STOMP
2025
A reimagining of the barefoot shoe trend.
Experimental and modular, STOMP prototypes how to move you seamlessly from urban offices to mossy trails.
Context: School Project
Duration: 3 Months
Co-Designers: Alex Turnbull, Jaithra Mallipeddi
The Story
We set out to design a barefoot shoe after observing its rise as an activewear trend in Vancouver. However, in the process of researching this trend research revealed a gap: while marketed as ergonomic and more “natural” for your body, barefoot shoes only perform well on natural terrain. On concrete, they can actually be quite harmful! We wondered how we might design for the modern Vancouverite, someone who commutes across sidewalks most of the day, but may take a hike after work
We imagined a futuristic, athleisure silhouette with a two-part 3D printed sole: a true barefoot inner layer with a removable, city-friendly outer sole. Beyond just function, a two-part sole allows for modular recyclability, should each component be made from a different composite. Using 3D printing allowed for rapid prototyping and built in a level of customizability for future customers that is not possible with foam-based shoe-sole manufacturing.
Research
We did extensive research on the ergonomics of walking and compiled an aesthetic lookbook
I sketched many iterations of the sole attachment methods using tension, friction, clasps, laces, and straps.
To understand how foam soles are built and why they offer such good support, we deconstructed a walking shoe.
Iteration
We went with a concept that combined a tread friction lock with a lace tension attachment, as it seemed the simplest setup for a user, while still maintaining a strong join point between the 2 soles.
We iterated on the tread pattern to see which shapes would create the best friction lock between soles.
Based on the foam shoe, we tested different 3D printing infills to create more cushioned points in the sole at the toe and heel.
We did all prints with TPU plastic as its durability and flexibility made it ideal for a sole.
Prototype
For the final iterations, we worked from a 3D scan of a woman’s foot. The geometric complexity of the scan caused complications in Rhino for Jaithra, who was our modeller.
Alex and I were not as versed in modelling, so we had to adapt our visual communication styles to fit into the technical workflow, ensuring the final result matched what we all envisioned.
We also had challenges post-processing the print, as the bottom tread had to be very crisp for the lock, but TPU can not be sanded. We ended up printing it with a slightly bigger tolerance gap to accommodate this.
Resolution + Make
Future Considerations
This collaboration taught me how to adapt the design to the realities of 3D print manufacturing without losing the playful simplicity that inspired my product design process. I expanded my technical vocabulary, and strengthened my cross-disciplinary communication, and rapid-prototyping skills. The outcome was the best of both worlds: ergonomic and boldly rooted in the way real people move through Vancouver.