ELASTIUM-1, the World’s First Fully 3D Printed Foam Shoe

Footwear made with additive manufacturing is a relatively recent revelation. Though the concept of 3D printing first entered the scene in the late 1970’s, it was only incorporated into the footwear industry three decades later in 2014, with adidas’s Futurecraft 3D printed midsoles. Since then, 3D printing has taken over the footwear industry, with Reebok, Nike, Puma, New Balance and many other industry giants embracing the technology. ELASTIUM, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) based startup, is the most recent addition to the growing market of 3D printed shoes, and is set to surprise the footwear industry with its new foam sneakers. The company, founded by engineer and tech entrepreneur Robert Karklinsh, aims to disrupt the $500 billion industry by offering fully 3D printed footwear made from 100% recyclable foam materials.

Unlike other 3D printed footwear startups that rely on basic materials and technologies, ELASTIUM combines lattice structures with advanced foams to create sustainable, personalized, and incredibly comfortable sneakers. The lattice-structured low-density thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foams used in ELASTIUM sneakers are fabricated through a proprietary granulate extrusion 3D printing technology. This innovative approach ensures that the sneakers are not only soft and comfortable but also provide cushioning and resilience comparable to high-performance sneakers from renowned brands like Nike and Adidas.

Made from a proprietary fused granulate fabrication (FGF) process, the shoes will be available in 13 different colors at $250 per pair

ELASTIUM employed a proprietary fused granulate fabrication (FGF) foam 3D printing technology, which significantly reduces material costs by using industry-standard raw materials in the form of granules. This cost-effectiveness sets ELASTIUM apart from other foam 3D printing processes and allows for versatile printing in a wide range of densities.