Manufacturing

I had just about forgotten the typical volatile organic compound (VOC) smell of a new running shoe, until Bob left a pair in our closet last night. (Why, you wonder, is Bob not wearing our new La Vida’s? Because, unfortunately, his feet are still too big for our largest La Vida size 12.) You might […]

Today we just cut on our CNC (computerized numerically controlled) waterjet saw, the last piece of steel, finishing up the molds needed to make the full range of sizes (6.5 to 12) of the new La Vidas. It’s been nearly 100 pieces in all. We’ve also been using a CNC milling machine that carves with […]

We have had very strong expectations for the launch of our new La Vida style–currently available in this beautiful white sand model:         But even as optimistic as we knew we should be, the demand in our first week was somewhere above triple our “best case” estimate. We aren’t complaining–and neither will […]

The first and last time I tried the recommended industrial rust-inhibiting agent on the milling machine that we use to make shoe sole molds, I coughed. Living in beautiful Central Virginia, I’m just not used to breathing in toxic vapors. Furthermore, it’s not something I want anyone else getting used to. That’s one of the […]

The senior class of University of Virginia (UVa) mechanical and aerospace engineering students who’ve been working all year with me at OESH, just gave their final thesis presentation in preparation for graduating next month. They had to give their presentation in front of the rest of the professors and students in the department. It was […]

Like a lot of women, I grew up not learning how to fix things. That might explain the special satisfaction I now get in fixing and re-building things, which typically begins with the first, often daunting task of pulling whatever needs to be fixed, apart. In the course of building and maintaining the OESH factory, […]

When I walk into our local hardware store (Martin’s in downtown Charlottesville) I’m greeted in much the same way that I think Norm was greeted on “Cheers.” The guys all want to know the latest happenings at OESH. They don’t mind that I’m not only filthy from grease but also sweaty from finishing up my […]

Since day one of setting up the OESH factory, I’ve been learning. Tons. In fact, I believe I’ve learned almost as much these last few years as I learned in medical school.  Every day I wake up with at least one manufacturing dilemma that I know is easily solvable, yet, I do not know how […]

The loyal K-9, dog of the cartoon warrior Marvin the Martian, suffered a major home accident recently. Showing off the versatility of the ubiquitous Shoe Goo adhesive, we also used the factory to repair all (four) of K-9s tennis shoes as well as, um, the other “damage”. The result? A masterpiece of repair–tennis shoes (and […]