to do the rest – which involves threading the shoelaces through the required holes, and thus producing the correct shoe shape, so nothing too taxing. According to the designer, the entire process takes about an hour.

Thanks to the relatively few materials that go into making the shoes and the lack of space-consuming shoeboxes, they boast some degree of green-cred, though this is perhaps negated by the use of leather.

As of writing, those hoping to secure a pair of Pikkpacks can roll the dice and pledge a minimum of US$110, which is good for one pair of shoes and a choice of two different shoelace colors. The expected delivery date is August.

The video below features the usual Kickstarter pitch.

Sources: Pikkpack, Kickstarter

View gallery - 13 images
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5 comments
Daishi
I didn't know it's possible to get a masters degree in leather design. The video felt like a parody picking on hipsters. For $90 they will mail you a piece of leather from Budapest to sew your own moccasins with.
Bruce H. Anderson
Admiring glances? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
f8lee
So build it yourself and have footwear that might last all of a few weeks of actual use.. but look groovy doing it!
jerryd
Leather is ecological as it's waste product now it serious oversupply from beef/ meat production.
Thus why you are starting to see so much leather furniture, car seats, etc at very good prices.
Saying otherwise ignores the facts.
The product is ok but too pricey. They shouldn't be more than $10. Afterall they are just moccasins you can get finished for less.
My favorite shoe was a 1 piece nylon like plastic boat shoe style 1/8'' thick on sides, top with 1./4 sole plus heel.
It lasted forever, 10+ yrs before it looked too bad , didn't care if it got wet and was great for me. Never found another pair sadly.
Angel Harris
I didn't see them walking a lot with the shoes actually on their feet. This makes me think they are not too comfortable & I bet the laces on the inside of the shoes will really rub, causing pain & blisters!