Daniyar Uderbekov, a designer based in Kazakhstan, has developed UDRB, a pair of modular sneakers designed to address environmental concerns in the footwear industry. The shoes feature a three-part construction that can be assembled without glue or tools.
The UDRB sneakers consist of leather boots, a 3D printed TPU sole, and climbing rope laces. The leather boots draw inspiration from traditional Central Asian footwear called Makshi and can be worn independently as indoor shoes. The sole is 3D printed from thermoplastic polyurethane in a single piece, making it customizable to individual footprints.
Assembly requires placing the leather boots on the TPU sole and securing them with climbing rope laces, a design choice that reflects Almaty’s mountainous landscape. The glueless construction allows all components to be easily dismantled for replacement, repair, or recycling.
The modular design aims to extend the product’s lifespan and support circular economy principles in footwear manufacturing. Since each component can be replaced individually, users can maintain the sneakers longer than traditional glued footwear. The TPU sole material can be recycled at the end of its useful life.
Uderbekov’s approach combines 3D printing technology with traditional design elements to create what he positions as a more sustainable footwear option. The design emphasizes material reduction and repairability as alternatives to conventional shoe manufacturing methods.
Source: yankodesign.com