Casca

Casca Designs Inc. is a footwear company operating in the direct-to-consumer market, specializing in versatile shoes with an emphasis on custom-fit technology and sustainable practices. The company was founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 2017 by Braden Parker and Kevin Reid. The idea originated from their shared frustration with the lack of footwear that was versatile enough for an active professional lifestyle, combining all-day comfort with a style suitable for various social settings.

Braden Parker, who serves as CEO, has a background in real estate and brand building, having worked for Low Tide Properties, and was influenced by the entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley from a young age. Kevin Reid is an industrial designer with extensive experience in the footwear industry, having worked with brands like Native Shoes, New Balance, and Adidas. Together, they launched Casca from a Kitsilano basement, aiming to create a durable, all-day performance shoe. In August 2023, Casca was acquired by Unity Brands, a company co-owned by Canadian entrepreneur Joe Mimran, with the goal of expanding Casca into new markets and growing its product offerings.

Casca's business model is primarily direct-to-consumer via its e-commerce platform, which allows it to offer premium products at a more accessible price point compared to traditional retail models. The company generates revenue through the sale of its footwear, such as the Avro model, available in leather and knit versions. A key differentiator for Casca is its proprietary "FootB3D" technology, which offers custom-printed 3D insoles. Customers can use a smartphone app to scan their feet, generating a model with over 20,000 data points. This data is used to 3D-print insoles with precise arch support tailored to each individual's foot, which are then delivered with the shoes. This approach to mass customization is designed to enhance comfort, support, and overall foot health. The company has also operated a physical retail store in Vancouver that functions as a "factory retail" space, featuring 3D printers on-site.

The company's products are engineered for durability and wellness, merging elements from hiking boots and running shoes. Features include mountaineer-grade rubber outsoles for grip, a supportive heel structure, and materials like waterproof leather. Casca also focuses on sustainability by selecting suppliers with zero-waste manufacturing processes and using recyclable materials for its 3D-printed components. For instance, defective 3D-printed footbeds can be reground and reprinted, and some shoe models use knit uppers made from recycled plastic bottles.

Keywords: footwear, custom insoles, 3D printing, direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, sustainable footwear, orthopedic shoes, versatile sneakers, shoe technology, wellness footwear, Braden Parker, Kevin Reid, Vancouver startup, custom-fit shoes, FootB3D, athleisure, ergonomic design, durable shoes, online retail, Unity Brands