Shoes, sneakers, footwear. These products are universal. They are highly valued, desired and yet unsustainable. The over production and consumption of footwear results in 300 million shoes being thrown away every year in the US alone. 23 billion shoes are produced every year globally with an average consumer buying 3 pairs a year. While this is clearly a global issue, change starts with individuals.
This project goal is to provide individual consumers the ability to gain more from the footwear they own, resulting in greater sustainable practices. This is achieved through creating a modular outsole system, which allows the consumer to attach an outsole to their existing footwear through an upper attachment system. This creates opportunity for adaptability, longevity and ease of repair. Consumers gain the ability of choice, to change the function of their shoes, to adapt the aesthetics and to protect their footwear all while wearing the same pair of shoes.
This is more than just a pair of shoes.
