The Journey Behind Notace: Redefining Minimal Footwear for Performance and Style
It all started with a simple goal: staying in shape and building endurance. Growing up, I played racquet sports like tennis, badminton, and squash, but when I shifted my focus to golf, I quickly realized endurance was essential to perform well.
That’s when running entered my life. The more I ran, the more I researched about running shoes, the most important tool for any runner. Being naturally curious (and a bit of a gear geek), I dove deep into understanding running gait, biomechanics, and the role footwear plays in performance and injury prevention.
Academic Research on Minimal Footwear
My curiosity took me back to school, where I focused on academic research around minimal shoes and their effect on running gait. What I discovered was life-changing: shoes are not just accessories, they are powerful tools that influence how the body moves, adapts, and endures.
From that moment, there was no turning back. I realized that minimalist footwear had the potential to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and create a more natural running experience.
Industry Experience and the Birth of Notace
After completing my research, I applied my knowledge in the real world by working with several leading footwear brands. Over the years, I gained valuable insight into shoe development, footwear design, and the industry as a whole, while connecting with inspiring people who shared the same vision.
But I also noticed something missing: across different sports, there were still categories of shoes that lacked healthy, high-performance solutions. That gap is what led me to create Notace, a brand built on the belief that footwear should never compromise between performance, comfort, and style.
Inspired by Japanese Minimal Design
With Notace, I finally have the chance to bring my vision to life: shoes that combine functionality and performance with timeless, minimal aesthetics. Inspired by Japanese design principles: clean, simple, and functional, Notace shoes are made to help you perform at your best while also being something you’re proud to wear every day.
Minimal design is not easy to achieve, but it’s what sets Notace apart. We’re not just making sports shoes—we’re creating footwear that blends style, performance, and culture.
Why Notace Is Different
For me, footwear has always been more than gear. It’s a mindset. The right shoes give you confidence, endurance, and freedom. Notace was created for people who want to move without compromise, whether running, training, or simply living an active lifestyle.
That’s why I believe Notace is unlike anything else on the market. We’re here to redefine what minimal performance footwear can be.
So lace up, step in, and leave it all behind. Let’s go.
Cedric Scoto
Founder, Notace