# Modular Self-Assembly Shoes The Ultra-Customizable 'KI ecobe' Eliminates Sweatshop Labor By Peter Bonk | Published 2017-06-14 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweatshop-free-customizable-modular-self-assembled-sustainable-footwear-sho References: [kiecobe](http://www.kiecobe.com/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/kioriental/?fref=nf) This brilliant footwear was created by Korean footwear designer G.D. Kim to eliminate sweatshops in Asia. It's called 'KI ecobe' and it's a [modular shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-snowclog-advanced) that comes in separate pieces which the end user assembles, making the manufacturing process much less labor-intensive. The shoe is specially designed to use no toxic adhesives so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled to [recycle and replace parts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neocurve) as needed. Because of its unique modular design, the KI ecobe is highly customizable; download the app and choose a color and material of each individual part of the shoe. Once delivered, easily assemble your shoes to match your outfit, your mood, your favorite sports team, or even the seasons. If you’re indoors, KI ecobe is a slipper, if you’re outside, it’s a shoe. It can also be used as a sandal too. KI ecobe is on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterproof-knit-shoes) with an early bird price of $69. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## 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 - **Modular Self-assembly Shoes:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the footwear industry through customizable and sustainable modular shoe design. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation potential in the footwear industry by adopting modular and sustainable manufacturing processes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Custom Adaptive Slipper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swapz-modular-slippers.md) - [Customizable Modular Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-footwear-design.md) - [Modular Mix-and-Match Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commbi.md) - [Sustainable Open-Style Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360.md) - [Sustainable Adapting Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-shoe.md) - [Bold Sneaker Design Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-cmf.md) - [Scan-to-Print Custom Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome.md) - [3D Printed Shoe Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customfit-3d-printed-shoes.md) - [Customizable Shoe Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecodasher-insole.md)