【3D Printing】 Would you wear 3D printed shoes outside?
Would you wear 3D printed shoes outside?
The number of people who would answer "yes" might still be small.
But if 3D printed shoes could offer the same comfort as traditional footwear, or if printing them were as simple as printing a Benchy boat—some might start to reconsider.
Last December, Bambu Lab collaborated with FORMISM, a creative studio under SCRY, on an experiment.
They released a total of nine shoe models—three of which are completely open-source and free.
The remaining three were launched as a crowdfunding project on the MakerWorld platform.
After nearly two months of user testing, crowdfunding support, and over a thousand downloads and prints, the question remains: Did FORMISM help people take 3D printed shoes more seriously?
Why are 3D printed shoes still rarely seen on the streets?
The number of people who would answer "yes" might still be small.
But if 3D printed shoes could offer the same comfort as traditional footwear, or if printing them were as simple as printing a Benchy boat—some might start to reconsider.
Last December, Bambu Lab collaborated with FORMISM, a creative studio under SCRY, on an experiment.
They released a total of nine shoe models—three of which are completely open-source and free.
The remaining three were launched as a crowdfunding project on the MakerWorld platform.
After nearly two months of user testing, crowdfunding support, and over a thousand downloads and prints, the question remains: Did FORMISM help people take 3D printed shoes more seriously?
Why are 3D printed shoes still rarely seen on the streets?
Walking on the street, you still rarely see people wearing 3D printed shoes.
Is it because the designs are too unconventional? Is it because they are uncomfortable to wear? Or is it because they wear out too easily?
These are the questions most people ask—and the core challenges that Wei Zixiong, the founder of FORMISM, set out to address from the beginning.
For the past two or three years, he has almost exclusively worn 3D printed shoes, personally testing their comfort in daily life.
FORMISM's core goal is not to create more futuristic shapes with FFF 3D printing technology, but to provide digital assets that achieve a level of "truly everyday wear."
In his view, practical usability depends on two main factors: materials and parameters.
Is it because the designs are too unconventional? Is it because they are uncomfortable to wear? Or is it because they wear out too easily?
These are the questions most people ask—and the core challenges that Wei Zixiong, the founder of FORMISM, set out to address from the beginning.
For the past two or three years, he has almost exclusively worn 3D printed shoes, personally testing their comfort in daily life.
FORMISM's core goal is not to create more futuristic shapes with FFF 3D printing technology, but to provide digital assets that achieve a level of "truly everyday wear."
In his view, practical usability depends on two main factors: materials and parameters.
In terms of materials, the rapid development of flexible and elastic filaments provides a strong performance foundation for printing shoes.
In terms of parameters, Professor Wei slices in a similar way to traditional shoemakers, carefully adjusting the settings for each part of the shoe.
Considering the characteristics of flexible filaments, they redesigned the shoe last during the modeling phase.
By controlling the infill and wall thickness in different areas of the shoe, they addressed strength issues such as layer adhesion, while also providing the cushioning and comfort needed for daily walking—applying desktop manufacturing processes to everyday wear.
Should 3D printed shoes be futuristic or everyday?
Wei Zixiong's answer is simple: both.
FORMISM has now released ten footwear models, covering various occasions (one of which was unlocked through crowdfunding).
The collection includes slippers, sneakers, high heels, and boots.
Some styles are minimalist, suitable for casual everyday wear.
Others are designed to be more expressive, aiming to complement bold fashion statements and attract attention.
In terms of parameters, Professor Wei slices in a similar way to traditional shoemakers, carefully adjusting the settings for each part of the shoe.
Considering the characteristics of flexible filaments, they redesigned the shoe last during the modeling phase.
By controlling the infill and wall thickness in different areas of the shoe, they addressed strength issues such as layer adhesion, while also providing the cushioning and comfort needed for daily walking—applying desktop manufacturing processes to everyday wear.
Should 3D printed shoes be futuristic or everyday?
Wei Zixiong's answer is simple: both.
FORMISM has now released ten footwear models, covering various occasions (one of which was unlocked through crowdfunding).
The collection includes slippers, sneakers, high heels, and boots.
Some styles are minimalist, suitable for casual everyday wear.
Others are designed to be more expressive, aiming to complement bold fashion statements and attract attention.
The freely released ARC series focuses on clean lines and practicality.
Wei's intention is clear: to break the stereotype that "3D printed shoes are just concept designs."
Wei's intention is clear: to break the stereotype that "3D printed shoes are just concept designs."
Meanwhile, the PERSONA and ROAM series, released through crowdfunding, adopt a more experimental design language, pushing the boundaries of FDM printed footwear aesthetics.
PERSONA was inspired by a perfume I own called "Persona."
"It made me think about how everyone experiences things differently. So, I designed three shoes with distinct styles and uses, each representing different emotions and states people experience in life."
PERSONA was inspired by a perfume I own called "Persona."
"It made me think about how everyone experiences things differently. So, I designed three shoes with distinct styles and uses, each representing different emotions and states people experience in life."
Every download and print contributes to its evolution
Before the product launch, their team and FORMISM conducted internal wear tests.
Feedback from colleagues and the designer himself helped us improve the product.
But larger-scale validation began after the launch.
As more users started printing and wearing these shoes, new feedback and issues emerged.
In response to this feedback and these issues, the models have been continuously updated and improved.
Before the product launch, their team and FORMISM conducted internal wear tests.
Feedback from colleagues and the designer himself helped us improve the product.
But larger-scale validation began after the launch.
As more users started printing and wearing these shoes, new feedback and issues emerged.
In response to this feedback and these issues, the models have been continuously updated and improved.
To date, FORMISM's shoe designs have been downloaded and printed over 5,000 times on platforms in China and globally.
Compared to the most popular shoes in other categories, this number might not be astonishing. But for Wei Zixiong, the true value lies not in the number of downloads, but in witnessing the gradual formation of an open-source ecosystem for 3D printed shoes.
In the comments section, some users pointed out design details and suggested improvements.
Other users shared their customized versions—for example, printing shoes with translucent TPU material, creating a completely different visual effect.
Compared to the most popular shoes in other categories, this number might not be astonishing. But for Wei Zixiong, the true value lies not in the number of downloads, but in witnessing the gradual formation of an open-source ecosystem for 3D printed shoes.
In the comments section, some users pointed out design details and suggested improvements.
Other users shared their customized versions—for example, printing shoes with translucent TPU material, creating a completely different visual effect.
Some users modify the upper texture or adjust the density of the sole infill to better suit their aesthetic preferences and walking sensation.
Others go a step further, designing and uploading entirely new sole models based on the original design.
This feels truly amazing.
Everyone exchanges ideas and works together to solve problems with the models.
FORMISM feels like it has evolved from a small studio into a larger collective, with everyone working together to push it forward.
Of course, printing a pair of shoes is not entirely without obstacles.
Material costs are currently relatively manageable, but the real challenge lies in the learning curve.
Flexible filaments often require drying, printing with separate support structures, and manual feeding.
Others go a step further, designing and uploading entirely new sole models based on the original design.
This feels truly amazing.
Everyone exchanges ideas and works together to solve problems with the models.
FORMISM feels like it has evolved from a small studio into a larger collective, with everyone working together to push it forward.
Of course, printing a pair of shoes is not entirely without obstacles.
Material costs are currently relatively manageable, but the real challenge lies in the learning curve.
Flexible filaments often require drying, printing with separate support structures, and manual feeding.
After a few days of printing, the first pair of shoes might not be perfect.
But through repeated attempts, the models are continuously improved, the technology matures, and each print brings 3D printed shoes one step closer to daily life.
From closed-source to open-source: A "non-commercial" gamble
Before entering the FFF design field, Wei Zixiong and his avant-garde fashion brand SCRY were already global benchmarks in 3D printed footwear.
Most of SCRY's products are printed using photopolymer technology.
Their bold and expressive designs, often priced between $300 and $500, frequently appear at fashion weeks and are popular among fashionistas worldwide.
But through repeated attempts, the models are continuously improved, the technology matures, and each print brings 3D printed shoes one step closer to daily life.
From closed-source to open-source: A "non-commercial" gamble
Before entering the FFF design field, Wei Zixiong and his avant-garde fashion brand SCRY were already global benchmarks in 3D printed footwear.
Most of SCRY's products are printed using photopolymer technology.
Their bold and expressive designs, often priced between $300 and $500, frequently appear at fashion weeks and are popular among fashionistas worldwide.
However, Wei chose a completely different path with FORMISM.
Instead of closed production, he shifted to FFF printing to lower the entry barrier and released designs in an open-source format.
To many observers, this decision seemed to defy traditional business logic.
But for Wei, it represented a step towards the future he had long envisioned.
Today, data itself can be a product.
"FORMISM's operating model is completely different from SCRY's. I want to build it into a 'digital fashion publisher,' releasing various model files around fashion, street culture, and lifestyle. Users can simply choose what they like and produce our products at home."
Instead of closed production, he shifted to FFF printing to lower the entry barrier and released designs in an open-source format.
To many observers, this decision seemed to defy traditional business logic.
But for Wei, it represented a step towards the future he had long envisioned.
Today, data itself can be a product.
"FORMISM's operating model is completely different from SCRY's. I want to build it into a 'digital fashion publisher,' releasing various model files around fashion, street culture, and lifestyle. Users can simply choose what they like and produce our products at home."
Balancing these two paths is not easy.
SCRY must maintain its exclusive high-end brand image, while FORMISM is dedicated to building an open ecosystem.
This contrast can easily confuse consumers and even affect their perception of SCRY's brand value.
"I understand the contradiction. But building an open design ecosystem has always been one of my visions, so I'm willing to take this risk."
Conclusion
3D printed shoes may not aim to replace the sneakers and leather shoes already in your closet.
Instead, they represent another future: a future where manufacturing becomes a natural part of everyday life.
Design, download, print, wear—each step empowers individuals with choice and creative freedom.
As a manufacturing technology, there is still much to explore in optimizing the wearing experience.
We hope everyone can keep an open mind, as this is a rapidly developing field.
When that moment arrives, you might not feel the need to emphasize that your shoes are 3D printed.
You'll just put them on—and walk out the door.
SCRY must maintain its exclusive high-end brand image, while FORMISM is dedicated to building an open ecosystem.
This contrast can easily confuse consumers and even affect their perception of SCRY's brand value.
"I understand the contradiction. But building an open design ecosystem has always been one of my visions, so I'm willing to take this risk."
Conclusion
3D printed shoes may not aim to replace the sneakers and leather shoes already in your closet.
Instead, they represent another future: a future where manufacturing becomes a natural part of everyday life.
Design, download, print, wear—each step empowers individuals with choice and creative freedom.
As a manufacturing technology, there is still much to explore in optimizing the wearing experience.
We hope everyone can keep an open mind, as this is a rapidly developing field.
When that moment arrives, you might not feel the need to emphasize that your shoes are 3D printed.
You'll just put them on—and walk out the door.
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