Designing for Cadense: Balancing Innovation and Elegance
Key Features of Cadense Shoes
The Heartwarming Impact of Design
What’s Next for Cadense and Adaptive Footwear?
Connect with Mathew and Cadense
When it comes to creating footwear that transforms lives, few designers embody the mission as passionately as Mathew Drazic. As Cadense’s lead footwear designer and the founder of AGENCY Footwear, Mathew brings decades of experience and a vision rooted in both innovation and social impact.
In this exclusive Spotlight, we sat down with Mathew to uncover his journey, his approach to designing adaptive footwear, and how he’s redefining the intersection of style, functionality, and community impact.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Mathew’s love for footwear design began early—sketching shoes in junior high and discovering industrial design through his art teacher. After studying at Western Washington University, he embarked on a career that spanned iconic brands like New Balance, Converse, and Diesel.
“At the heart of my work has always been a desire to solve problems and create something meaningful.” Mathew Drazic.
This desire ultimately led him to step away from corporate America and establish AGENCY Footwear in 2023, a brand dedicated to social and environmental justice.
Designing for Cadense: Balancing Innovation and Elegance
Mathew’s work at Cadense revolves around creating adaptive footwear that empowers individuals with walking difficulties. He highlighted the importance of designing shoes that meet diverse needs without drawing attention to those challenges:
“The biggest challenge of someone’s life isn’t the story they want to tell every time they go for a walk.”
Key Features of Cadense Shoes
Dec 10, 2024
Variable Friction Technology: Enhances mobility with innovative low-friction pucks and high-friction grip.
Comfort-Driven Materials: Lightweight knits accommodate various foot shapes, including AFOs, with no break-in period.
Timeless Aesthetics: Designed to look like everyday sneakers, blending seamlessly into daily life.
Mathew emphasized that every design begins with understanding customer needs, from ease of entry to materials that feel light yet durable.
While Mathew’s career includes designing performance shoes for famous athletes and musicians, he described finding ways to help people as the most rewarding part of the work he does.
“It does not hold a candle to being able to connect a community and help positive change for the greater good.” Mathew Drazic
Through Cadense, Mathew’s designs empower those with mobility challenges to walk confidently, fostering independence and a sense of belonging.
What’s Next for Cadense and Adaptive Footwear?
Looking to the future, Mathew envisions expanding Cadense’s range to include more fashion-forward options while maintaining the timeless designs that customers love. He also sees a growing trend in adaptive footwear that prioritizes co-development with communities to create even more impactful products.
At AGENCY Footwear, Mathew continues to support social and environmental justice through partnerships like the Gathering for Justice, where proceeds from shoe sales help fund frontline activism.
Connect with Mathew and Cadense
Discover more about Mathew’s work and the brands he champions:
Mathew Drazic’s journey reminds us that design is more than creating products—it’s about solving problems, empowering individuals, and building communities. At Cadense, we’re proud to have Mathew on our team, shaping the future of adaptive footwear with innovation, compassion, and purpose.
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