MUDANZA

The idea behind MUDANZA, as the maker frames it, is customized comfort combined with sustainability. Instead of a fitting appointment, the process starts with a personalized link sent by text message. According to the maker, the wearer places a foot on a sheet of A4 paper and photographs it with a smartphone, taking about 30 seconds, with no dedicated app required: the scan runs in the browser.

From photo to 3D model

The maker says its in-house AI turns the scan into a 3D model, digitizing measurements traditionally taken by hand, such as foot width, instep height, arch curvature and heel angle. The algorithm is described as trained on tens of thousands of foot data samples, so it can account for wide feet, high arches and flat feet. That data is used to tailor the arch support and instep fit: reinforced arches for high-arched feet, and a design matched to the wider areas of flat feet for stability. The maker claims this reduces foot pain over long walks.

Printed to 0.04mm

The shoes are produced on a 3D printer the maker says can reproduce differences as fine as 0.04mm, allowing shapes that follow the curve of the instep and toes. The maker contrasts this with injection molding and stitching, which struggle with complex 3D forms. In the outsole, denser material is placed in high-impact zones and lower-density material where the sole flexes, which the maker says absorbs ground reaction forces efficiently and reduces fatigue.

Construction and design

• Dual-layer build: a mesh lining with many fine ventilation holes, and a 3D-printed bio-based upper
• Upper material partly replaces petroleum-based resin with biomass-derived material; the maker describes it as lightweight, durable and highly recyclable
• Water-repellent surface treatment intended to make mud and rain easy to wipe off
• Outsole combining fine grip texture with high-performance rubber for traction on wet surfaces and rocky ground
• Three nature-inspired designs: Vague (ocean waves), Foret (tree branches and trunks) and OS (desert dunes)
• Colors including black, white, bright red, bright green and bright blue, finished with a durable paint the maker says resists fading

The maker positions the shoes for everyday walks through light hiking, and suggests the arch support and cushioning may suit people who stand all day, such as healthcare and restaurant workers.