It’s been a while since we’ve seen any 3D printed shoes that elicited that instantaneous ‘must have’ reflex. While numerous brands have been launched offering progressive, customized 3D printed shoes, they are often either just sort of out there and by all accounts look a tad (okay, a lot) unwieldy for wearing to the office, or they look pretty awesome but are still in concept form by a big manufacturer. What about something hip that you can wear anywhere, offering not just a conversation piece, but comfort too?
ATOSSA is a new generation of 3D printed shoes, and founder and product designer Behrad Ghodsi promises they are designed ‘only for you and your feet.’ There is a keen focus on unique style and user identity, balanced with comfort and quality.
“Unlike the traditional market, Atossa embraces each person’s unique form and shapes itself accordingly,” Ghodsi told 3DPrint.com.
Ghodsi has just launched a Kickstarter campaign, in hopes to raise $103,068 by January 17th. The line of shoes are actually the inspirational byproduct of another project that entailed lofty goals of redesigning social and industrial systems that actually deliver products, cutting out waste while bringing individuals together in the design process.
“Sometimes shoes don’t fit well, sometimes they hurt our feet, or even if they are ergonomically comfortable, they won’t necessarily look good, especially when it comes to high heels,” says Ghodsi on his Kickstarter page. “There was something missing in the shoe design industry, which was the lack of attention to the user’s unique form.”
The shoe designer and his team decided to answer that need by designing the ATOSSA shoe. Paying special consideration to the needs of those who will really be wearing these shoes, they tested prototypes out on users who gave their feedback. In their final design they put complete focus on:
- Ergonomics – creating a design that supports that arch, ball, and heel.
- Structure – allowing for the least amount of waste while still offering an organic, attractive style–with flexibility being the most unique feature.
- Style – straps that can be rearranged to user’s preference
- Material – 3D printed in PLA, the shoes are actually recyclable
Even more amazing, these shoes can be created with the simplicity of the ATOSSA app that allows the user to take a picture of their feet from three angles and then go right to the business of ordering their custom-made shoes. The designs are extremely affordable as far as shoes go, and especially for those who pledge support early in the game during this Kickstarter campaign.
Only a lucky 50 supporters can get in on the $99 early bird price for a pair of ATOSSA shoes, with delivery estimated for August of 2016. The Christmas edition is available for $149, and the ‘Regular’ style for $299. Prices ascend from there with different choices of style, whether you are interested in ‘Premium,’ ‘Special Edition,’ or other packages.
As the design team points out, with the customization and different variations you can choose with straps, you’ll have your own very unique and comfortable, lovely pair of high heels that demonstrate a classic example of form and function. What are your thoughts on these shoes? Let us know in the ATOSSA forum thread on 3DPB.com.
