3D-printer technology company, Cobbler Technologies and SOAK USA are collaborating to print the world’s first 3D-printed recyclable fashion slide sandals. Designed for a woman’s everyday needs, SOAK slides are recyclable, vegan, eco-friendly, comfortable, water happy and stylish chic footwear. The socially-conscious company based in Maine is not unfamiliar with using custom technology to ensure comfort and arch support for their customers.
Everything you know about 3D printing in the footwear industry just became obsolete
As 3D-printing technology starts to become cost competitive in line with traditional manufacturing methods, there is no denying that 3D printing is a broad field with many players and many different needs. Andrew Katon, CEO Cobbler Technologies, an expert in this field, shares: “3D-printing has remained out of reach for most production applications due to the high cost of materials. Our team of engineers has been quietly perfecting 3DAPDTM, a high-resolution production 3D-printing technology built around common production materials. The result is a dramatic cost reduction in 3D-printing which now positions 3DAPDTM as a competitive price option when businesses manufacture products. We’re excited to partner with SOAK to bring an environmentally conscious 3D-printed product to market.”
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On their partnership, Michelle Vale, Co-founder of SOAK USA said: “SOAK USA is excited about the opportunity to leverage this innovative technology and apply it to a fashion-forward brand. We will offer our two most popular colours, gold and silver, and will add custom colours shortly. This collaboration is in alignment with our eco-friendly, made in the USA philosophy.”
Browse (and maybe shop) SOAK USA slides.
Founding editor-in-chief of FashNerd.com, Muchaneta is currently one of the leading influencers writing about the merger of fashion with technology and wearable technology. She has also given talks at Premiere Vision, Munich Fabric Start and Pure London, to name a few. Besides working as a fashion innovation consultant for various fashion companies like LVMH Atelier, Muchaneta has also contributed to Vogue Business, is a senior contributor at The Interline and an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion, UAL.