Syntilay, a footwear brand, showcased its innovative PulsePodz shoes at CES 2026, which it claims are uniquely designed thanks to advancements in 3D printing and artificial intelligence. These recovery slides feature a design with nine individual pods on the sole, each crafted with a distinct lattice structure. This innovative design creates a cushioning effect directed at relieving pressure in the most stressed areas of the foot.
During a demonstration, Ben Weiss, co-founder of Syntilay, expressed that the goal was to create a shoe that offers varying levels of pressure to enhance user comfort during walking. The PulsPodz aim to provide a tactile experience, allowing users to feel different levels of pressure across the shoe’s surface.
Weiss emphasized that the shoes capitalize on 3D printing capabilities to achieve a level of airflow and cushioning previously unattainable with traditional manufacturing processes. He stated, “These structures can’t really be made with traditional production, so it’s taking advantage of printing using a new technology…”
The shoes have a visually distinct appearance with intricate internal structures that are only possible through 3D printing, a fact that sets them apart from conventional footwear models. The brand is optimistic about expanding this technology beyond recovery slides into sneakers designed for performance, which would encourage broader consumer acceptance of 3D-printed shoes.
Syntilay plans to address potential consumer hesitations regarding the perception of 3D-printed footwear by encouraging physical trials, allowing customers to experience the flexibility and performance of the PulsPodz firsthand. Weiss envisions a future where shoes incorporate advanced technology, such as temperature sensors and dynamic structural adjustments based on foot movement.
The PulsePodz currently have a pre-order price of $149 on Syntilay.com, available in multiple colors, which will ship 90-120 days after the close of pre-orders.