3D-Printed Pointe Shoes? Yep, They Exist!

August 12, 2018

Pointe shoes printed on a 3D printer may sound like something only possible in the future. But imagine our surprise when we found out these high-tech shoes actually exist! Yes, you read that correctly…you can PRINT pointe shoes—and the end result offers less pain and way more durability than traditional methods.

The P-rouette pointe shoe was created by Hadar Neeman. Neeman graduated from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and realized the technology of 3D-printed fabrics hadn’t yet been used in the world of dance. “I learned about pointe shoes and the more I got into the field, the more I realized that there was a lot of potential for improving the existing shoe and improving the quality of life of the dancers,” Neeman told Dezeen, a design and architecture magazine.

via Dezeen

The process has a few different steps and involves scanning the dancer’s foot to a computer from a mobile app. Then, the sole is created using an elastomeric polymer that mimics the contours of the foot and the body of the shoe is made using a stretchy material similar to satin.

via Dezeen

There’s no glue, box, or nails needed and Neeman claims the printed shoes can last up to three times longer than their traditional counterparts. More comfort and durability? WE ARE HERE FOR THAT. 🙌🙌🙌

No word yet on when you might be able to get your hands on these babies, but we’re gonna call it now: In ten years everyone’s gonna be dancing in this innovative invention.