# Custom-Fit Printed Sandals OLT Footcare is Launching 3D-Printed Shoes for Optimal Fit and Comfort By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-06-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-sandals References: [3dprint](https://3dprint.com/176766/olt-footcare-custom-3d-sandals/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oltfootcare/join-the-footwear-revolution-3d-printed-custom-san) One of the main issues with purchasing shoes off the shelf is that most consumers have feet that are actually different sizes, or tend to walk in a way that leaves one part of the shoe more worn out than the others—but 3D-printed sandals have the potential to solve these problems. OLT Footcare is now launching its own range of 3D-printed sandals, which are designed to be custom-made for each and every consumer. The company, which is a division of 3D printing and scanning company TDL Systems, begins by taking a [3D scan of a customer's foot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-foot-scanner) and then uses a digital model to create a [custom midsole](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sean-wotherspoon-x-zellerfeld). This component is then combined with an outsole and an upper to achieve a precision fit. Knowing that not all consumers will have access to a 3D scanner, the company also ships out foam that can be used to capture a unique impression. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Custom-fit Sandals:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the footwear industry by offering personalized and perfectly fitting sandals through 3D printing technology. - **3d-printed Shoes:** Exploration of customizable and individualized footwear solutions through the use of 3D printing, revolutionizing the design and manufacturing processes. - **Digital Foot Scanning:** Promising trend in the retail industry, where digital foot scanning technology provides accurate measurements for tailored footwear, enhancing customer experience and comfort. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Disruptive opportunity in the footwear manufacturing industry by incorporating 3D printing technology to produce custom-fit printed sandals, catering to individual needs and preferences. - **3D Printing:** Innovation opportunity within the 3D printing sector by developing advanced materials and techniques for producing personalized shoes, enabling a new era of footwear customization. - **Retail:** Potential for disruptive innovation in the retail industry through the adoption of digital foot scanning technology, allowing for personalized and accurately fitting footwear solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ergonomic 3D-Printed Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flip-flops.md) - [Ergonomic Scan-to-Print Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [Scan-to-Print Custom Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome.md) - [3d-Printed Collab Flip Flops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flipflops.md) - [Personalized Footwear Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-personalization-studio.md) - [3D-Printed Smart Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-customized-insoles.md) - [Open 3D Printing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zellerfeld-1.md) - [Split-Toe Barefoot Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [3D-Printed Winter Sport Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bobsled-footwear.md)