Vionic is doubling down on innovation with its newest initiative.
According to the Caleres-owned shoe brand, it has launched the Vionic Innovation Lab, also known as VioLab, which the company states will be “dedicated to advancing the science of footwear.”
The company said that the launch aims to highlight Vionic’s roots as a podiatrist-founded brand and will bring together top experts in biomechanics, podiatry, and materials innovation to create shoes that enhance foot health and support overall wellness.
For this project, Vionic has tapped 11 professionals, including podiatrists, a sports chiropractor and a fitness expert, to lead VioLab. The new VioLab members are Amanda Killeen, assistant professor of podiatric medicine; Anne Sharkey, doctor of podiatric medicine; Casey Ann Pidch, doctor of podiatric medicine; Christopher G. Hobbs, sports chiropractic physician; Ciara Lucas, fitness and wellness coach; Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, doctor of podiatric medicine; Jacqueline Sutera, doctor of podiatric medicine; Karen Longone, doctor of podiatric medicine; Priya Parthasarathy, doctor of podiatric medicine; Saylee Tulpule, doctor of podiatric medicine; and Sheela Chockalingham, doctor of podiatric medicine.
Jimmy Chan, vice president of product development and design, said in a statement that VioLab gives the brand a “unique opportunity” to design with both innovation and precision. “By merging thoughtfully designed aesthetics with advanced, science-driven comfort, we create footwear that complements modern living and also functions to enhance alignment, balance and movement with the body,” Chan said.
Dr. Sutera added that her ongoing partnership with Vionic is “very important” to her as she feels aligned with the brand. “The technology embedded in shoes that also look great is everything my patients and I are looking for,” Dr. Sutera said. “Not only do I love recommending Vionic but I also wear them myself!”
One of the first innovations to come from VioLab is the brand’s new VioFree technology – its first step-in-footwear product.
Launching in April 2025, the VioFree assortment is a new approach to step-in footwear that combines two technologies in one shoe with the proprietary Vio Motion footbed that features a hands-free skeletal design, offered in both women’s and men’s styles.
Beyond the performance provided by Vio Motion, the company said its VioFree step-in technology focuses on enhancing ease of entry and heel support. The design ensures a seamless fit, with a step-in construction that allows for effortless on-and-off wear. VioFree styles include a molded, proprietary exo-skeletal counter design that splays outward in three directions as the foot steps down, providing ideal lock-down support. Additionally, a smooth, molded, zoned internal padded textile collar ensures optimal cushioning and heel stability by stretching and rebounding around the foot.
According to Vionic, rigorous research and development testing has validated the performance of VioFree shoes across various conditions. Lab testing shows that the shoes endure over 100,000 flex cycles at varying temperatures, proving the durability of the footbed system, Vionic noted. The company said that consumer wear tests also highlight the practical benefits of the shoe, with feedback focusing on ease of entry, forefoot flexibility, and alignment stability.
“With the launch of VioFree, we are taking a significant step forward in our mission to innovate footwear that enhances well-being,” Estelle Maranan, director of innovation, sustainability and biomechanics, said. “The VioLab is integral to this momentum, as it embodies our commitment to science-driven design. We’re so excited about the potential of VioFree that we will be applying for a patent, reinforcing our dedication to developing truly innovative and proprietary solutions for foot health.”
