• Syntilay has introduced 3D-printed shoes with AI designs.
• The shoes were created using a combination of Vizcom AI and Midjourney.
• The $150 sneakers have a completely personalized fit thanks to smartphone foot scans.

You’re in luck if you enjoy Crocs but wish they had a more sci-fi origin. Syntilay, a startup, is creating a new shoe line with 3D printing and artificial intelligence. The futuristic shoes cost $150 a pair right now. Innovation is rarely inexpensive, but these slides aren’t.

Syntilay’s shoes, which initially resemble deep-sea fish, are made using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and human creativity. Midjourney was used by the designers to create the shoe’s fundamental form. A human artist then improved the concept using a drawing that was sent to Vizcom AI, which used it to create a 3D model. In order to complete their appearance, AI then assisted in designing and incorporating textures and patterns into the shoe design.

Syntilay was developed by entrepreneur Ben Weiss, but it has the support of Joe Foster, a co-founder of Reebok, who gave the concept some legitimacy. Five colors orange, red, beige, black, and blue are available for the shoes. They are meant to bring to mind the artwork of Syd Mead, who created the recognisable graphics in Blade Runner and Aliens.

AI shoes

The $150 shoes are manufactured specifically for each customer using 3D printing in Germany, and they ship out in roughly three weeks. To ensure that the shoes fit properly and account for the typical minor variations between people’s right and left feet, you are requested to use the camera on your smartphone to scan your feet before purchasing a pair.

Additionally, there is the issue of practicality. Even while using your phone’s camera to scan your feet seems simple, not everyone is willing to go all tech-savvy only to buy shoes. And after all that scanning and printing, what if the fit isn’t exactly correct? As it expands, Syntilay will have to overcome these challenges.

Naturally, the market’s readiness for AI-powered footwear is the question. In terms of comfort and durability, Syntilay’s shoes will need to demonstrate that they are worth the wait and the money.

Given that generic slides like Crocs can cost $20 or less, $150 is a rather high price tag. Syntilay must hope that its AI design gimmick, custom-fit promise, and design will appeal to early consumers.

Although customised shoes have existed in the past, the combination of AI and 3D printing might appeal to individuals who want to set trends.