Skip to main content

Want custom 3D-printed soles for your shoes? Now, you can get them from Ryka

ryka sols 3d printing screen shot 2016 08 17 at 8 26 03 pm
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Your foot is unlike anyone else’s, so why wear a shoe meant for anyone and everyone? That appears to be the question driving the new partnership between footwear technology company Sols and women’s athletic footwear brand Rykä. Moving forward, Rykä will offer shoes that integrate Sols’ 3D-printed orthotics, which are created using the MAPP3D customization platform. Because your foot is special enough to deserve its own special treatment.

The new collaboration comes as little surprise to Rykä, as the company has long been focused on the anatomy of women’s feet. Their shoes, the company claims, take everything from foot shape to stride angle into consideration. But now, its attention to detail is being taken to the next level, as Sols will be able to contribute its technology and its “wellness benefits of custom 3D-printed orthotics.

“Today’s consumer is looking for customization and comfort. Partnering with Sols allows us to offer a truly customized product solution,” said Deb Krivelow, SVP and GM of Rykä, one of the Caleres brands. “This is just the beginning of unlocking the potential around 3-D printing.”

Natacha Alpert, senior manager of innovation at Caleres, Rykä’s parent company, echoed these sentiments. “Introducing 3-D printing technology positions Rykä into the forefront of the fast-moving needs of the industry while satisfying the needs of the consumer,” she said.

Women will be able to get their hands on a pair of these Rykä shoes for the first time in August at the SCW Mania Fitness Conference in Dallas, which is slated to take place later this month. For a limited time, Sols will be available only to RykäFit consumers.

“Rykä’s approach to female biomechanics is exemplary, and mirrors our own vision that no two feet are made equal. By partnering with Rykä, we’re reducing the reliance on aftermarket products for customized support, and ensuring a perfect fit every time,” said Sols founder and CEO Kegan Schouwenburg. “We love that a female focused brand is leading the charge towards mass customization.”

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
NASA is testing a 3D printer that uses moon dust to print in space
The Redwire Regolith Print facility suite, consisting of Redwire's Additive Manufacturing Facility, and the print heads, plates and lunar regolith simulant feedstock that launches to the International Space Station.

The Redwire Regolith Print facility suite, consisting of Redwire's Additive Manufacturing Facility and the print heads, plates, and lunar regolith simulant feedstock that launches to the International Space Station. Redwire Space

When a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) this week, it carried a very special piece of equipment from Earth: A 3D printer that uses moon dust to make solid material.

Read more
The best 3D printers under $500
3D printers are finally affordable. Here are the best models under $500
anycubic photon review 3d printer xxl 2

The 3D printing market has seen quite a few changes over the last few years. In just the span of a decade, the barrier to entry has dropped from well over several thousand dollars to under $200 in some cases. However, all entry and mid-level printers are not made equal. We have a few suggestions for prospective buyers and other information regarding alternatives not found on this list.

To some veterans of the 3D printing scene, this list may seem like it lacks a few of the most commonly recommended printers for newcomers. This is by design. Our list only considers printers with tested components from proven, reliable vendors. That's why we chose the Monoprice MP Mini v2 as our top pick--it's reliable and easy to use. We have avoided any printer with a frame primarily made from interlocking acrylic pieces and anything historically unreliable.
Most bang for your buck: Monoprice MP Mini v2
 
Pros:

Read more
Ceramic ink could let doctors 3D print bones directly into a patient’s body
ceramic ink 3d printed bones bioprinting australia 2

Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print ‘bone’ with living cells

The term 3D bioprinting refers to the use of 3D printing technology to fabricate biomedical parts that, eventually, could be used to create replacement organs or other body parts as required. While we’re not at that point just yet, a number of big advances have been made toward this dream over the past couple of decades.

Read more