This is the third module of our full Shoenatomy Program.
Click on the button below to go to the main course page to enrol and explore the other modules.

Module 3:  Reanatomy

In this module we start actively applying the Shoenatomy principles, simplifying complex footwear constructions using a wide range of modern automated manufacturing methods, materials and finishes. 
After this, you can:
  • design any type of shoe in such a way that it can come apart.
  • choose the right manufacturing method for each part, with its materials and finishing.
  • build for automation and local manufacturing, starting with what you have.

Reducing complexity

release: january 4, 2027
Current footwear construction was built around manual labour. Automation reduces complexity and makes disassembly/recovery a serious option.

  • Why footwear got so complex, and why it doesn't have to be.
  • The moves that simplify: properties divided across layers, fewer parts, less materials, reversible joins.

Making for machines

release: january 11, 2027
If a machine is going to make it, the shoe has to be designed for a machine to make it.

  • What is the current state of automation in footwear manufacturing?
  • Human versus robot: how can they collaborate and what can each do best?
  • How to design out bottlenecks that require manual labor that does not qualify as craft or luxury.  

Additive methods

release: january 18, 2027
Additive manufacturing could be one approach for all three properties: structure, movement and surface.

  • Generating a shoe like an onion of data
  • Which additive method and material is best for which purpose?
  • Lattices and cages: printing for structure and movement 
  • 3D Printing textiles
  • 3D spraying for uppers and skins

Knitting and braiding

release: january 25, 2027
With knitting and braiding you can create zones with different properties without needing multiple pieces.

  • What are the different methods of knitting and which method is best for what purpose?
  • With yarns and finishes are available with the best end-of-life options?
  • Engineering structure, stretch and pattern into a single multi-layered knit.

Molding and casting

release: FEBRUARY 1, 2027
Without molding technology we would not have the performance sneakers we have now. But how can we drastically improve its ecological footprint?

  • What are new low-impact ways of mold making?
  • How can we also optimize the lifespan and end-of-life of molds?
  • Which molding compounds have best longevity and end-of-life options?
  • Direct injection reimagined: could we release the bonds?

Cutting and bonding

release: FEBRUARY 8, 2027
Assembly is not a crime, as long as bonds can be undone. Cutting and stitching, for instance, are taken to a next level, because of automation.

  • How can we design for minimal cutting waste?
  • What is the current level of automated stitching, both for uppers and sole assembly?
  • How to design for automated stitching?
  • What yarns enable disassembly?
  • Which other assembly methods can be undone?

Assembly & disassembly

release: FEBRUARY 15, 2027

How can we make joining and separating be the same decision seen from two ends?

 

  • The full palette of reversible joins - clicks, laces, stitching, debondable adhesives.
  • Who opens what, and when: wearer, repairer, recycler.
  • How can we build a disassembly infrastructure?

Towards local-for-local

release: FEBRUARY 22, 2027
Once a shoe is simple and machine-made, production can move closer to the people who wear it.  
Microfactories, on demand, small runs — the economics and the design behind them.
Making, and re-making, near the consumer. What it takes to bring production home, starting with what you have.