Stitch – Modular Footwear that is Designed to Change

Modern shoes feature complicated constructions made of synthetic materials and cements, making them almost impossible to repair or dispose of sustainably. We are all guilty of buying more than we need, and disposing of them prematurely, with 24 billion pairs of trainers ending up in landfill every year, most of which will never biodegrade.

Stitch is designed as an alternative to the current footwear model, featuring a simplified construction made of only six components that can be disassembled and assembled entirely by hand, by stitching around the shoe. It is for anyone who wants to do things a little differently, whether that is someone who wants to express themselves in a more unique way, reduce their environmental impact or even just keep up with the latest trends for less. The discrete and versatile attachment method allows for a wide range of options for consumers, incentivising them to shop more sustainably.

A carefully selected palette of natural materials and biopolymers allows for Stitch to be entirely compostable in an industrial environment. This allows users to send back unwanted parts which can then be returned to the earth, creating a truly circular system.

Promotional poster displaying an assembled and disassembled Stitch shoe as well as illustrations of possible combinations and variations that can be achieved using the system

Stitch Poster

How to build your newest shoe…

Assembled and disassembled components of a stitch shoe with a description of the main features.

Product Summary

Displays research into existing products, current footwear constructions and insights gained from speaking to consumers on the street.

Problem Identification

Highlights some key insights from industry that have helped to create a range of concepts for possible ways of customising footwear.

Concept Generation

A range of six concepts made using a combination of 3d printed components and repurposed shoes. Images feature the disassembled components and how they are assembled.

Rapid Prototyping

Features a range of images of the remaining three concepts, with further developments made using 3d printed components and fabric uppers. Shows the individual components as well as the process of building them.

Concept Development and Testing

Displays further development of the finer details on the chosen concept as well as further testing with users.

Detail Design

Displays testing of the effects of friction on the outsole of the shoe. Also shows the results of a shoe used for testing during a run.

Endurance Testing

Shows the stages the user and product will undergo during its life. Also explains each step of the assembly.

User Cycle and Assembly Instructions

Displays a general assembly, cross section and information that explains the manufacturing process of each component.

Materials and Manufacturing

Highlights some significant numbers obtained from a life cycle analysis of a conventional trainer. Also shows a graph highlighting how the Stitch system can obtain up to a 75% reduction in emissions.

Life Cycle Analysis Validation