The company uses a 3D foot scanner to generate an image, either of the foot directly or a foot impression from a foam box.
Polyurethane printed sandals
Custom midsoles are then digitally designed for each foot individually. Orthotics prescriptions can be incorporated into the sandals, and discrepancies in leg length can also be accommodated. The foot scan data are saved in case of future repeat orders.
Polyurethane is the main component of the 3D printed midsole. It has a built-in lattice structure to alter the firmness at different sections of the midsole, and matches the plantar contour shape, as well as the foot’s length and width.
‘Imagine walking into a shoe store, getting both feet scanned in muinutes, watching how the shoes are going to fit your foot’s 3D contour on a computer screen, making modifications, placing an order and, a few hours later, getting 3D printed custom shoes,’ the company says. ‘The future of on-demand shoe manufacturing with mass customisation via 3D printing is available for the first time.’
The sandals are now available at Kickstarter, with prices starting at CA$159 ($ 123) a pair.
Currency conversion: Xe.com, 10 July 2017
