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Overview

Armada Skis, a North American brand rooted in freestyle and freeride culture, approached FORM3 to design their first-ever ski boot—the AR One. Armada was founded by a group of athletes inspired by snowboard and street culture, aiming to make skiing more creative and dynamic. This ethos needed to be reflected in the boot's design. Beyond aesthetics, the boot had to deliver high-performance fit and handling while standing out in a competitive market.

FORM3’s deep experience with ski, snowboard, and skateboard culture positioned us to create a product that would both meet the technical demands of athletes and authentically express Armada’s brand identity.
CLIENT
Armada Skis
ROLE
Design Research,
Industrial Design, Mechanical Design
Client Website

Defining Identity, Shaping Performance

Armada faced several key challenges in developing the AR One:

Capturing Armada’s Identity in a Ski Boot

Armada had built its reputation on creativity and performance in freestyle skiing. Translating this into a ski boot—where visual language is traditionally more conservative—required a delicate balance between standing out and fitting into the market.

Market research indicated that Armada’s target audience preferred an “understated look” but still wanted a product that felt fresh and distinct.

Performance and Fit

The freestyle and freeride market was dominated by “cabrio” style boots, which feature a tongue-based flex. While this style resonated with younger skiers, the performance of these boots was often lacking.

Armada needed a boot that captured the appeal of cabrio construction while significantly improving flex performance, heel hold, and forefoot fit.

Ease of Use

The boot had to be easy to put on and take off without sacrificing fit and performance.

Buckle and closure systems needed to be intuitive and functional for different skill levels.
Market research indicated that Armada’s target audience preferred an “understated look” but still wanted a product that felt fresh and distinct.

Scalability and Cost Efficiency

Developing a range of boots with multiple size and performance variants is costly and complex.

Armada needed a design system that allowed for variations in performance and price without compromising consistency or aesthetics.

"The user is the blueprint. Everything else follows."

Robbie Roberts - Principle at Form3

Engineered for Expression

FORM3 approached the project with a structured design process that combined deep market insights with creative exploration and technical problem-solving:

Brand Expression + Emotional Drivers

To ensure the AR One reflected Armada’s freestyle DNA, FORM3 focused on defining a visual and emotional language that resonated with the brand’s core audience.

Authentic Expression: Translating Armada’s rebellious, street-inspired roots into a ski boot without feeling forced or overly stylized.

Bold Yet Understated: Market research showed the target audience preferred a clean, purposeful look—we balanced simplicity with distinct brand elements.

Design Research + Concept Exploration

Visual Brand Exploration: We developed a wide range of design concepts, testing how different visual approaches resonated with Armada’s core audience.

Design Aesthetics: Focused on clean lines and structured geometry to create a modern, high-performance look.

Sketch Models to Shape Ideas: Early sketch models allowed us to quickly evaluate form, proportions, and surface transitions.

Optimized Fit & Control

To ensure the AR One delivered both high-performance handling and ease of use, the a hybrid construction that improved flex, fit, and interaction with the boot.

Cabrio Hybrid Construction: We refined the traditional cabrio design to enhance flex control and heel hold, while maintaining the look and feel that freestyle skiers prefer.

Powertrap System: Engineered to provide better lateral support and flex response, improving stability and energy transfer.

Custom Buckle System: Designed for a secure fit while remaining easy to adjust, balancing precision and convenience.Grip Optimization: Developed a refined outsole grip pattern to enhance traction in different conditions.

Entry & Exit Refinements: Adjusted buckle placement and angle to simplify putting the boot on and taking it off without sacrificing fit.

Scalable Design System

Modular Design: The system allows for performance and cost variations while maintaining visual consistency.

Design Cohesion: Ensured that high-performance and entry-level models shared a cohesive aesthetic.

A Winning Partnership: Collaborated with Atomic’s CAD team to ensure the design was manufacturable at scale without compromising form or function.

Proven on the Slopes

Good design starts with the user and ends with the user.
Retail Success: Full sell-out of initial models due to high demand.

Athletic Performance: A junior freeride athlete won a major competition after just three days using the AR One.

Positive Market Reception: Strong retailer adoption and positive user feedback on both fit and performance.

Brand Identity: The AR One established a clear visual language for Armada’s future ski boot line, reinforcing the brand’s freestyle and freeride roots.

“No other industrial design firm could translate our vision into reality as seamlessly as the team at Form3. Their unparalleled creativity and expertise in the outdoor space gave us the confidence to develop specialized, high-end, and novel equipment. I can’t imagine what our ski boots would have looked like without the driving design force of Form 3.”

Bransford - Armada Skis

Design that Delivers

FORM3’s value went beyond aesthetics—our strategic and technical expertise ensured the AR One delivered both in performance and market impact:

Cultural Insight, Authentic Design

FORM3’s deep roots in ski, snowboard, and skateboard culture allowed us to design a boot that resonated with Armada’s audience. By distilling market research into emotional drivers, we ensured that the AR One balanced boldness and familiarity, making it a natural fit for Armada’s identity.

Strategic Thinking, Lasting Impact

The AR One wasn’t just a product—it was a foundation for future Armada ski boots. By developing a scalable design system, FORM3 ensured Armada could expand the boot line with multiple performance and price variations while maintaining a cohesive brand language.

Collaborative Execution, Seamless Manufacturing

By working closely with Atomic’s CAD and engineering teams, FORM3 ensured that the design translated seamlessly into production. Material choices, mold constraints, and cost efficiencies were all addressed without compromising performance or aesthetics.

Performance-Driven Design, Real-World Validation

The AR One quickly proved itself on the slopes, with immediate sell-outs and a junior freeride athlete winning a major competition just days after switching to the boot. Strong retailer adoption and user feedback reinforced the success of FORM3’s strategic design approach.

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AR ONE

Armada Skis

Overview

Armada Skis, a North American brand rooted in freestyle and freeride culture, approached FORM3 to design their first-ever ski boot—the AR One. Armada was founded by a group of athletes inspired by snowboard and street culture, aiming to make skiing more creative and dynamic. This ethos needed to be reflected in the boot's design. Beyond aesthetics, the boot had to deliver high-performance fit and handling while standing out in a competitive market.

FORM3’s deep experience with ski, snowboard, and skateboard culture positioned us to create a product that would both meet the technical demands of athletes and authentically express Armada’s brand identity.
CLIENT
Armada Skis
ROLE
Design Research, Industrial Design, Mechanical Design
Client Website

Defining Identity,
Shaping Performance

Armada faced several key challenges in developing the AR One:
Capturing Armada’s Identity in a Ski Boot
Armada had built its reputation on creativity and performance in freestyle skiing. Translating this into a ski boot—where visual language is traditionally more conservative—required a delicate balance between standing out and fitting into the market.

Market research indicated that Armada’s target audience preferred an “understated look” but still wanted a product that felt fresh and distinct.
Performance and Fit
The freestyle and freeride market was dominated by “cabrio” style boots, which feature a tongue-based flex. While this style resonated with younger skiers, the performance of these boots was often lacking.

Armada needed a boot that captured the appeal of cabrio construction while significantly improving flex performance, heel hold, and forefoot fit.
Ease of Use
The boot had to be easy to put on and take off without sacrificing fit and performance.

Buckle and closure systems needed to be intuitive and functional for different skill levels.
Market research indicated that Armada’s target audience preferred an “understated look” but still wanted a product that felt fresh and distinct.
Scalability and Cost Efficiency
Developing a range of boots with multiple size and performance variants is costly and complex.

Armada needed a design system that allowed for variations in performance and price without compromising consistency or aesthetics.

"The user is the blueprint. Everything else follows."

Robbie Roberts -
Principle at Form3
Watch Video

Engineered for Expression

FORM3 approached the project with a structured design process that combined deep market insights with creative exploration and technical problem-solving:
Brand Expression + Emotional Drivers
To ensure the AR One reflected Armada’s freestyle DNA, FORM3 focused on defining a visual and emotional language that resonated with the brand’s core audience.

Authentic Expression: Translating Armada’s rebellious, street-inspired roots into a ski boot without feeling forced or overly stylized.

Bold Yet Understated: Market research showed the target audience preferred a clean, purposeful look—we balanced simplicity with distinct brand elements.
Design Research + Concept Exploration
Visual Brand Exploration: We developed a wide range of design concepts, testing how different visual approaches resonated with Armada’s core audience.

Design Aesthetics: Focused on clean lines and structured geometry to create a modern, high-performance look.

Sketch Models to Shape Ideas: Early sketch models allowed us to quickly evaluate form, proportions, and surface transitions.
Optimized Fit + Control
To ensure the AR One delivered both high-performance handling and ease of use, the a hybrid construction that improved flex, fit, and interaction with the boot.

Cabrio Hybrid Construction: We refined the traditional cabrio design to enhance flex control and heel hold, while maintaining the look and feel that freestyle skiers prefer.

Powertrap System: Engineered to provide better lateral support and flex response, improving stability and energy transfer.

Custom Buckle System: Designed for a secure fit while remaining easy to adjust, balancing precision and convenience.Grip Optimization: Developed a refined outsole grip pattern to enhance traction in different conditions.

Entry & Exit Refinements: Adjusted buckle placement and angle to simplify putting the boot on and taking it off without sacrificing fit.
Scalable Design System
Modular Design: The system allows for performance and cost variations while maintaining visual consistency.

Design Cohesion: Ensured that high-performance and entry-level models shared a cohesive aesthetic.

A Winning Partnership: Collaborated with Atomic’s CAD team to ensure the design was manufacturable at scale without compromising form or function.

“No other industrial design firm could translate our vision into reality as seamlessly as the team at Form3. Their unparalleled creativity and expertise in the outdoor space gave us the confidence to develop specialized, high-end, and novel equipment. I can’t imagine what our ski boots would have looked like without the driving design force of Form 3.”

Bransford - Armada Skis

Design that Delivers

FORM3’s value went beyond aesthetics—our strategic and technical expertise ensured the AR One delivered both in performance and market impact:

Cultural Insight, Authentic Design

FORM3’s deep roots in ski, snowboard, and skateboard culture allowed us to design a boot that resonated with Armada’s audience. By distilling market research into emotional drivers, we ensured that the AR One balanced boldness and familiarity, making it a natural fit for Armada’s identity.

Strategic Thinking, Lasting Impact

The AR One wasn’t just a product—it was a foundation for future Armada ski boots. By developing a scalable design system, FORM3 ensured Armada could expand the boot line with multiple performance and price variations while maintaining a cohesive brand language.

Collaborative Execution, Seamless Manufacturing

By working closely with Atomic’s CAD and engineering teams, FORM3 ensured that the design translated seamlessly into production. Material choices, mold constraints, and cost efficiencies were all addressed without compromising performance or aesthetics.

Performance-Driven Design, Real-World Validation

The AR One quickly proved itself on the slopes, with immediate sell-outs and a junior freeride athlete winning a major competition just days after switching to the boot. Strong retailer adoption and user feedback reinforced the success of FORM3’s strategic design approach.