Jovani Hernandez The worlds of high fashion and sportswear have come together over the past two decades to deliver some of the most experimental footwear propositions of the last century. As logistical issues have plagued the industry since early 2020, many independent and corporate players in the space have taken to 3D-printed solutions to create futuristic product requiring less materials, in-person meetings, and expansive manufacturing processes. Paris-based BOTTER and Reebok are the latest two parties to offer their take on what’s possible with advancements in 3D-printing via their Venus Comb Murex Shell shoe.
Built with design cues reminiscent of retro football boots from the New England-based company as well as the first BOTTER “Banker” shoe from 2017, the newly-surfaced proposition from the minds of Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh introduces a jarring sculpted sole unit that has led some netizens to make comparisons to the unreleased YEEZY D ROSE. The groove-laden tooling, however, draws inspiration from Murex seashells with which the Greek Goddess, Venus, combed her hair. The 3D-printed shoe from BOTTER and Reebok was developed with the help of HP Inc., the Palo Alto, Calif. based institution, and has emerged in tonal black and pink styles as well as multi-color ones that contribute to its experimental nature while also nodding to Botter and Herrebrugh’s appreciation for the Caribbean.
“The Reebok x Botter Sneaker is an opening of a wonderfull [sic] project,” wrote BOTTER’s founders in an official press release shared with Sneaker News. “The new partnership with HP 3D Printing aims to create product that sits at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and luxury and this is just the first step.”
Enjoy a closer look at the upcoming 3D-printed sneaker ahead, as you wait for official release details as fall and winter inches closer.
For more from Reebok, check out our exclusive interview with Todd Krinsky and Nick Woodhouse, the brand’s CEO and Authentic Brands Group’s President and CMO.
