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Additive manufacturing is increasingly making its mark in the fashion industry, particularly appealing for its creative freedom and customization. From 3D-printed clothing by Mark Zuckerberg to 3D-printed silver jewelry and 3D-printed flip-flops by Asics, 3D printing continues to surprise with new applications, offering significant benefits for both consumers and businesses. Today, we take a closer look at Sneakprint, a company using additive manufacturing to produce sneakers perfectly tailored to the wearer’s foot. We asked Kevin Zürn, the founder, a few questions to learn more.
3DN: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your connection to 3D printing?
My name is Kevin Zürn, and I am the founder of Sneakprint GmbH, a brand that creates custom sneakers with 3D-printed soles. I’m originally from Stuttgart but moved to Munich for my studies in fashion management. I don’t actually have a direct background in 3D printing, and my studies didn’t focus on the technology. However, I’ve always found 3D printing fascinating because it allows the creation of very complex shapes and structures with minimal effort.
The midsole of the sneakers was 3D-printed (photo credit: Ruan van Jaarsveldt/Sneakprint)
3DN: How did Sneakprint come to be, and what is your goal?
Sneakprint was born from Kevin Zürn’s personal experience and a university project. Struggling to find well-fitting shoes due to his wide feet and the need for orthopedic insoles, he saw the potential of 3D printing to create truly personalized products. Inspired by the launch of the first 3D-printed shoes, he wanted to leverage this technology to make sneakers that perfectly fit each individual’s foot.
After completing his studies and gaining experience in the fashion industry, Kevin revisited the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic. He researched 3D printing applications in footwear, analyzed market potential, and decided to launch Sneakprint. The company’s goal is to move away from mass-produced shoes and standard sizing, using cutting-edge technology to deliver “me-size” sneakers that are fully customized, affordable, and tailored to each customer’s unique foot shape.
3DN: How is 3D printing used in your company?
Sneakprint produces shoes that actually fit. Each of our sneakers features an insole/midsole perfectly tailored to the user’s foot, which we manufacture using 3D printing. We create our uppers in small batches and only print on demand, allowing us to avoid unnecessary waste and produce only the shoes that are truly needed. Unlike what many are attempting these days, we do not 3D print the entire shoe, because, in my opinion, no one wants their foot in direct contact with plastic; only the centerpiece, the midsole/footbed, is printed. We thoughtfully combine technology with traditional craftsmanship, though we already have some ideas for other products, but one step at a time.
The sneakers are available in black, white, and gray/white (Photo credits: Ruan van Jaarsveldt/Sneakprint)
To provide our customers with unparalleled comfort, we start by taking an impression and measuring their feet. For this, we developed an impression kit that we currently send to the customer by mail. We are now implementing a scanning feature in our online store, which allows users to measure their feet without the impression kit. This feature lets us offer sneakers in a “Me-Size,” but without corrections and only with a “Basic Support” option.
Our qualified orthopedic shoemaker analyzes problematic areas of the feet and models a support structure tailored to the wearer’s foot. We then 3D print the midsole and cover it with an insert/coating made from various materials to provide exceptional comfort and avoid direct contact with the printed material. The midsole is integrated into the shoe, and the customer receives their personalized sneakers.
Our midsoles have different densities/hardnesses depending on the wearer. We determine these based on the person’s weight to ensure consistent comfort. Currently, we offer a sneaker designed for hours of walking in the city. Our lattice structure mimics traditional injection-molded foam and serves solely for the wearer’s comfort.
3DN: How do you see the future of Sneakprint? Can we expect new projects from you in the future?
The competition never sleeps, and neither do we. To continue succeeding in the 3D-printed shoe market, we are constantly working on new ideas and innovative projects. Currently, we are developing a “summer edition” that we hope to launch soon. For this, we have tested various techniques and use the one best suited for each application. But we are also already working on other structures, optimized for performance (like jogging), as well as golf shoes, safety shoes, and more. Our collection will continuously expand in terms of colors and models to appeal to as many tastes as possible. We have many exciting projects planned, but we will share more details in due course. The future of the footwear industry is evolving rapidly. I am convinced that soon we will no longer buy mass-produced sneakers, and there will be a shift toward personalized shoes and, consequently, more conscious purchasing behavior.
Photo credits: Ruan van Jaarsveldt/Sneakprint
3DN: Any final words for our readers?
No two feet are alike, even the left foot can be very different from the right. So how can mass-produced shoes ever truly fit? The answer is: they can’t. It’s extremely important to wear shoes that are comfortable and properly fitted. We spend our entire lives walking on our feet; they’re our shock absorbers, and yet we take very little care of them. Many people squeeze their feet into shoes that are too tight or slip around in shoes that are too large, which can harm their feet over time. That’s why I recommend everyone invest in shoes that are comfortable and tailored to the shape of their feet! For more information, click HERE to visit the Sneakprint website.
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