Modular Glue-Free Sneakers Connect 3D Printing with Traditional Asian Craftsmanship
Almaty-based designer Daniyar Uderbekov revisits UDRB, a modular sneaker system featuring a glue-free assembly method, combining 3D printing and traditional footwear.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Daniyar Uderbekov designs the glue-free modular sneaker UDRB.
- Features a 3D-printed TPU sole, leather inner boot, and rope fastening.
- Every component can be separated, repaired, and recycled.
- Inspired by traditional Central Asian Makhsi and Ichigi footwear.
Almaty-based designer Daniyar Uderbekov revisits UDRB, a modular sneaker system that reimagines conventional footwear construction through a glue-free assembly approach. The design integrates a 3D-printed TPU sole, a leather inner boot inspired by traditional Central Asian Makhsi and Ichigi footwear, and a rope-based fastening mechanism. Each component can be separated, repaired, replaced, and recycled, offering an alternative to the single-piece construction commonly seen in contemporary sneakers.
The project explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and digital fabrication, drawing on historical footwear techniques to drive a circular design approach. Instead of depending on permanent adhesives that complicate repair and recycling, UDRB is engineered as a disassemblable system where every element serves a specific function within the overall structure.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
UDRB consists of three primary components: a 3D-printed TPU sole, a leather sock-boot, and a rope-and-parachute-fabric fastening system. The sole is manufactured through additive manufacturing, enabling its form and cushioning attributes to be tailored to individual foot requirements. Crafted from recyclable thermoplastic polyurethane, the component can be reprocessed and printed again when needed.
Eliminating chemical adhesives is widely recognized as one of the most significant challenges in sustainable footwear manufacturing, as glue remains a primary barrier to efficient recycling and disassembly. Utilizing mechanical interlocking and modular fastening structures, as demonstrated in the UDRB project, represents a crucial step forward in extending product lifecycles and reducing industrial waste.
For the inner leather boot, designer Daniyar Uderbekov draws inspiration from Makhsi and Ichigi, traditional Central Asian and Caucasian footwear known for their flexible construction and protective traits. Integrated into the sneaker architecture, this leather element provides ventilation and comfort while retaining the versatility to be worn independently as a lightweight indoor or outdoor shoe.
The fastening system replaces traditional laces with climbing rope and parachute fabric, materials chosen for their durability, adjustability, and connection to Almaty's mountainous landscape. Threaded beneath the sole and wrapped around the foot, the setup secures the footwear while permitting users to modify the fit based on personal preferences.
Source: designboom
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