Revolutionizing Shoe Industry with Sustainable Technology

Problem

The traditional shoe manufacturing process requires numerous parts, adhesive materials, and a significant workforce. This results in a time-consuming and costly production process that is not sustainable. Additionally, the shoes produced are often uncomfortable and lack durability.

To address these issues, HP, Decathlon, and Santoni Group collaborated to develop an innovative and sustainable approach to shoe manufacturing that would revolutionize the industry.

Solution

The companies developed a sports shoe that embodies the future of footwear manufacturing. Santoni’s XT-MACHINE knitting machines allow the production of shoe uppers with single or double-layer fabrics, resulting in an integrated upper that offers unparalleled comfort, lightness, performance, and quality. HP's Jet Fusion 5200 printer produces both the midsole and outsole of the shoe using BASF Ultrasint TPU01 material known for its exceptional shock absorption and flexibility.

By integrating these advanced materials and technologies, the partners are revolutionizing the sports shoe industry by paving the way for innovative designs that deliver unmatched comfort, durability, and performance. The shoes produced are highly customizable enabling consumers to personalize their footwear to suit their preferences and needs. Additionally, by utilizing a glue-free assembly method, the shoes can be easily repaired when damaged. Finally, local production reduces transportation emissions while supporting local economies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sorbG4Ln9Bk

Impact

• reduction in production costs due to streamlined manufacturing process
•  increase in shoe durability due to advanced materials and glue-free assembly method
• Increased consumer satisfaction due to highly customizable footwear options

"This innovative approach to shoe manufacturing has had an incredible impact on the industry, paving the way for sustainable and customizable footwear options that deliver unmatched comfort, durability, and performance."

My role

• Liaised with Decathlon and HP to ensure seamless collaboration between partners.
• Using unique textile features of the  XT-MACHINE for the shoe upper  production.