Shoe blog

Interview with Mark Klein, CEO and Founder of Skins Footwear

Skins is the company behind the much discussed two part footwear structure consisting of the Bone, which offers the orthopedic support, and the Skin, an interchangeable shell that a wearer can easily swap out. Shoeblog recently had an opportunity to conduce an e-interview with Mark Klein, CEO and Founder of Skins Footwear.

We love the idea of interchangeable Skins and wish we had thought of this concept
ourselves. How and where did you come up with the idea for Skin and Bones?

It was about people. It was about offering an experience in footwear that can be personalized, customized, and ergonomic to the consumer. I saw and see this theme playing out in many different industries. Ranging from the auto industry with Toyota Scion and Smart Car, to TIVO’s and IPOD’s, to watches and sunglasses with interchangeable lenses and bands. When I looked down at a friends shoe and noticed he had about 8-10 pairs of the same shoe in a different color the idea really gelled. But I did not want to stop at color, I wanted a base that would always be compelling to come back to – a Bone with a constant fit and feel that is always comfortable and accompanying Skins that range in color, materials and styles to fit almost any occasion. The complete package would need to be collapsible, interchangeable and portable. Allowing the consumer to really pack multiple Skins on the go for any purpose they need. The name Skins denotes a persons ability to keep ‘skinning their bones’ with a different look. The bone is the fit, the structure and the skeleton to for the Skin. Each part is roughly 50% of a normal shoe.

How is the Bone secured to the Skin?

Simply by a pressure fit. The Bones and Skins were made to go together. No zippers, fasteners, buttons or locking mechanisms. Simply insert Bone into Skin, the Skins build out into a shoe and put your feet in and you are ready to go.

Since all feet were not created equal (high arch, normal arch, flat feet), will there be different Bones available?

We currently offer a Bone that fits a multitude of different types of feet. With the bones accompanying 2 pairs of foot-beds (each pair sized differently) and the ability to wear the Bone without the foot-beds, all of these options allow the wearer to really find the variable fit that makes the most sense for them. In addition we will be releasing Bones that at some point will be made to fit the specific foot of its wearer. A truly customized fitting Bone.

What does the future hold for Skins and Bones? Any hope for females that prefer wedges or pumps?

We are currently in development with a myriad of different bones ranging from high-heel, to performance and childrens.

We’ve seen the commercials and photos of Skins but tell us a bit about the man behind Skins.

What is the single biggest contributor to your success?

Dogged stubbornness

What shoes are you wearing right now? Any pictures?

None, I’m barefoot in my hotel room.

In your book, what is the most important feature for a shoe? Is it comfort or style?

I would have to say that both are very important to me. I won’t wear a comfortable shoe that is ugly, but I also wont wear a stylish shoe that is not.

Outside of Skins, what are you favorite pair of shoes?

It would be a tie between my chucks and my bottegas

What are the most expensive pair of shoes you’ve ever owned?

My Bottega slip ons. Nice and expensive.

Interested in Skins Footwear? The shoes are finally available in select retail stores. They can also be purchased online at SportieLA and FootWear Etc .