When his teenage nephew underwent a serious heel operation, Alexander Elnekaveh resolved to help him walk again without debilitating pain. Luckily, he had the perfect storm of past professions: inventor, engineer, and army medic. He assembled a research team, and together they created the first VersoShock sole—a sole meant to absorb the force of impact while also propelling the wearer forward.

Today, VersoShock soles form the basis of an entire catalogue of Gravity Defyer shoes. Advanced ventilation systems, gel, and custom orthotics work with the signature sole to prioritize comfort without sacrificing the shoes' function, whether they're meant for working out or simply standing while visualizing hiking up a tall mountain. The selection ranges from athletic sneakers and work boots to strappy sandals and casual loafers, all of which carry some version of the VersoShock technology.