The future of sneaker design and production is on display in this captivating DLD25 session with Zellerfeld founder Cornelius Schmitt, DLD founder Steffi Czerny and Gina Lisa Pfabe (Hubert Burda Media).
As an engineering student, Schmitt started to experiment with 3D printers – and found himself thinking, “Hey, maybe you can 3D-print shoes!”
His motivation was the high cost of traditional sneakers and what he felt was a lack of creative designs. “We see always the same shoes, over and over again”, Schmitt says. “The same designs for 30 years.”
Zellerfeld aims to bring change through its custom-made production process, which uses additive manufacturing – but also by allowing anyone to design their own shoes. For themselves and for others.
“All day people are uploading new, cool designs”, Schmitt says. “And not just students that finance their university degree with it. But also really big brands.”
By now, Zellerfeld has collaborated with Nike, Louis Vuitton, and many other brands. The innovative shoemaker has also found fans among celebrities like Bieber, Kanye West, and Lewis Hamilton.
Beyond aesthetics, Schmitt also sees health benefits: “There are now AI-based applications that can give you a walking analysis”, he explains. “And the AI can now understand, okay, you need maybe a little bit more support in the arch area.” This allows Zellerfeld to adapt the design accordingly, by adjusting the softness of the insole, for example. “And all of a sudden this becomes really a health benefit.”
Watch the video for details on this innovative approach, which is certain to shape the future of shoe design and production.
