Muska 98
A contemporary take on the legendary eS Chad Muska pro model from 1998. Updated with a more modern profile, slightly refined paneling, and re-tooled to include a full rubber shell toe - paying homage to the original concept Chad envisioned for his shoe.
The shell toe from above. I wanted to make sure I included a contour representing the toe cap that ended up on the final production version of the Muska. I personally think that toe caps on shoes are always a good idea. They frame the toe box and give the shoes a pointier and more nimble look and feel. In this case, the area that creates the contour is molded to provide more thickness in the flick area for longevity. Also, there are perforations going all the way through - Hot feet rejoice!-
My take on a possible tread pattern design. I wanted to reference the original’s overall composition and try to do a similar motif of the large logo spanning across the forefoot, unfortunately, the supra crown just doesn’t fill the space as well as the eS logo does. I also took the supra type and placed it vertically to pay homage to Chad’s legendary ‘Silhouette’ graphic from Shorty’s skateboards. There might also be some ‘rising sun’ in there as well ;)
A photo showing off the tread design on the Muska pro, and Chad’s iconic ‘silhouette’ graphic from Shorty’s circa 1998.
This whole project began after watching Chad’s Nine Club interview..
“I had a pair of them that had it on it [the full rubber shell toe], and I wore them to Australia I remember and skated em’ and I loved em’ they were so sick..”
Something about the conviction with which he says that.. It’s possible that those first shelltoe samples may have been the illest shoes to ever exist…
Some of the original drawings by designer Franck Boistel of Chad’s first concept featuring the shell toe circa 1996-97. Also, a view of the toe on the Final production version showing the stitching to symbolize the idea of it being there still, as well as, an early concept sketch for the final design.
I know that the ‘shell toe’ sample that Chad is referring to must have looked more similarly to this collection of drawings, but for this project, I chose to pursue a design that more closely reflects the final production version of the Muska pro model. The design that made it to market is just so unbelievably original and awesome... The oval mesh window and rubber ollie accent are beyond iconic…
The Legendary Chad Muska pro as featured in the Fall 1998 CCS catalog
I’ve looked everywhere for footage or photos of Chad in Australia sometime in late 1996-early 97 where he wore that first sample and I’ve got nothing. If anyone has any information or documentation of the Original Muska with the shell toe, LMK!
Chad getting buck in his first shoe while wearing a backpack and holding a boombox. All hail the king