ABOUT

Concept
A self-directed exploration using 3D printing purely as a rapid prototyping tool — not as the final production method. The final sole is intended for conventional footwear manufacturing (EVA midsole, rubber outsole, Air Capsule unit), but 3D printing let me validate the sculptural form, underfoot support geometry, and hexagonal tread pattern physically before committing to tooling.

Process
I modeled the sole with a fully sculpted underfoot geometry — raised dome elements for targeted support zones, transitioning into a continuous hexagonal lug pattern for traction. To test form and fit before mold development, I prepared the model for resin 3D printing, working through internal lattice/gyroid supports to keep the print stable while managing material and print time (~17 hours, ~400g resin). The physical print came out clean on the first pass, with tread definition, dome geometry, and surface texture all holding up as modeled.

Result
A 3D-printed prototype — not the final product, but a fast, low-cost way to physically evaluate a sole concept before it goes into EVA/rubber tooling and an Air Capsule unit for actual production. This workflow shortens the design validation loop, catching geometry or proportion issues early, well before expensive mold development. Final renders show the concept polished in a grey/orange colorway for presentation.