One of Four

The future of sustainability will be in simplifying objects and processes to reduce material waste. As such, my intention is to make trainers using the minimal amount of components, processes and materials, which would reduce material waste and increase recycling capabilities of a product. I propose to do this by changing the way trainers are manufac- tured by utilising current textile technologies. Phases of Matter is composed of four components, each one cannot function without the other. The midsole has determined the entire de- sign: aesthetic, function and assembly. It is a 3-dimensional woven hon- eycomb form that is shaped, on a handloom through woven structure. Honeycomb structures are bene cial since they are high energy and shock absorbers yet light, necessary attributes for a trainer. Typically this structure is used in packaging, aviation and body amour, applica- tions that require high compressive strength. Since honeycomb is aux- etic, the form mimics the movement of the foot whilst in motion. When the foot is in mid air the sole elongates and when in contact with the ground the structure widens. Rather than sewing or gluing the components together, the entire shoe is assembled through an interlocking system. The outsole relies on the midsole by slotting into the honeycomb’s negative spaces only in areas that require rigidity. Meanwhile the insole slides into the upper; the out- sole has male parts and the insole has female parts so the entire shoe slots together like a puzzle. This allows easy assembly, disassembly and customer customisation: different components could be combined with different colours.... The upper is woven as one piece, leaving behind a complete upper, not requiring tongues or laces to be added. It is shaped through weave structure and material choice, which either adds or deducts volume in necessary places. Conventionally, an upper requires multiple pattern pieces and is sewn together, which is not necessary with the woven method I use. This project requires equipment and materials already used in industry. I propose a new approach to designing for, and manufacturing with, these existing technologies, speci cally jacquard, dobby looms, syn- thetic yarns and 3d printing. This is signi cant because it introduces a shoe to the market that has technical bene ts for the runner along with the footwear and textile industry. In addition, this methodology is a no waste process. One of Four approaches product and production holistically.