John Helf
MS in Sports Product Design, 2025
Capstone Project: The Sisyphus Project
Category: HYROX footwear and apparel for strength and endurance
Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John is a footwear designer who is passionate about helping others build community through storytelling and intentional training.
John grew up playing soccer and basketball, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, wearing eccentric sneakers, and watching movies. His love of athletics and aesthetics provided the perfect groundwork for pursuing his master's in Sports Product Design at the University of Oregon, where he intends on furthering his mission to empower individuals to embrace their strengths and stories.
Prior to beginning his journey at the University of Oregon, John earned a Bachelor of Science in Film Studies and a Master of Science in Design + Innovation from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Through these programs, John learned skills in design thinking, research methodology, as well as graphic, communication, and product design.
In his free time, John loves going to the gym, working on his fantasy novel, and adding to his sneaker collection.
