A curious announcement from Bambu Lab shows an interesting option to 3D print your own footwear.
One of the contributors on Bambu Lab’s MakerWorld is FORMISM, a “creative unit specializing in digital production assets”. On MakerWorld they’re currently publishing several 3D printable shoe designs, the Arc and Persona, with multiple footwear styles.
The styling is quite unique on these models, but they could be quite challenging to print. FORMISM explains that for the best results, the prints will require printing of TPU90A, TPU85A Foam TPU and PLA for support structures.
Most interesting is that they provide a means to customize the size of the shoes so that they can be made to precisely fit a wearer.
That’s all interesting, but not that much different from several other footwear designers that have been popping up recently. However, Bambu Lab writes:
“FORMISM ARC is now available for free on MakerWorld.
FORMISM PERSONA goes live with crowdfunding opening Jan 12, 2026.And is that all?
Maybe not.FORMISM “FOAM”. The FOAM series is scheduled to launch in the MakerWorld Global Crowdfunding section in late January, 2026.”
“Foam”? Are they designing footwear designed to incorporate foaming filament? That could be the VarioShore material produced by colorFabb, which bubbles up after printing to generate a foam-like substance. That could be quite advantageous in a shoe design, particularly on a multimaterial print. There could be both rigid and soft regions in the print, designed to maximize comfort.
The crowdfunding twist is also interesting. It makes it look like a product launch, and in fact it is.
Is this how we will see products appear in the future? Would they pop up on 3D model sites in this way? Will this be the place we look for new consumer products?
I’m not sure, but this is quite an interesting approach, and if it works it may change how we shop.
It could also drive many more consumers to purchasing their own 3D printer. After all, you can’t wear those downloadable shoes unless you have a printer to make them.
Via LinkedIn and MakerWorld
