3D Printed Barefoot Sports Shoe

About the Project

The human foot's natural flexibility, strength, and adaptability are often restricted by modern shoes' narrow toe boxes, which compromise arch support and increase injury risks during athletic activities. Current barefoot shoes, which aim to address this issue, are mainly designed for casual wear, and lack the support athletes need. PrimalRun is developed to be a low-cost 3D-printed athletic shoe with wide toe boxes, custom-fit insoles, and advanced cushioning and ankle support, using affordable filament and 3D modeling for tailored, cost-effective performance.

Awards

- Outstanding Second Place Award: Macau Joint School Science Exhibition (MJSSE) Tech Redefining Design Proposal Competition

- Most Innovative Award: Macau Joint School Science Exhibition (MJSSE) Tech Redefining Design Proposal Competition

- Research Presentation Certificate: The 66th London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF)

Front view of the 3D printed shoe

First PrimalRun prototype, tested by my mom!

Side view of the 3D printed shoe

PrimalRun is printed using TPU filament, by my Prusa Mk3. (My printer was so slow, it took 20+ hours)

Home view of the shoe

Home view of the shoe, featuring its grid pattern design (the pattern can be changed, for example honeycomb pattern, rectilinear pattern, gyroid pattern). Screenshot taken by Prusa G-code Viewer.

MJSSE award ceremony

Me and my team winning the MJSSE awards, representing our school.

LIYSF presentation booth

Our presentation booth at the London International Youth Science Forum Science Fair, featuring my teammate Adrien!