Heron Preston launches the 3D printed HERON01 sneaker

Heron Preston has launched his very first fully 3D printed sneaker, produced in collaboration with emerging tech company Zellerfeld.

Dubbed HERON01, the slip-on sneaker continues to explore the world of 3D printing and sustainability. Thanks to the fact that it has no seams, seams, glue or other weak points, or that it is made from glues and toxic materials, the shoe can be fully recycled by Zellerfeld to create a shoe that can be turned into a new product, making it a product saving loop circle.

Zellerfeld and Preston brought in shoe designer Mr. Bailey who helped shape the design direction of the shoe, who then – in his work Sunday Sketches – showcased the progressive design features that dominate the aesthetics of the shoe. HERON01. For example, the pair is decorated with scales and printed textures that can be found on the feet of the Heron bird, while the sole combines a bird claw design with advanced shoe production concepts, which is exactly what Mr. Bailey presented in his sketches. .

Low-cut ankle cutouts make this a shoe that’s easy to put on and take off, while Heron Preston’s iconic workwear inspirations have been filtered into the shoe via the chunky sole and thread elements that give it its look and feel. its unique feel. The result is something that looks both prehistoric and futuristic – especially in the orange colourway that is reminiscent of Preston’s signature color – as its upper is textured almost like rocks or the rough, scaly skin of a creature. from thousands of years ago.

Interestingly, the shoe appeared after Heron Preston saw an early prototype of a 3D printed shoe by Zellerfeld. From there, WhatsApp conversations led to a collaboration that “explored design ideas beyond the traditional shoe design language which is often limited and similar due to construction methods.”

Speaking on the shoe, Cornelius Schmitt, CEO of Zellerfeld, said: “Heron is a truly inspiring designer, and 3D printing will allow visionaries like him to reshape shoes for the better. Preston added, “The HERON01 is just the start – with additive manufacturing the potential is limitless. I was able to design and print working and scalable prototypes in a matter of hours – with traditional manufacturing it would have taken months. Can’t wait to print more shoes and updates.

The HERON01 will first drop on StockX via its “Campaign for a Cause”, allowing those who want a pair to enter a raffle by donating $ 10. These proceeds will go to Global March, a charity fighting child labor in supply chains. From there, winners can choose their standard size and use an iPhone to scan their feet to create a perfectly fitting pair of HERON01s, with no additional cost or production time. Winners will also be enrolled in the Zellerfeld beta program, allowing users to trade in used shoes for newer versions reprinted and updated after this beta.

Available from October 5 on StockX, the HERON01 will also be released in a limited series on the Zellerfeld site. Take a closer look at the inventive sneaker above.