Syntilay, a pioneering 3D-printed shoe company, aims to revolutionize the footwear industry by not only changing production methods but also how shoes are ideated, designed, and experienced by consumers. Utilizing advanced foot scanning technology, Syntilay creates shoes tailored to each individual’s unique foot shape and dimensions, at prices comparable to off-the-shelf options.
In a conversation featured in the Trending Forward series, Syntilay’s CEO Ben Weiss, alongside Joe Foster, co-founder of Reebok, discussed their vision for the company. They aim to navigate the same market disruptions that Foster witnessed throughout his career. He capitalized on the running boom of the 1970s with Reebok, and sees a similar opportunity with 3D printing today.
Syntilay is not only focused on delivering customized shoes; they also aspire to integrate technology into footwear to track health metrics and enhance user experience. Their approach leverages AI and other technological innovations, allowing for unique designs that cater to the individual’s preferences while maintaining authenticity within the branding framework of influencers and creators.
A significant goal for Syntilay is to overcome production limitations. Currently, their manufacturing capacity is significantly lower than larger brands like Nike, but once successful designs emerge, they plan to scale production en masse.
The discussion highlighted themes of disruption and technology-driven personalization, suggesting that the future of footwear will align with emerging tech trends, offering not just customized products, but also intelligent features drawn from users’ interactions and health data.
For further insights into Syntilay’s innovative approach to footwear, check out my colleague Peter’s experience with their 3D-printed shoes.