Michele Di Carlo designs the 4Steps 3D-printed sneaker concept, which offers a sustainable approach to footwear from a new angle. The shoes tackle the issue of children outgrowing their shoes at a consistent rate, having to buy new ones every few years.
This project has been in development since 2017 and addresses the issues of eco-sustainability in footwear by using the 3D printer to create the 4Steps. It is a resizable pair of lightweight shoes that are only 123 grams. It is made for children aged 6 to 14, who are able to wear the same shoes for up to five years. It uses molded components to create a honeycomb build to customize the shoe to the right fit.
3D-Printed Growing Customized Shoes
Michele Di Carlo Creates the 4Steps 3D-Printed Sneaker Concept
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Footwear Solutions - Innovative approaches like the 4Steps 3D-printed sneaker concept are reshaping the footwear industry with eco-friendly and long-lasting options.
2. Customizable 3d-printed Products - The use of 3D printing technology to create personalized items like the resizable 4Steps shoes introduces a new level of customization in product design.
3. Long-term Wearable Technology - Products like the 4Steps shoes that accommodate growth over several years hint at a future trend towards durable wearables designed to last longer periods.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Manufacturing - The footwear industry can explore 3D printing applications to revolutionize production processes and create sustainable, long-lasting footwear solutions.
2. Consumer Goods - The consumer goods sector can capitalize on the trend of customizable 3D-printed products to offer personalized and adaptable items that cater to individual needs and preferences.
3. Wearable Technology - Wearable technology companies have the opportunity to develop innovative, long-term wearable products by incorporating adjustable features and sustainable materials, following the 4Steps shoe concept.