Pleko, the Spike Shoes 3D Printed Using Carbon Fiber

Pleko is a new pair of shoes, made largely through 3D printing with composite materials. The structural part of the shoe, namely the insole, midsole, spikes and ribs, was designed with carbon fiber using selective laser sintering (SLS). The resulting shoe is more flexible, resistant to deformation and can easily be customized.

Pleko shoes are the work of Miro Buroni, an Italian middle-distance runner who combined two of his passions, design and athletics. Supported by Diadora, who helped with the historical analysis and design, and CRP Technology for the manufacturing, he created a more comfortable and sustainable shoe that is appropriate for athletes. It all starts with a 3D scan of the athlete’s foot. Using the scanned data, the software can simulate the action of running and then create a biomechnical analysis of the movement of the foot. This simulation provides a series of mathematical data, resulting in a 100% customized shoe.

The manufacturing process begins with a 3D scan of the foot (photo credits: CRP Technology/Miro Buroni)

Miro Buroni adds, “With this mapping, we are able to model the shoe on the individual’s needs in terms of foot structure and athletic performance. Moreover, scanning and biomechanical analysis allow us to understand the best placement of the “traction system” under the outsole, the ‘pins’.”