Technically constructed shoes have been invented that creatively unite fashion and technology. Designed by Silvia Fado, this wearable tech provides an alternative to uncomfortable high heels that leave your feet in agony after each wear. Fado has a strong background in architecture and clothing design, and she recently received her Master’s in Fashion Footwear from the London College of Fashion. Each of her designs explores the kinetic relationship between bodily movement and clothing fabrication, making comfortable and sustainable garb.
While conceptualizing the shoes’ design, Fado emphasized the concept of absorption function and collaborated with industrial designers to enable the technology to perform successfully. With each step the wearer takes, the shoes absorb the impact through the advanced technology that was employed. Fado also worked with various photographers to break down the continuous movement into a diagram that she carefully analyzed.
Fado used mechanical techniques to include pneumatic hydraulic pistons, springs, and rubber balls at the end of the shoes for maximum comfort. The metal rings inside of the shoes create a system of body weight absorption to eliminate uncomfortable foot sensations.
To construct the shoes, she used traditional shoemaking techniques like leather sewing, machinery making, metal work, and wood shaping. When making the prototypes, she used a 3D-milling machine and laser cutting tech to perfect the shoes. All external shoe parts, besides the wood, were 3D-printed.
Story via Silvia Fado
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