Gucci Unveils Innovative 3D-Printed Cub3d Sneaker at Milan Fashion Week
Gucci is bringing its rather monstrous-looking 3D-printed shoes to Milan Fashion Week. Called the Gucci Cub3d, the shoe features a 3D-printed midsole that looks like it belongs in the “Monster High” franchise. Despite that, Gucci says the sneaker is “lightweight, flexible, and highly resistant.” It's slated to be presented from April 16th to 21st at the Gucci store on Via Montenapoleone in Milan.
The Gucci Cub3d isn’t just a novelty shoe. The company says the “fully printed bio-based nylon bio-based nylon midsole” is “composed of intertwined layers” that are “designed to make the foot sink ever so slightly, adapting to the body’s movements.” That cushioning is meant to “extend to the ankle” while still “guaranteeing maximum freedom of movement.”
To create the midsole, Gucci used the SLS (selective laser sintering) 3D printing method, which involves “applying a powder and using a laser beam to turn each layer into a solid.” The company says this “layer-by-layer process minimizes material waste."
Depending on the colorway, the Cub3d also includes Gucci's innovative Demetra material, a vegan alternative to leather. Demetra is made from 77% plant-based raw materials and uses only one-third of the water compared to traditional leather production. Gucci says Demetra is also “seamlessly washable.”
Depending on the colorway, the Cub3d has various accents made from TPU and rubber. The mesh lining is designed to keep your feet cool, while the footbeds are treated with a “Pristine technology,” which makes them odor-resistant.
Gucci says the sneaker is waterproof up to 10 meters. You’ll find the text “waterproof” printed on the tongue, as well as on the laces. The insole features the text “Cubo e potente,” which translates to “He is a cube and powerful.”
The ankle area of the shoe features a TPU cage that’s transparent, “reminiscent of the rounded shapes of classic ice skates.” The ice skate look is fitting considering the shoe’s colorways are inspired by winter: white, black, silver and “ice green.”
The Gucci Cub3d shoe features a unique design that’s sure to turn heads. It’ll be interesting to see if 3D-printed shoes become more commonplace in the near future. You can find more information about Gucci and their products on their official website.
