London, U.K.: In a bold and visionary partnership, artist-designer Zulu Kuki and material science company Balena are revolutionising footwear design. This pioneering collaboration merges the worlds of footwear design and technology, innovation and sustainability, setting a new benchmark in the fashion industry. With the debut of their latest creation, this collaboration is pushing the limits of what’s possible, blending cutting-edge 3D printing design with material innovation.
At the heart of this collaboration is BioCir flex3D, Balena’s material celebrated for its outstanding performance and biodegradability. With Zulu Kuki’s creative genius, they’ve crafted a 3D-printed shoe that defies conventional aesthetics, inspired by the sleek lines of automotive culture. The shoe is more than just a visual masterpiece—it’s a modular, customizable marvel with interchangeable soles and socks, allowing wearers to personalize their footwear like never before.
This partnership doesn’t just create a product; it reshapes the future of design. By uniting state-of-the-art technology with sustainable materials, Zulu Kuki and Balena are driving the industry forward, proving that design, innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
The design of the shoe: The design of Zulu Kuki’s 3D-printed shoe represents a bold departure from traditional footwear aesthetics. Rejecting the conventional clog look, Kuki's approach focuses on modularity and customization, allowing the shoe to adapt to various needs and styles. The design draws inspiration from automotive culture, particularly the sleek lines and functional elements of 70s racing cars, like the Porsche 935. This influence is evident in the shoe’s integration of air intake-like features and its overall dynamic form.
The design of Zulu Kuki’s 3D-printed shoe introduces a unique concept by integrating both traditional and innovative elements. Unlike typical mono shoes, which often feature a single, uniform design, Zulu Kuki’s footwear design separates the traditional upper and sock components from the more futuristic elements. This distinctive approach highlights a visible contrast between the classic design of the upper and sock, and the cutting-edge modular features of the shoe’s sole. This separation not only enhances the visual appeal but also underscores the shoe’s versatility, blending timeless aesthetics with modern functionality in a way that has not been seen in mono shoes before.
The result is a footwear piece that not only stands out visually but also offers practical benefits, such as interchangeable soles and socks for different activities. By merging advanced 3D printing technology with a passion for automotive aesthetics, Zulu Kuki and Balena have created a shoe that embodies both innovation and versatility.
“Just as we can't buy cars solely for their beauty—they must also be functional, safe, and reliable—the same principles apply to this shoe design. It combines striking aesthetics with practical benefits, such as interchangeable soles and socks for different activities, ensuring that it is not only visually appealing but also highly functional through the use of Balena’s materials”.
Kuki’s innovative use of advanced 3D printing technology and passion for automotive design results in footwear that is both beautiful and versatile, meeting the highest standards of performance and style.
Key components BioCirFlex 3D:
· Performance Optimal
· Durable and flexible
· Scalable
· Recyclable
· Biobased in range 50-85% (DIN CERTCO certified)
· Industrially Compostable (DIN CERTCO certified)
General 3D printing Industry: The 3D printing industry is revolutionizing footwear design and production, offering significant advantages in sustainability, customization, and efficiency. Traditional footwear manufacturing methods often result in up to 30% material waste, but 3D printing reduces waste by nearly 70% by using only the necessary materials. This technology also allows for unprecedented levels of customization, with the market for 3D-printed footwear projected to reach $6.3 billion by 2029, driven by the growing demand for personalized products. Moreover, 3D printing can cut product development time in half, enabling brands to quickly adapt to consumer trends and minimize overproduction. As the global 3D printing market in footwear is expected to grow rapidly, this technology is paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative future in the industry.
About Zulu Kuki: Zulu Kuki is a visionary artist and designer who pushes the boundaries of art and design by blending the virtual with the tangible. Renowned for his innovative approach and deep appreciation for cultural diversity, especially Japanese influences, Kuki describes himself as a nomad, continuously exploring new forms of expression and forging fresh connections. His diverse skill set spans across art, clothing and footwear design, photography, and creative direction. As a pioneer in 3D-printed footwear, Kuki is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into design. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with top brands such as Porsche, adidas, PUMA, Coca-Cola, and many others, reflecting his commitment to pushing creative limits and embracing new technologies.
About Balena - BioCirFlex3D: Balena develops high-performance, bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable materials for durable consumer goods to replace toxic polluting plastics with genuine circular material solutions. In the realm of 3D printing, material selection plays a critical role in determining both performance and aesthetics. Balena has taken a pioneering step by partnering with Vivobarefoot to launch the world’s first 3D compostable printed sole, using their innovative BioCir flex3D material. This breakthrough demonstrates how 3D printing can now combine flexibility, durability, and biodegradability within a single biobased material, addressing the issues associated with non-biodegradable TPU that contributes to plastic waste. Additionally, their collaboration with Kitty Shukman showcases how BioCir®flex3D is not only advancing environmental sustainability but also elevating design possibilities in the fashion industry. Through these initiatives, Balena is setting a new standard in 3D printing, proving that high-performance, circular solutions are achievable and essential for a more sustainable future.
BioCir®flex3D is a biobased, flexible, and durable 3D-printing material that delivers high performance while offering the environmental benefits of biodegradability. Comparable in flexibility to TPU, Balena's BioCir®flex3D ensures the creation of reliable, long-lasting 3D-printed products. What truly sets this material apart is its dual approach to responsible end-of-life management: it can either be composted in industrial compost facilities, where it undergoes complete biodegradation without leaving toxic residues, or it can be recycled, allowing it to be reused in new production cycles. This flexibility marks a substantial stride toward circularity, offering sustainable options that minimize environmental impact while maintaining high-performance standards.
"Working with Balena's material has been a transformative experience. I was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly their 3D printing filament integrated into my design process. The material’s smooth printing at low temperatures allowed for exceptional ease and precision, and its flexibility—softer than others—struck the perfect balance between comfort and durability. I also appreciated its reuse potential and alignment with sustainable practices, which resonate with my commitment to reducing waste. This collaboration has not only enhanced my designs' functionality but also reinforced my vision of creating customizable and sustainable footwear solutions."
- Lukasz - Zulu Kuki
"Collaborating with Zulu Kuki has been an incredible experience for us at Balena. Seeing our BioCir®flex3D material come to life again, this time with Zulu Kuki, a visionary designer has truly showcased the potential of sustainable innovation in the fashion industry. His creative approach and dedication to pushing the boundaries align perfectly with our mission to revolutionize materials science. It's exciting to see how our material, with its unique blend of flexibility, durability, and biodegradability, can be a key enabler in creating footwear that’s not only beautiful and functional but also circular”
- David Roubach, Founder & CEO, Balena
