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95 Innovative Shoe Designs

From 3D-Printed High Tops to Self-Healing Living Sneakers

— March 19, 2014 — Fashion
Innovative shoe designs are constantly emerging, even when you think that everything that could be done with shoes has been done. One of the most impressive technologies when it comes to shoemaking right now is 3D printing, which provides the potential for people to create a completely custom pair of shoes. As well as providing an optimal fit, 3D-printed shoes also unlock the potential to correct foot problems or irregular walking patterns that may cause shoes to wear faster, such as if you’re prone to dragging your heels.

Although the art of making shoes by hand is a dying craft, big brands like Nike and Adidas are looking to lo-tech crafts as a source of inspiration, as seen in the Flyknit and Samba Primeknit, which have knit textures that make the shoes more sock-like, flexible and comfortable.
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
94
Ultra Light Cleats
Ultra Light Cleats
The adizero F50 Crazylight is the Lightest Cleat Ever
<
93
3D-Printed High-Tops
3D-Printed High-Tops
The Sneakerbot II Shoes Can Be Crumpled, Stashed Then Reshaped for Wearing
<
92
Revolutionary Knitted Soccer Shoes
Revolutionary Knitted Soccer Shoes
Nike's Magista is Changing the Soccer World for the Better
<
91
3D-Printed Wedges
3D-Printed Wedges
These 3D-Printed Pumps are Made Overnight with a System from Cubify
<
90
Space Foam Sneakers
Space Foam Sneakers
The 2012 Nike Pantheon Shoes Use Materials Inspired by Astronauts
<
89
Flexible Skate Shoes
Flexible Skate Shoes
The Nike SB Lunar One Shot Shoe is a Skateboarder's Dream Shoe
<
88
Coral-Like Shoe Soles
Coral-Like Shoe Soles
The A Wrong Mongrel Collection by Ross Barber is Comprised of Wearable Art
<
87
Blade-Like Training Shoes
Blade-Like Training Shoes
The Adidas Springblade Razor Shoes Have Blades Protruding from the Soles
<
86
Barefoot-Simulating Soccer Footware
Barefoot-Simulating Soccer Footware
The Nike 'Hypervenom' Shoes Provide a Nude Feel on the Field
<
85
Customized Sprinting Shoes
Customized Sprinting Shoes
'Designed to Win' Footwear Will Help Athletes Run Faster
<
84
Illuminating Snowboard Boots
Illuminating Snowboard Boots
The Nike LED Snowboarding Boots Will Light Up Your Board
<
83
Backward Nature-Inspired Footwear
Backward Nature-Inspired Footwear
These shoes by Rene van der Berg Feature Backwards Heels
<
82
Optical IIllusion Cubic Sneakers
Optical IIllusion Cubic Sneakers
The Pierre Hardy Cubicorama Kicks are Spectacularly Geometric
<
81
Sweat-Free Shoe Technology
Sweat-Free Shoe Technology
GEOX’s XENSE Shoes Have Pores That Exude Sweat and Odor
<
80
Sock-Inspired Sneakers
Sock-Inspired Sneakers
The Nike HTM Flyknit Chukka Takes Cues from Warm Winter Socks
<
79
Blind-Aiding Sneakers (UPDATE)
Blind-Aiding Sneakers (UPDATE)
The Le Chal Shoes Use GPS & Vibrations to Guide the Impaired
<
78
Wooden Block Shoes
Wooden Block Shoes
The Pernilla Collection by Cat Potter is Inspired by the Art of Ricky Swallow
<
77
Fibrous Footwear Designs
Fibrous Footwear Designs
The Liz Ciokajlo Natural Selection Collection is Made Out of Eco Material
<
76
Customizable Cut-Out Footwear
Customizable Cut-Out Footwear
Uncut is a Pair of Slippers at the Tip of Your Scissors
<
75
Luxe Car Sneakers
Luxe Car Sneakers
The adidas Sport Bounce: S³ Has a Futuristic Aesthetic
<
74
Vegan Footwear Lookbooks
Vegan Footwear Lookbooks
The Good Guys Don't Wear Leather Advertisements Are Animal-Free
<
73
Bright Fold-Down Footwear
Bright Fold-Down Footwear
The Visvim FW11 Shoe Collection Boasts Unique Patchwork Designs
<
72
DIY LED High-Tops
DIY LED High-Tops
Light Up Sneakers Will Jolt Up Your Ensemble with Electricity
<
71
Malleable Leather Accessories
Malleable Leather Accessories
The Linda Sieto Cut & Fold Collection is Enchanting
<
70
Paper Pop-Up Shoes
Paper Pop-Up Shoes
The CoupleOf ‘Lily' Laced Shoe by Nadav Bignitz is a Fun Replica
<
69
Dapper Laser Cut Shoes
Dapper Laser Cut Shoes
The Laser Cut Shoes from 'Carven' are Perfect for the Stylish Man
<
68
Lightweight Leaping Shoes
Lightweight Leaping Shoes
The Kobe Bryant Sneakers Slither Like a Snake
<
67
Vibrant Lightweight Kicks
Vibrant Lightweight Kicks
The Nike 'Flyknit Lunar1+' Sneaker Collection is Cushioned
<
66
Ergonomically Stylish Summer Shoes
Ergonomically Stylish Summer Shoes
The Pluggz Men and Women's Summer Shoes Are Comfortably Chic
<
65
Self-Healing Living Sneakers
Self-Healing Living Sneakers
The Protocells Trainers Form a Literal Second Skin Around Your Feet
<
64
Gamma Ray Basketball Sneakers
Gamma Ray Basketball Sneakers
The Nike LeBron 11 'Gamma Blue' is Inspired by Science
<
63
Hand-Knitted Soccer Cleats
Hand-Knitted Soccer Cleats
These Adidas Soccer Cleats Have an at-Home Feel
<
62
Phone-Integrated Footwear Art
Phone-Integrated Footwear Art
This 3D Printed Shoe Commemorates FreshFiber's Unusual iPhone Cases
<
61
Cardboard Shoes
Cardboard Shoes
Decorative Craft Footwear Unfit for a Rainy Day
<
60
3D Printed Shoes
3D Printed Shoes
The Rapidform Shoe by Chau Har Lee is Geometric in Shape
<
59
Recycled Rain Boots
Recycled Rain Boots
Boots by 'Waste for Life' are Made From Recycled Plastic Bags
<
58
Transforming Seasonal Footwear
Transforming Seasonal Footwear
The Deformation Slippers Fold From One Type of Shoe into Another
<
57
Shoe Brand-Inspired Exhibits (UPDATE)
Shoe Brand-Inspired Exhibits (UPDATE)
The Flyknit Collective Features Art Inspired by Nike Shoes
<
56
Padded Sole Heaters
Padded Sole Heaters
ThermaCELL Heated Insoles Prevent Wet Shoes and Cold Feet
<
55
Foldable Waterproof Wellies
Foldable Waterproof Wellies
The New Foldable Hunter Boot Fends From Rainy Days While On the Go
<
54
Blade-Infused Runners
Blade-Infused Runners
Adidas Takes Running to the Next Level with the New Springblade (SPONSORED)
<
53
Sock Hybrid Soccer Cleats
Sock Hybrid Soccer Cleats
Adidas Released a Surprising Knitted Football Shoe and Sock Combo
<
52
Sleek Nordic Rain Boots
Sleek Nordic Rain Boots
The Unikia Nordic Grip Wets are Comfortable and Stylish
<
51
Illusionary Chain-Linked Heels
Illusionary Chain-Linked Heels
Casadei's Chain Link-Inspired Collection Boasts Edgy Shine
<
50
Space Age Lightweight Footwear
Space Age Lightweight Footwear
The Nike Mercurial Victory IV CR7 IC Boasts Top Sports Technology
<
49
Foldable Footwear
Foldable Footwear
'City Slips' Give Your Feet a Second Wind
<
48
Superior Spring-Like Sneakers
Superior Spring-Like Sneakers
The Adidas Springblade Offers Unparalleled Running Performance
<
47
Purse-Infused Flip-Flops
Purse-Infused Flip-Flops
Reef Stash Sandals Lets You Keep Your Personal Items at Foot's Reach
<
46
3d-Printed Latticed Footwear
3d-Printed Latticed Footwear
The Strvct Line by Continuum Fashion is Filled with Delicate Designs
<
45
Vibrantly Knitted Runners
Vibrantly Knitted Runners
The Nike Lunar 1 Kicks Use Flyknit Technology to Help Athletes Soar
<
44
Foldable Eco Footwear
Foldable Eco Footwear
Pocketflops are Fashionable & Convenient Flip Flops
<
43
Flawless Foot-Hugging Runners
Flawless Foot-Hugging Runners
The Under Armour SpeedForm Fits Like a Bra for Your Feet
<
42
Stick-Constructed Stilettos
Stick-Constructed Stilettos
Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Julia Kaldy
<
41
Bespoke Shoe Tattoo Services
Bespoke Shoe Tattoo Services
Oliver Sweeney is Inviting People to Get Tattooed Shoes by Henry Hate
<
40
Lumber Kicks
Lumber Kicks
Michael Lau Designs Nike SB Faux Wooden Shoes
<
39
Stylish Oxblood Running Kicks
Stylish Oxblood Running Kicks
These Nike Lunar Flyknit Chukkas Blend Running with Streetwear
<
38
Foldable Footwear
Foldable Footwear
Minimax Reduces Waste From Packaging
<
37
Inside-Out Street Shoes
Inside-Out Street Shoes
Elisa Van Joolen's Inverted Kicks Show an Unseen Side of Shoes
<
36
High Performance Geometric Shoes
High Performance Geometric Shoes
The Nike Free 2014 Running Shoes Leave the Competition Trailing
<
35
Lace-Tying Eliminators
Lace-Tying Eliminators
ZIPPEDs Allows You to Put on and Take Off Your Shoes with Absolute Ease
<
34
Balancing Act Booties
Balancing Act Booties
Trippen Dream Shoes Have a Strappy, Unconventional Aesthetic
<
33
Printed 3D Nylon Shoes
Printed 3D Nylon Shoes
The Pauline Van Dongen 'Metamorphosis' Line at The Future of Fashion
<
32
Shoe Made of Garbage
Shoe Made of Garbage
Nike Trash Talk
<
31
Folded Footwear
Folded Footwear
Marloes ten Bhomer's Origami-Inspired Heels (UPDATE)
<
30
Cardboard Sneakers
Cardboard Sneakers
I HAVE POP Creates Shoes Made Out Boxes
<
29
Men's Angled Heels
Men's Angled Heels
The Jeffrey Campbell Switchblade Shoes Transform You Into an Instant Rockstar
<
28
Foldable Featherweight Footwear
Foldable Featherweight Footwear
The Timberland Radler Trail Camp Shoe is a Portable Hiking Boot
<
27
New Media-Inspired Footwear
New Media-Inspired Footwear
The Spring/Summer 2014 Y3 Adidas Shoes Are More Artful Than Sporty
<
26
Eco-Friendly Interchangeable Shoes
Eco-Friendly Interchangeable Shoes
These Eco-Shoes are One-of-a-Kind Customizable Designs
<
25
Ballet Flats in a Bag
Ballet Flats in a Bag
Tipsy Feet
<
24
Printed Pliable Footwear
Printed Pliable Footwear
Earl Stewart Uses 3D Printing Technology to Create His XYZ Shoes
<
23
Fantasy-Inspired Footwear
Fantasy-Inspired Footwear
Danuta Tydor Presents a Psychedelic Shoe Collection
<
22
Hybrid Footwear
Hybrid Footwear
Toe-Less Sneakers by Kim Kiroic for Spring 2010
<
21
Rainbow-Colored Runners
Rainbow-Colored Runners
Nike's Flyknit Racer and HTM Shoes are Vibrantly Knitted Fashion Styles
<
20
Personalized Printed Pumps
Personalized Printed Pumps
DreamHeels.com Lets You Design Your Shoe & Earn Money
<
19
Atypically Constructed Footwear
Atypically Constructed Footwear
Designer Anna Korshun Doesn't Use Glue or Stitching for Shoes
<
18
Futuristic Transforming Trainers
Futuristic Transforming Trainers
The MORPH Adaptive Sole Changes to Fit Your Footwear Needs
<
17
Futuristic Running Shoes
Futuristic Running Shoes
Y-3 Combines Technology and Fashion in its Latest Running Shoe
<
16
3D-Printed Wedges
3D-Printed Wedges
Hoon Chung Footwear Collection Offers Curvy & Cute Styles
<
15
Beehive High Heels
Beehive High Heels
The Honey Natasha Shoe Has the Fashion World Buzzing
<
14
3D Printed Sneakers
3D Printed Sneakers
The Nike Football 3D Printed Shoes are Unbelievable
<
13
Skeletal Stilettos
Skeletal Stilettos
The Melonia Shoe by Naim Josefi and Souzan Youssouf
<
12
Artistic Custom Shoes
Artistic Custom Shoes
Wear Your Favorite Video Game Icons on Your Feet with These Video Game Shoes
<
11
Technological Footwear
Technological Footwear
The Cedric Fiazinski Ultimate Bespoke Shoe is Custom-Made
<
10
Titanium 3D-Printed Heels
Titanium 3D-Printed Heels
These Titanium 3D High Heels are Anything But Ordinary
<
9
Sock-Like Sneakers (UPDATE)
Sock-Like Sneakers (UPDATE)
The Nike Free Flyknit 2013 Launch Collection is Like a Second Skin
<
8
Folding Flat-Pack Footwear
Folding Flat-Pack Footwear
EIN/Tritt Origami Shoes
<
7
Delicately Folded Footwear
Delicately Folded Footwear
Unifold by Horatio Yuxin Han is Made from One Piece of Material
<
6
Sharp Skeletal Stilettos
Sharp Skeletal Stilettos
These Janina Alleyne Designs are the Future of Footwear
<
5
Paper Running Sneakers
Paper Running Sneakers
Cardboard Nike Air Shoes Can Be Mistaken for a Real Shoe
<
4
Sock-Like Sneakers
Sock-Like Sneakers
The Nike Free Flyknit Grips the Foot Like a Sock
<
3
3D-Printed Pumps
3D-Printed Pumps
The Instant Shoe Concept Proposes Perfectly Tailored Footwear
<
2
High-Top Flip Flops
High-Top Flip Flops
Chuck Taylor Sandals are a Badass Beach Essential
<
1
Found Object-Constructed Shoes
Found Object-Constructed Shoes
Winde Rienstra's Shoes Make Use of Unconventional Materials
<