Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks

Footwear design pushes the boundaries of what's possible in both the real and virtual world through cutting-edge technologies, groundbreaking materials, and new and innovative ways of reimagining what a shoe can be.

New manufacturing methods and innovations in materials inspire shoe designers to challenge how shoes can look and feel. This book explores today's most futuristic footwear designs, from the use of new technologies like 3D printing and smart tech to the invention of sustainable materials, including "leather" made from mushrooms and soles made from reclaimed ocean plastic. It also examines the design of shoes in the virtual world, where compliance with factors like comfort and gravity no longer plays a role. The importance of sneakers in games like Grand Theft Auto and Fortnite is explored, as well as the new enthusiasm for collectible non-fungible token (NFT) sneakers, which can be purchased for tens of thousands of dollars for a single pair.

In-depth interviews with contemporary designers, including Iris van Herpen, the RTFKT team, Steven Smith, Eric Avar, Alexander Taylor, and more, all conducted by the author, delve deeply into the creative process, influences, and future of shoe design. The introduction offers an overview of great footwear innovations from the past that have kept us one step ahead.

About the author
Elizabeth Semmelhack is an acclaimed shoe historian and director and senior curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.

Specifications

Format: hardback
Trim size: 271 x 233 mm (10.7 x 9.2 inches)
Pages: 224 pp
ISBN: 9780847871223