There are a lot of things that you can do in your kitchen including cooking all kinds of recipes of course. But did you think that you can actually create shoes just from using household items and combining them with other biodegradable ingredients. That’s what a designer and educator is trying to teach us through a series of YouTube videos and if you’re the type that likes to experiment, then this would be right up your alley.
Designer: Giestas
The Baking Vegan Slippers are just exactly what the name implies. These are slippers that are made from vegan bioplastics and are put together and baked in an oven. If you have all the ingredients suggested in the YouTube video and you can follow the instructions, then you’ll be able to create your own footwear from the comfort of your kitchen.
The top of the shoe uses alginate which is actually a thickener taken from algae while the sole is made from ground cork and bound with something called agar which is an algae-based gelatin substitute. You can also use things like saffron or black tea to color your slippers. Using these food grade, vegan, and biodegradable materials means we can eventually reduce our reliance on things like plastics and fossil fuels.
Design-wise, the options are still a bit limited although we see some different options for the tops. The designer himself says that when it comes to the long term durability of the Baking Vegan Slippers, it still remains to be seen.
There are a lot of things that you can do in your kitchen including cooking all kinds of recipes of course. But did you think that you can actually create shoes just from using household items and combining them with other biodegradable ingredients. That’s what a designer and educator is trying to teach us through a series of YouTube videos and if you’re the type that likes to experiment, then this would be right up your alley.
Designer: Giestas
The Baking Vegan Slippers are just exactly what the name implies. These are slippers that are made from vegan bioplastics and are put together and baked in an oven. If you have all the ingredients suggested in the YouTube video and you can follow the instructions, then you’ll be able to create your own footwear from the comfort of your kitchen.
The top of the shoe uses alginate which is actually a thickener taken from algae while the sole is made from ground cork and bound with something called agar which is an algae-based gelatin substitute. You can also use things like saffron or black tea to color your slippers. Using these food grade, vegan, and biodegradable materials means we can eventually reduce our reliance on things like plastics and fossil fuels.
Design-wise, the options are still a bit limited although we see some different options for the tops. The designer himself says that when it comes to the long term durability of the Baking Vegan Slippers, it still remains to be seen.
I am not the biggest fan of Crocs footwear for many design-related reasons, including its hole-y look. A lot of people find it comfortable to wear, hence its popularity but if you’re hiking or climbing in some weird weather conditions, it’s not the best choice. However, streetwear boutique Bodega is adding an accessory to the Crocs Classic Clog that can turn it into an off-road kind of footwear.
Designer: Bodega
The Bodega x Crocs “NICT-TECH” All-Terrain Clog 2.0 features a removable hood that you can outfit your Crocs with to protect it against the elements that can make its way through the holes. Basically it’s a jacket for your Crocs so you’ll be able to wear it even if it’s rainy, sandy, or whatever other weather condition makes it uncomfortable and unsafe to have a clog with holes.
The footwear comes in a woodland bark camo print while the detachable elements have a matching brown color. The “jacket” itself of course has a weatherproof outer layer. There is also a tiny ripstop bag attached to it where you can put some stuff, providing they’re small and can fit in it without making you feel uncomfortable.
Probably another thing that people find attractive with Crocs footwear is that a lot of things can be attached to it to turn it into something else aside from a hole-y clog. This latest outdoorsey one from Bodega will be available starting September 27 on their website and costs just around $90.
We’ve seen Shrek Crocs in the past (and tbh they’re hideously brilliant), but nothing really passes the vibe check as much as these Batmobile Crocs. Modeled to look like the iconic vehicle from the 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton, these shoes come with all the bells and whistles, including a graphic on the front showcasing the hood, a set of fins near the ankle, wheel-shaped details around the heel, and the best part, actual windshields on the front! Yes, you’ve got headlights and taillights too, along with the jet engine intake on the frontal tip and an afterburner on the back. Sure, Crocs have a reputation of being considered a fashion faux pas, but this one pulls all the stops. Oh, did I also mention it comes with its own custom Batman Jibbitz charms that you can fasten into the holes on the top??
Designer: Crocs
Wear these shoes and you’re bound to get a few stares – some of awe and others of contempt. If you can look past the latter, the ‘Crocs Batman Batmobile Classic Clogs’ are quite the wearable memorabilia. Announced on the 45th anniversary of the Batman movie, these shoes perfectly capture the unique design of the Batmobile from all those years ago, and I assume it has to do with the clog’s inherent bulbous, curvy shape.
The design is absolutely filled with easter-eggs that make it look almost exactly like the 1989 Batmobile. The front of the clog mimics the 1989 Batmobile’s turbine intake, complete with mechanical lines and even the tiny signal lights from the car. You’ll find the Batmobile’s classic wings molded into the heel straps, adding a bit of flair to an otherwise laid-back piece of footwear. The side profile features carvings that resemble the Batmobile’s rear wheels and side air intakes. It’s clear the design team put thought into translating one of the most iconic vehicles in comic book history onto a clog.
Quite like the Batmobile itself, these shoes are built for everything. As Crocs are known for, they’re lightweight, flexible, and come equipped with their signature ventilation ports to keep your feet cool and dry. This is a crucial feature for anyone who’s spent time in Crocs—they can handle water, mud, or any unexpected elements, just as Batman handles Gotham’s criminal underworld. The pivoting heel straps are a practical addition, keeping the clogs secure on your feet whether you’re on a casual stroll or, hypothetically, chasing after a villain. The Crocs material also makes these shoes easy to clean, which is always a plus if you’re planning to wear them in all kinds of weather… and get this, all Crocs are also flame-retardant, which is definitely a plus too!
In true Crocs fashion, the Batman Batmobile Classic Clog comes with special Jibbitz charms. These small, rubber accessories allow you to personalize your pair with extra Batman-themed flair, further indulging your superhero fantasies. The Batman x Crocs Classic Clog “Batmobile” will be priced at just $69.99 when it launches later this September. A kids’ version will also be available for $54.99 upon release. The Jibbitz, sadly, cost extra.
Early Mechanical Shox Prototype (1981) from the Department of Nike Archives
Nestled in an unassuming building, Nike’s top-secret design archive, known as the Department of Nike Archives (DNA), houses a treasure trove of over 200,000 rare artifacts. From never-before-seen sneaker prototypes to the original Nike “swoosh” sketch, the DNA is a sneaker lover’s paradise. Recently, the DNA opened its doors to curators for the first time, leading to the creation of the groundbreaking exhibition, “Nike: Form Follows Motion.” For the first time, Nike has opened its doors to a select group of curators who have scoured these holdings to create an exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the brand’s history and design philosophy.
Set to run from September 21, 2024, to May 2025, the exhibition is the first of its kind dedicated solely to Nike. It traces the company’s journey from its founding in 1964 to its current position as the largest apparel company in the world. Curated by Glenn Adamson, who also co-edited a book to accompany the exhibition, the show seeks to explore Nike’s unique approach to design. According to Adamson, Nike’s design thinking is intensely creative and complex, rivaling that of any other company in the industry. The exhibition is structured into four chronological sections, each representing a significant phase in Nike’s evolution.
“Nike: Form Follows Motion” is divided into four chronological sections: “Track,” “Air,” “Sensation,” and “Relation.” The first section, “Track,” offers a look at Nike’s early years when jogging was a niche activity. This period is marked by the brand’s first product innovations, including the release of the waffle-soled trainer in the early 1970s. The next section, “Air,” covers Nike’s expansion into sports advertising, bolstered by high-profile partnerships with athletes like Michael Jordan. The “Sensation” section focuses on Nike’s extensive sports research programs, highlighting the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance wear. Finally, the “Relation” section reflects on Nike’s history of collaborations with external designers, showcasing the brand’s willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies.
To create this exhibition, Adamson made several trips to the DNA, where he had access to materials that had never been publicly displayed. The archive itself is unremarkable from the outside, but inside, it’s a veritable wonderland for sneaker enthusiasts. The space is filled with moving shelves, each stacked with shoeboxes containing some of Nike’s most significant designs. Among the highlights are prototypes of the Air Force One that never made it to market and the original stock of the Air Max shoe, known for its revolutionary see-through soles designed by aeronautical engineer Frank Rudy.
Sketch of Air Max, Tinker Hatfield (1986)
The exhibition also features deadstock shoes and prototypes that have remained hidden in the DNA until now. These include early mechanical prototypes of the Shox line, which featured external shock mounts designed to improve athletic performance. Adamson describes one such prototype as a “Frankenstein object,” a bizarre yet fascinating piece of Nike’s design history that had to be included in the exhibition (image at the beginning).
In addition to these historical artifacts, the exhibition also offers a keen insight into Nike’s current design practices. One of the most impressive innovation centers is the Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) in Beaverton, Oregon. The 85,000-square-foot facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including hundreds of cameras and dozens of force plates that track athletes’ movements. The insights gathered from this research are used to develop new products like the Vapormax running shoe, which is one of Nike’s most studied shoes to date.
Nike: Form Follows Motion comes at a crucial time for the company. In recent years, Nike has faced challenges, including supply chain issues and increased competition from other running shoe brands like Hoka and Brooks. Despite these obstacles, Nike remains committed to innovation. The company recently launched an AI platform called Blackbox to aid in the design of new products. According to CEO John Donahoe, Nike is poised to make a comeback with bold, new releases that will once again set the standard in the industry.
Our chaotic and busy lives involve a whole lot of running around, and the right footwear can truly make or break your daily routine. Shoes started off as functional designs meant to protect our feet, and yes we need to pick ones that do exactly that. But, they should also reflect our style statements and represent our personality and our personal fashion sense. After all, don’t they say that you can tell a lot about a man by the state of his shoes? Personally, I love a good pair of sturdy and stylish sneakers, ones that can get me through the day without giving me any shoe bites, and also match my outfits. However, I do know that this isn’t the case with everybody. People have high demands and expectations when it comes to their footwear, hence designers are unleashing all of their creative juices, leaving no stones unturned in making unique, innovative, and ergonomic shoes.
1. The Heinekicks
Iconic Dutch brewing company Heineken paired up with the celebrity sneaker designer Dominic Cambrione or ‘The Shoe Surgeon’ to create the ‘Heinekicks’. These innovative kicks were released alongside the Heineken Silver – a smooth, and easy-to-drink beer brewed for the young generation of drinkers. The limited edition sneakers are filled with beer, or more specifically the soles have been infused with the new Heineken Silver! Heineken’s iconic red, green, and silver colors were retained in the shoes.
2. The M0.0NSHOT
Named the Mo.oNSHOT, these shoes by Allbirds are designed to be the world’s first net carbon shoe. They have a net carbon footprint of net 0.0 kg CO2e, and they feature a minimal all-grey woolly sock-style trainer design with a unique upper made from regenerative wool, as well as a bioplastic midsole. These shoes are one of the most sustainable mass-produced shoes you may have seen till now!
3. The Cloudboom Strike LS
On, a running technology company designed a groundbreaking new sneaker called the Cloudboom Strike LS. The shoe is pretty innovative, and is created to redefine performance, setting a whole new standard for environmental responsibility. It uses a new cutting-edge method which utilizes a robotic arm to spray a single length thermoplastic filament onto the mold, forming a smooth one-piece upper.
4. Synthiesis
Designer Jessica Thies created a pair of conceptual shoes designed to help reduce the shoe industry’s impact on the environment. Called Synthiesis, the shoes are based on Thies’ research into engineered living materials, and it is an element of her thesis at Parsons School of Design. The shoe is experimental, and printed using ink that contains living algae, which can easily absorb carbon dioxide from the surroundings.
5. Disassembly Lab Sneaker
Called the Disassembly Lab footwear, these shoes are cleverly constructed, using easy-to-disassemble parts. The shoes are pretty easy to repair and recycle. The shoe is made up of two different halves – the upper body and the outsole equipped with plugs, which lets you wind a piece of rubber band around. The rubber band connects the two halves together, creating a flexible product even during movement.
6. Samsung Shortcut Sneaker
Named the Samsung Shortcut Sneaker, these sneakers are truly crazy and innovative. They are designed to be a phone remote control, and you can control the phone by simply shuffling your feet, or moving your feet in a not too awkward manner to carry out some simple actions on your smartphone. The shoes are equipped with two sensors in the soles, and they keep track of their positions relative to each other.
7. The Ultimas
Designed by the outdoor equipment brand Cub Cadet, these limited edition shoes are called the Ultimate Lawn Mowing Shoes or the Ultimas. The shoes are black and yellow, and designed to complement the Ultima Series lawn mower which were released earlier by the brand, and are created for those who want to wear a pair of cool and functional kicks while mowing their lawns! It is a niche product, but pretty unique.
8. Growing Shoes
Designed by Moa Lövinder, these innovative shoes are designed to grow with children aged 2-3 years old. They are a sustainable solution to the issue of children constantly outgrowing their shoes, and the shoes then going to waste. The adaptable shoes are simple yet pretty clever, they are based on the principles of circular design economy. The shoes can be adjusted to three varied sizes, allowing them to be used much longer than typical footwear.
9. The Simpson Stan Smith Sneakers
Adidas brought back the Simpsons to its popular Stan Smith sneakers! The sneakers form a symbiotic fusion that transcends fashion trends. The shoes are embellished with Marge’s husband Homer, and one of Homer’s popular scenes has been integrated onto the shoes – where he slowly moves back into the bush. This scene is pretty popular amongst meme enthusiasts from all over the world!
10. Next-Gen Moc & Mule
The Hydro Moc & Mule are excellent shoes if you like hiking and other outdoorsy stuff, and the Next Gen versions of these innovative-looking shoes are pretty design-led, while also being super sturdy. The EVA foam cage can resist water, while keeping your feet protected and safe. The design is future-facing, with aesthetics, quality protection, and comfort all being highly considered and paid attention to.
Fashion brands and movie franchises have had long-term associations that consumers have appreciated and happily embraced. One of them particularly is the Reebok and Alien movie franchise that has been as cherished in the fight against the Xenomorphs as it has been back here on Earth.
The two brands first got into a collaboration for one of the most iconic pairs – featured in the 1986 Aliens movie – in 2016. Now with the new edition of the movie on the brink of hitting cinemas – on August 16 – the two are again combining to release a new sneaker collab in the form of the Reebok Alien Romulus.
The new retro-inspired sneaker – worthy of contemporary sneaker culture – is arguably one of the finest in the three brand collabs – in 2016, 2020, and now in 2024. Reebok Alien Romulus shares the similar aesthetics of the 2016 “Alien Stomper” sneaker pair, and arrives in a worn-out white and red colorway. The tattered appearance is touted to have several Easter eggs concealed throughout the shoe.
This distressed Romulus sneaker features an all-leather upper, and Reebok banding on the lateral and tongue, while it has a Weyland-Yutani logo on the heel. The midsole is EVA foam and the silhouette has a grippy traction sole in red. The sneakerheads will recognize the shoe from the upcoming film Alien: Romulus.
Arriving in a similar style to what you would see in the movie, the Reebok Alien Romulus sneaker is scheduled to release on August 27, 2024, about 10 days after the movie premiers. The official images are out and will likely retail at $170.
Remember Bella Hadid’s viral spray-on dress from last year? Well, we now have shoes that are designed the same way.
The world of fashion and footwear is a rapidly evolving industry in which heavy treads and bulky materials are becoming relics of the past. Leading the charge into this lightweight future is On, a running technology company, with their groundbreaking new sneaker: the Cloudboom Strike LS. This innovative shoe redefines performance and sets a new standard for environmental responsibility.
The Cloudboom Strike LS is the first shoe to feature On’s revolutionary ‘LightSpray’ technology. This cutting-edge method employs a robotic arm to spray a single length of thermoplastic filament onto a mold, creating a seamless, one-piece upper. This process is remarkably efficient, taking just three minutes to complete and bypassing traditional manufacturing techniques such as weaving, sewing, and gluing. The result is a shoe that is exceptionally light and environmentally friendly, boasting a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to On’s other models.
Described by the brand as “lighter than humanly possible,” the upper of the Cloudboom Strike LS weighs a mere 30 grams. This feather-light component is seamlessly bonded to a midsole featuring On’s signature hyper foam and a carbon Speedboard, providing excellent energy return and support. The entire shoe weighs just 170 grams, making it the lightest running shoe On has ever produced.
The performance credentials of the Cloudboom Strike LS have already been proven on the world stage. Earlier this year, Kenyan marathon runner Hellen Obiri won the Boston Marathon in a prototype of these shoes. This victory underscores the shoe’s potential to revolutionize competitive running.
The streamlined manufacturing process of the Cloudboom Strike LS uses far fewer materials, bringing both performance and environmental savings to the forefront. The upper, created by spinning a single 1.5km long filament, forms a mesh-like structure that is breathable, and elastic, and eliminates the need for laces. This design not only offers a seamless, distraction-free fit but also minimizes waste and eliminates the need for glues, significantly reducing the environmental footprint.
Two layers of Helion HF hyperfoam provide high energy return and impact absorption, while a pre-shaped, stiff carbon fiber Speedboard is sandwiched between them for powerful propulsion with every stride. The outsole features maximized traction with increased ground contact in key areas, ensuring optimal performance on race day.
Currently crafted in Zurich, the Cloudboom Strike LS will soon be showcased at a Parisian pop-up during the Olympics. Athletes like Hellen Obiri will demonstrate the shoe’s capabilities, pushing the boundaries of speed and sustainability. With a price tag of US$330, these shoes will also be available for pre-order to the public, offering runners a chance to experience this revolutionary technology firsthand.
Every parent knows the struggle of dealing with outgrown children’s shoes. One minute they fit perfectly, and the next, they’re too small, adding to the pile of barely-used footwear. But what if there was a shoe that could adapt as your child’s feet grew, extending its lifespan and reducing waste? This innovative solution by Moa Lövinder is a groundbreaking prototype designed to grow with children aged 2-3 years, offering a sustainable answer to a common problem.
The concept behind these adaptable shoes is simple yet revolutionary. Using principles of circular design and economy, Lövinder has created a shoe that adjusts to three different sizes, ensuring it remains useful for much longer than traditional footwear. This design not only increases the shoes’ utility but also addresses the rapid consumption and waste typical of children’s products.
In our pursuit of a sustainable future, reducing consumption and emissions is paramount. However, discussions often overlook the significant environmental impact of children’s items. Kids grow quickly, and their needs drive frequent consumption, creating a unique challenge. Lövinder’s project directly tackles this issue by offering a sustainable alternative that reduces the overall production of children’s shoes and promotes recycling.
The journey to this innovative solution began with thorough research. The designer studied the textile and footwear industries, focusing on their environmental impacts. She also conducted surveys and interviews with parents to understand their experiences with their children’s shoes. The feedback was clear, parents were frustrated with the constant need to discard perfectly good shoes simply because they no longer fit.
With this insight, Lövinder set out to create a new shoe design. She developed physical models using manual techniques and advanced 3D printing, ultimately producing a prototype that can grow with its user. The result? A shoe that extends its usability, significantly reducing the need for new shoes and minimizing waste.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Her design includes modular components, making it easy for parents to replace parts or make repairs at home. This feature not only prolongs the shoe’s life but also teaches children the value of maintaining and using what they have; a lesson often missing from second-hand solutions or other circular systems. Additionally, the shoe’s sole is crafted from reused materials, which can be recycled again once it reaches the end of its life.
One of the most significant impacts of this project is its potential to change consumption behavior from a young age. By integrating sustainability into children’s daily lives, the design fosters a mindset of responsible consumption that can extend into adulthood. Her growable shoe prototype represents a major step toward reducing the environmental footprint associated with children’s footwear, offering a practical and impactful solution to a widespread issue.
Moa Lövinder’s innovative shoe design for growing children is more than just a product; it’s a vision for a more sustainable future. By addressing the unique challenges of children’s rapid growth, this project provides a viable alternative that benefits both families and the environment. It’s a small step towards a big change, teaching the next generation the importance of sustainability while offering parents a practical solution to a perennial problem.
Have you been a huge fan of the RX-78-2, but had been missing out on the 45th Anniversary celebrations of the original “Mobile Suit Gundam?” The Japanese mecha anime franchise has collaborated with Crocs to give you another chance to rejoice in love. The duo has idealized a pair of adventure Clogs created in theme with the interesting designs of the old-generation mobile suits.
The collaborative Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is an instant reminder of the Japanese anime. It is tailored for the outdoor adventure and is dressed in the color and gimmicks of the famous RX-78-2 aka Gundam that’s piloted by the protagonist Amuro Ray.
Since adventurers and the outdoorsy are the prime targets for the partnership footwear, it is designed to be durable enough to last whatever you through at it. Walk over uneven trails, leave footprints on sand, or splash your way home through slush on the road, this pair of inspired clogs will not disappoint.
But an outdoor-first mindset is not the only distinguisher of the Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clogs. This is, as informed, a canvas of creative Gundam fusion. The iconic clogs dressed in a combination of red, white, yellow and blue hues is a memorable tribute to the most iconic mobile suit we have known, and you would agree!
To keep up with the adventure theme, these clogs come with some interesting upgrades. The details you’ll see throw give this pair a mechanical vibe with its rugged outsole, protruding yellow TPU addition at the forefoot, molded Croslite foam uppers, and “RX-78-2“branded turbo heel straps for a snug fit. Gundam-themed Jibbitz charms are also included for more glam and style. The distinctly styled Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is slated to ship starting 23 July through the Crocs website. The adult sizing starts at $75, while the kid’s pairs will cost $60.
