Charlie Alfaro is an award-winning Industrial Designer specializing in various disciplines of product design from soft-goods (footwear, packs, and accessories), specialty hard-goods (tools and equipment), to housewares (cookware, utensils and drink ware).  In the span of his 20+ year career he has worked with a variety of companies and clients ranging from small start-ups to the most recognized global brands where his designs have sold globally, delivered results, and generated business growth.  
 

Beginning his career at Nike designing footwear for various performance categories, he later branched out on his own designing products for recognized brands such as Patagonia, Nathan Sports, Gerber Gear, and Adidas. Thus deepening his network, knowledge, and craft in the athletic, fashion, and outdoor industries. Most recently, Charlie has been designing performance footwear at The North Face for their technical running, hike, and lifestyle categories.  Charlie’s work has been featured in publications, numerous online websites, and blockbuster movies.  Along with his professional career, Charlie actively volunteers, mentors, and participates in speaking engagements primarily aimed at youth and underprivileged.  He is also a seasoned traveler experiencing many cultures which have influenced his design ethos and approach.

Charlie has recently returned home to the Hawaiian islands where he is continuing his passion for design under Charlie Alfaro Design Co.  Being a strong proponent of design simplicity, a collaborative thought partner, and a design leader, Charlie continues to contribute to the creative community, and strives to inspire future designers and creatives.
 

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

NIKE AIR MAX PAUL PIERCE Basketball Shoe
Signature shoe designed for NBA Champion and Finals MVP Forward Paul Pierce worn during the Boston Celtic’s World Championship Series win over the LA Lakers during the 07-08 NBA season

GERBER LEGEND Multi-Tool
Winner of the the 2000 BLADE Magazine/ BLADE Show & International Cutlery Fair for “Most Innovative American Design”

PATAGONIA ULTRALIGHT Fly-Fishing Wading Boots
Winner of the 2012 “Best Footwear” category at the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition (EFTTEX)

NATHAN “VAPOR SERIES” VAPOR WRAP 2L HYDRATION RACE VEST
-Featured in Sports One Source SGB (industry publication), July 2013 Volume 46/Issue 7
-2013 product review on dirtruns.com, “…the Nathan Vapor Wrap is an outstanding hydration pack for long runs.”

THE NORTH FACE FLIGHT RKT Trail Running Shoe
-Signature shoe designed for Ultra Runner Rob Krar
-2018 Winner of the Leadville Trail 100m Run wearing the Flight RKT’s and securing the “second fastest time in the race’s 36 year history”
-Gear Institute’s “Best In Class 2017” for The Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoe

THE NORTH FACE FLIGHT TRINITY Trail Running Shoe
-Article featured on www.runnersworld.com, “The Flight Trinity Gives You Wings—on the Trail” by Andrew Dawson, March 14, 2019
-Featured on www.irunfar.com's list of “Best New Trail Shoes for Spring-Summer 2019”