'The Next' is the name of a new 3D-printed footwear concept from Chinese athletic footwear firm Peak Sports that was introduced at K 2019. The sneaker prototype represents a vision for customizable and recyclable shoes, which is thanks to the fact that the shoes are entirely made from TPU.
As it stands, it's incredibly difficult for footwear designs to be responsibly disposed of, or even reused, at the end of their useful life but this concept sneaker design offers a different way for footwear to be made in the future.
At the same time the design of the shoe has the capacity to better cater to the individual needs of consumers, it also has the potential to better support the environment.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Customizable Sneakers
- The ability to 3D-print customized sneakers offers innovation opportunities in personalized fashion and on-demand manufacturing.
- Recyclable Footwear
- Creating footwear made from easily recyclable materials could disrupt the current waste-heavy footwear industry.
- TPU Material
- The rise of TPU as a sustainable footwear material presents opportunities in material sourcing and manufacturing.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Footwear Manufacturing
- Implementing 3D printing and recyclable materials in footwear manufacturing could lead to a more sustainable and efficient industry.
- Sustainable Fashion
- Incorporating recyclable materials and on-demand manufacturing could disrupt traditional fast fashion practices and lead to a more environmentally conscious industry.
- Material Science
- Research and development in sustainable and biodegradable materials like TPU could have wide-reaching effects in multiple industries, including fashion and manufacturing.
