Cloud sole
Growing the Future of Footwear
What if shoes never had to be completely replaced? The modular Cloud Sole concept utilizes renewable mycelium fillings and durable 3D structures for sustainable adaptability. Cloud Sole responds to the different life cycles of materials. Its foundation is a 3D-printed skeleton, providing stability while allowing for flexible adjustments. The filling consists of mycelium, a renewable material that replaces worn-out areas without the need to discard the entire shoe. The upper securely holds the mycelium sole in place. The soft, organic sole evokes the appearance of clouds, contrasting with the minimalist design of the upper. Cloud Sole merges modularity, renewable materials, and design into a concept for the sustainable footwear of the future.
student: | Nena Ellermann |
project: | prototyping footprints |
year: | 2024/25 |
Cloud Sole is a modular footwear concept designed to respond to the different life cycles of materials. It combines durable and temporary components into a circular system: a 3D-printed skeleton, a mycelium filling, and a textile upper. Cloud Sole merges modularity, renewable materials, and design into a concept that reimagines what sustainable footwear could look like in the future. The skeleton forms the stable foundation of the shoe. It is produced using 3D printing, with high-friction areas reinforced for extra durability, while more flexible sections are kept thin. This structure is designed to be long-lasting and modular, allowing it to be used for years without needing to replace the entire shoe. The mycelium filling is the key to the system’s regenerative design. Mycelium, a natural and renewable material, grows around the skeleton, replacing worn-out areas of the shoe. This enables continuous regeneration while reducing waste. The upper is a flexible textile layer that gives the shoe its shape and function.
It is available in various colors and patterns, allowing users to customize their shoes according to their preferences and needs. The minimalist design of the upper intentionally contrasts with the organic, flowing form of the mycelium sole. The soft, organic shape of the mycelium sole is inspired by the ever-changing forms of clouds—fluid, weightless, and in constant transformation. This design not only enhances the visual lightness of the shoe but also symbolizes its adaptability and regenerative nature. Cloud Sole challenges traditional product life cycles by extending usability. Instead of discarding an entire shoe after years of wear, users can simply replace worn components. The skeleton remains intact and can be adapted into new forms, while the mycelium filling is renewed regularly, offering a sustainable alternative for the future of footwear.