FOOTWEAR, FASHION, PRODUCT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
SPN-TEC is a collection of 100% recyclable shoes that are deviating from the visual stereotype of sustainable design. They are a derivative of my previous project PIN-TEC. An average shoe is made up out of 62 individual panels that are glued, sewn or nailed together and that are very difficult to take apart. Making it almost impossible to recycle them. The SPN-TEC shoes are completely digitally designed and are constructed with zero glue, zero stitches and zero material contamination while still using the same materials as our current everyday footwear.
The shoes are held together by the SPN-TEC module that contains a ratchet system and 4 cables that connect to the 3D-printed rubber outsole cage. This semi flexible outsole wraps around spikey PU foam midsoles where the spikes protrude through the cutout holes in the cage to firmly connect them to each other. These midsoles are poured with liquid foam in 3d printed moulds. Some models have EVA uppers that are vacuum formed and heat welded. A specific structure made out of recycled soda bottles is used to hold the whole shoe together and make it adjustable.
The SPN-TEC system introduces a digitally sculpted footwear collection embodying zero material contamination, full recyclability, and complete transparency. Beyond its sustainability, the collection boasts visual allure, harmonizing eco-consciousness with aesthetic appeal.
Very special thanks to:
StudioOverlab
Marleen Ettema
Thijs Janssen
FormX Amsterdam