leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart

the leather shoe utilizes 3D scans of the feet to ensure a perfect fit, along with the added performance benefit of enhancing one's bio-mechanical movement.

Earl Stewart edited by rodrigo caula June 4, 2013 1 min

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leather meets 3D printing in ‘the bits shoe’ by earl stewart

the ‘bits shoe’ by designer earl stewart explores the resurgent bespoke craftsmen of the past and the advanced digital movement created by emerging rapid manufacturing technologies, celebrating the benefits each of their processes offer – both handmade and mass produced. the footwear concept implements accurate three-dimensional scans of the feet to ensure a perfect fit, along with the added performance benefit of enhancing one’s bio-mechanical movement. parametrically designed to produce an aesthetic structure that flexes in certain directions for beneficial ankle movement, the shoe utilizes a laser cut leather upper that precisely drapes around the individuals foot based on 3D printed information. once laser cut, the component is hand sewn and processed according to traditional techniques then combined with the rapid-prototyped sole.

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 1 close up

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 2 close up

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 3 sole

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 4 sole

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 5 close up

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 6 back

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 7 detail

leather meets 3D printing in the bits shoe by earl stewart - 8 detail

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