According to Nicoline van Enter, founder of Footwearology and Organizer of the Symposium, the name Footwearise stands for exponential development that is currently experiencing this form of shoe production, and the increasing interest that arouses the topic among industry insiders and experts. “Our speakers even came from the USA to report on the state of research and the manufacturing options, and we have twice as many exhibitors and visitors as in the previous year,” said van Enter.
In fact, the symposium in the trendy premises of a former textile factory seemed like a large family meeting. Almost 500 experts on the additive shoe production such as designers, software developers, 3D printer manufacturers and material developers had traveled to exchange ideas and the future of additive shoe production and to establish new contacts. Many knew each other from the event in the previous year and immediately deepened into lively subject. As expected, most of them wore shoes from the 3D printer on their feet. The increasing presence of traditional shoe and sports brands among the audience such as Nike, Camper, Dr. Martens, Puma, Alohas, Reef and Ecco, to name just a few, expressed the growing interest in the established of the industry.
Here, a colorful foliage of young visionaries and tech-savvy people had come together, which are not least concerned about topics such as sustainability and climate change. They are driven by the idea of ​​no longer promoting the planet that 20% of all traditionally produced shoes are never worn and land directly on dumps and in combustion plants. You can also see recycling of conventional shoes as a big challenge due to the numerous components from plastic and rubber soles to nylon laces, metal eyelets, buckles, zippers and adhesives. Each brand uses these materials in different parts and sizes. Due to the various shoe styles, the complexity is also multiplied.