Why I run a Marathon in Malta

Dear Modifox Universe,

This is to give you an insight on the latest chapter.

• from designing the 1st hybrid slipper 👟

• to producing 1.000 boat shoes 🚢

• to running 42km in front of dozens of super yachts 🏃

DISCLAIMER: As with all we do, this is a hybrid. A mix of a personal newsletter and an official press release.

Let’s dive in.

1. WHY THE NAME?

Anybody new? The best way to sum up what we do is by explaining our name.

Modifox is the acronym of ‘modify’ and ‘fox’. Okay, that was easy.
Now what does it mean?

Fun fact: The fox is the most versatile animal on the planet. It’s the only 1 to inhabit every continent - except for Antarctica.

We found this to be the best analogy to our mission:

It’s our dream that every person can walk the different terrains on earth. Seamlessly.

With exception to the extreme (e.g. Antarctica).

Just like the fox.

2. HOW IT STARTED…

With this vision in mind, we built the Modifox Kiss → Keep it simple, stupid.

We figured: Every person wears shoes. And everyone changes them a couple of times per day. It’s a hassle most people find annoying.

They just never thought of a solution. So we did.

The result? The first shoe you don’t have to change. A hybrid slipper that can be turned into a sneaker in 1 step.

With this, we want to fix your nagging pain of changing shoes. Every time you take out the trash, fetch the mail or walk the dog.

The response? In 2 weeks, we raised 15.000€ in pre-orders.

3. HOW ABOUT NOW?

That was last year (December ‘23). So what’s new?

Since launching Kiss, we got interest from an unfamiliar market - boats.

Talking to a superyacht captain, I understood why: Switching shoes on a vessel seems to be just as annoying as it is at home.

How cool would it be if every boat could stay clean with 1 shoe?

Small issue: We developed a hybrid slipper. Warm, sensitive, soft. Not exactly made for the marine environment, is it?

But if there’s a will, there’s a way.

And while eyes were rolling as we presented our idea to the factories, they agreed to develop a new version…

→ Water repellent, breathable, anti slippery. You name it.

The result? Modifox Ocean Kiss - The 1st boat shoe that stays clean.

In 2 weeks, we went to 11 ports, 4 countries and 50 super yachts.

In 1 month, 1.000 pairs were ordered by yachts & uniform brands!

4. BUT WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK?

During all this time we heard 1 question a lot:

“The idea is great. But what if the sole falls off?”

If I would have gotten 1 $ every time… don’t get me wrong.

It’s a fair point. After all, it’s on us to prove the tech works.

And besides 6 months of testing - we felt a chip on our shoulder. I did.

5. RUN FOR THE YACHTS

It was about time to put our shoes to the test.

If Modifox survives a 42km run, it can handle a stressful day on board, no?

The challenge sparked interest among the industry. So we looked for a marathon that was held right in front of our audience.

Ultimately, we found the perfect spot in LaValette, Malta.

As we caught the attention of international news and influencers of yachting, we thought:

‘Why not film it and share the experience?’

While our shoes are manacutured we got some spare time anyway.

Now, on 24th March 2024, I run the La Valette Marathon. In Modifox.

→ In this attempt, I am accompanied by Pluto Production!

6. WANNA RUN WITH US?

2 of our partners reached out, leading up to the event.

‘There is a lot of interest.. why not do this together?’ 

It didn’t take me long to think it through. The challenge is exciting, the landscape fascinating, and the film team well equipped. So..

We created 3 ways you can take part in the event. Respond here, and I tell you how.

If you look for your 1st bold marketing move in 2024… Be quick.

In 3 weeks, it’s going down.

See you in Malta!

Devin