Vivobarefoot 3D Prints Customized, Sustainable Shoes at the Click of a Button

Did you know that 25 billion pairs of shoes are produced every year, with around a quarter of which only last a year and then end up in landfill? Indeed, it is certainly no secret that the fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to environmental pollution. More and more companies are therefore actively looking for new ways to redefine fashion and reconcile it with sustainability and longevity. That’s why today we’re talking about a company that is tackling the problems of the system and producing circular footwear. We’re talking about Vivobarefoot, which officially announced its partnership to make 3D printed shoes with Balena on its blog a few days ago.

Vivobarefoot is a British shoe label that was founded in 2012 and focuses on the production of barefoot shoes. “Only nature is truly sustainable” is the company’s credo, Vivobarefoot therefore not only relies on sustainable materials, but also pursues a global approach to sustainability. Environmentally friendly resources are not enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle; people generally need to become more active and return to their natural way of moving. Walking barefoot and shoes made from compostable materials are two pillars of how Vivobarefoot hopes to bring all of us back to our roots when it comes to our footwear.

10,000 years ago, people either walked barefoot or made footwear from materials provided by nature. Vivobarefoot is inspired by this concept.

Vivobarefoot and Balena Works Towards ‘Degrowth” Movement in the Footwear Industry

In order to “bring people closer to nature again”, Vivobarefoot wants to develop more regenerative shoes and products to close the natural cycle. To this end, the company is cooperating with Balena. The materials research company has focused on the production of compostable, recyclable, thermoplastic materials on a biological basis. Its BioCir®flex material combines these properties in a durable, flexible and high-performance elastomer. Products made from this material are thus biodegradable and decompose after disposal.