Daniyar Uderbekov, a designer from Kazakhstan, has created a modular sports shoe named UDRB, aimed at addressing environmental issues in the footwear industry. This shoe features a three-part structure that can be assembled without glue or tools.
Image Source: Daniyar Uderbekov
The UDRB sports shoe consists of a leather boot, a 3D printed TPU sole, and climbing rope laces. The design of the leather boot is inspired by the traditional Central Asian footwear, Makshi, and can be worn as indoor shoes on its own. The sole is made from a single-piece thermoplastic polyurethane 3D print, customizable to individual footprints.
During assembly, the leather boot is simply placed on the TPU sole and secured with climbing rope laces, a design that cleverly echoes the mountainous landscape of Almaty. The glue-free structural design allows all components to be easily disassembled, facilitating replacement, maintenance, or recycling.
Image Source: Daniyar Uderbekov
The modular design aims to extend the product’s lifespan and supports the principles of a circular economy in footwear manufacturing. Since each component can be replaced individually, users can maintain their sports shoes for a longer time compared to traditional glued shoes. The TPU sole material can be recycled after its lifespan ends.
Uderbekov’s approach combines 3D printing technology with traditional design elements, creating a more sustainable footwear option. This design emphasizes reduced material usage and reparability as an alternative to traditional shoemaking methods.
