Hardware Podcasts

Designing shoes for women's feet with Wes and Allyson Felix of Saysh (2023)

How I Built This · 11 Jan 2024 · 51m

What this episode covers

Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field athlete, and her brother Wes Felix explain how they founded Saysh, a footwear brand designed specifically for women's feet, after Nike offered Allyson a contract renewal with a 70% pay cut and no maternal protections. They detail the decision to leave Nike, write a New York Times op-ed, and self-fund the development of a custom Olympic spike using former Nike designers who believed in their mission. The episode covers the discovery that major brands design women's shoes on men's lasts, the technical challenges of creating a true women's last, and the launch of Saysh's lifestyle and running shoes with an $8 million Series A round.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Nike, Adidas, Athleta
Products
Saysh
Also
USC, New York Times

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