UMEI Ultra Comfortable Shoes Possible Thanks to 3D Printing

A recent Kickstarter campaign launched by UMEI aims to revolutionize footwear comfort through 3D printing. Born from the personal experience of a young athlete, Luna, and the vision of her parents, UMEI promises customizable shoes suited to an active lifestyle. The project has already garnered considerable support, with $31,318 pledged against a target of $10,000 and 17 campaign days remaining.

The story of UMEI began because Luna often suffered from pain associated with her physical activities. To address this problem, she and her mother set out to create a shoe that would combine comfort and recovery. Thanks to the expertise of Luna’s father, a 3D printing specialist, they developed an innovative design using this technology. What began as a family project turned into a full-fledged company, UMEI, made up of professionals passionate about creating high-quality footwear.

UMEI’s Glides look like a pair of clogs

The Currently Available Models

UMEI has two main models: Moonwalker Slides and Moonwalker Glides. These shoes are designed to offer optimum comfort, reduce stress on the body and adapt to a variety of contexts, whether it’s an active day, a relaxing evening or a long working day.

UMEI’s Slides model is inspired by the design of sandals

With a final sale price announced at $99 after the campaign and $59 for the “early bird” price for the Moonwalker Slides and $119 after the campaign and $79 for the “early bird” price  for the Moonwalker Glides, UMEI could appeal to many enthusiasts in the world of sport and wellness.

Shoes made by UMEI are designed with 3D-printed mesh to ensure breathability and optimum comfort. These geometries absorb shock while providing adaptable support without pressure points thanks to two levels of absorption:

• Soft cushion: Offering soft, adaptable support, this option feels like walking on clouds and is ideal for recovery.
• Support cushion: Firmer, this option encourages alignment and provides proactive relief, ideal for those who need more support and energy in their gait.

What Can We Expect From UMEI?

UMEI aspires to redefine footwear comfort through 3D printing, offering customizable options to meet the varied needs of users. UMEI aims to offer a range of eight colors: Sakura Pink, Onyx Black, Mandarin Orange, Stone Grey, Lemon Yellow, Quartz White, Bud Green, and Sapphire Blue. The brand plans to add other shades in the future, responding to the varied tastes of consumers.

The durability of UMEI shoes is rigorously tested to ensure the expected manufacturing quality.

To guarantee durability and comfort, each pair of UMEI shoes undergoes rigorous compression and durability tests, including a 20,000-cycle endurance test. The brand also plans to thoroughly inspect each batch of shoes by hand to ensure optimal quality control.

Although the project is still in the crowdfunding phase, the support already received underlines the interest in this innovation. The Moonwalker Slides and Glides represent a promising step forward, but it remains to be seen whether the promises can be kept once production gets underway. To find out more about UMEI’s projects and the development of their shoes, you can follow their Kickstarter campaign HERE.

What do you think of these new 3D printed shoes from UMEI? Would you consider wearing them every day? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here for the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.