Sustainable Footwear
Product Design
For this project, I set out with a clear mission: to reimagine how shoes are created with a focus on reducing their environmental footprint. I began by dissecting the process into its core elements, analyzing each stage to identify where waste is generated and where inefficiencies persist. From there, I honed in on specific areas that could drive meaningful change. My vision was not just to improve, but to rethink and innovate—exploring new materials, processes, and partnerships to create a pathway toward a more sustainable future in footwear design.
Role: Sole Designer
Environmental // Innovative // Impactful // Research Driven
The current method in which footwear is produced results in an extensive amount of waste through both the production and lifespan of non-biodegrading materials.
What can be Done?
Biodegradable materials, such as natural rubber, organic cotton, and bio-based foams return to the earth quickly, without leaving harmful residues. This reduces the accumulation of non-degradable waste and lowers pollution associated with synthetic materials.
Checking out the Insoles
The search for biodegradable foam options led me to explore a fascinating array of materials making waves in the action sports space. My journey took me through Mycelium, Algae, Chitin, and Sugarcane—all promising in their own right. Ultimately, I chose Mycelium, an innovative and dynamic material, as the perfect fit for this project. Its ability to grow and conform to a mold within just seven days was remarkable, offering a unique blend of flexibility, rigidity, and durability when reinforced appropriately. This choice wasn’t just functional—it brought a sense of excitement and novelty to the intricate world of footwear design.
Supporting the Outsoles
The outsole design became an opportunity to push boundaries by rethinking traditional materials. I began with natural rubber derived from Hevea trees, a material celebrated for its durability and elasticity. To address the risk of over harvesting, I introduced a complementary substrate—sugarcane foam. This blend not only reduced dependency on Hevea but also infused the outsole with an exceptional balance: the foam contributing lightweight comfort and the rubber ensuring the necessary rigidity and resilience.
Moodboard
Mushroom Mania
For the shoe’s design, I aimed to echo the very essence of the Mycelium used in its construction. This meant weaving its motif throughout the aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the intricate organic networks and the stunning array of colors found in mushrooms.
