This self-fastening footwear uses air to create a secure fit

“My inspirations were the growth patterns and forms of oyster mushrooms that are translated into the morphing of the shoe,” explains Industrial designer Harjeeth Senthil, who developed the concept project to address fastening convenience for biomechanically challenged people.

It features a pair of 3D-printed silicone shoes with a futuristic aesthetic.

Once the user places their foot into the Adaptive Shoe, an insole pushes down on the base to transfer air to inflatable gills surrounding the upper part of the shoe. In doing so, the silicone morphs to fit more securely around the user’s good.

The insole also features a lip, which extends over the heel collar to provide an easier way of removing the shoes without bending over or using your hands.

To help him visualise the potential of his idea, Senthil experimented with silicone to discover how it reacts when inflated.

He also investigated the potential of using technology similar to bistable spring bands for the shoe’s insole. In theory, the pressure on the insole would cause the shoe to snap around the user’s foot. 

Adaptive shoe: Customised footwear with custom technology

Whilst this project is still a concept, it proposes an exciting solution when it comes to footwear for people with limited mobility.

It follows in the footsteps of products designed by larger brands like Nike, which has released several iterations of its self-lacing Hyperadapt sneakers.

Senthil takes this idea one step further, encouraging potential consumers to use a mobile application that 3D scans their feet.

After adding information like Height and Weight to calculate the BMI, Algorithmic Aided Design (AAD) software would have the capability of producing the correct footwear.

It’s a futuristic consumer experience to match an already future-forward design.