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الوسم: shoes

  • Will I Wear Sub-$200, AI-Designed 3D-Printed Shoes

    Will I Wear Sub-$200, AI-Designed 3D-Printed Shoes

    Purchasing shoes often involves making compromises—one foot slightly smaller than the other, or settling for off-the-shelf options that never quite fit right.

    While custom-made shoes have been around for centuries, they typically come with a hefty price tag. I’ve previously paid $500 for custom orthotics—before even buying the shoes. That’s a significant investment for footwear that still might not fit perfectly.

    Why not leverage 3D printing and AI to solve this problem? That’s exactly what Syntilay aims to do, and I recently had the chance to experience their process firsthand.

    ### A New Type of Footwear?

    Syntilay combines advanced foot scanning technology, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing to craft shoes tailored specifically for each person’s feet—at prices under $200.

    Their initial offerings include a stylish slide sandal and sneaker, designed more for everyday wear than intense athletic activity. Both models feel surprisingly comfortable thanks to a soft, flexible plastic blend of nylon and TPU. Their designs, generated with the help of AI and influenced by a creative director, sport a modern, edgy aesthetic inspired by futuristic themes.

    ### How the Process Works

    Ben Weiss, Syntilay’s CEO, explained that their scanning technology gathers 5,000 data points and 12 key measurements—everything from forefoot width and arch height to instep girth. This comprehensive data guides the 3D printing, creating shoes that truly understand the unique shape of your feet.

    Most customers will use a smartphone app to biometrically scan their feet via a link sent after purchasing. I had the opportunity to test the full experience at a new Syntilay store in Times Square, New York.

    The process is quick and user-friendly: roll up your pants, step onto the Volumental scanner, and answer a few simple questions on a touchscreen. Within minutes, the custom measurements are recorded, and the shoes are ordered. Turnaround time for production is about four to six weeks, so I’ll have to wait a bit to see how they perform in everyday use.

    This is currently the only location offering the complete scanning service, but the company plans to expand to a dozen locations across North America and Asia by 2026.

    ### Past and Future

    Syntilay isn’t new to custom footwear—earlier this year, they launched a program that creates shoes from smartphone photos and measurements. That initiative has been well-received, with only one pair returned so far, and a quick turnaround for replacements.

    The advent of AI-designed shoes means style will be as important as fit. The designs are not only tailored for comfort but also crafted to appeal visually, with sleek patterns inspired by spacecraft and yacht design elements.

    ### The Shoes

    The Xplorer slide, for example, combines a sense of luxury and futurism, drawing visual inspiration from yacht decks and high-tech spacecraft art. Meanwhile, the Luminez sneaker resulted from over 100 iterations of AI-driven design, culminating in what Weiss describes as their most optimized look and fit yet.

    I’m excited to see how these shoes perform once they arrive—once I get them, I’ll share my impressions. The shoes are produced in about four to six weeks, and at the moment, the full scanning experience is available only at select locations. However, expansion plans suggest you might be able to get fully customized shoes far closer to home soon.

    ### Final Thoughts

    For those who’ve ever wished their shoes could be made just for them, Syntilay’s approach makes that a real possibility—while keeping the price accessible. It’s a promising step toward footwear that marries perfect fit, innovative design, and affordability.

  • Buying and Repairing Shoes in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

    Buying and Repairing Shoes in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

    Choosing the right attire in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is crucial. Not only will the right armor enhance your combat survival, and noble clothing help you breeze through skill checks, but footwear also plays a significant role in your overall outfit. Certain types of shoes can help you move stealthily when exploring restricted areas.

    While it’s clear where to find armor from blacksmiths and weapons from weapon makers, locating a good pair of shoes may not be as straightforward. It’s also a good idea to keep your shoes in good condition to ensure Henry’s comfort while on his adventures.

    How to Acquire Shoes

    Your best bet for finding shoes is to visit a Cobbler. These shops are marked by a red icon resembling a spike on the map and are typically located in larger towns and villages.

    You’ll find several cobblers in Kuttenberg city, and there is also one at Trosky Castle in the Trosky region. Go there and talk to Cobbler Matthew to purchase some shoes. Fortunately, they are quite affordable, costing no more than 25 Groschen if you negotiate the price.

    Once you’ve bought your shoes, don’t forget to equip them in your inventory as part of your desired outfit.

    When you approach Matthew, you’ll notice he is referred to as Saddler Matthew, despite being labeled a Cobbler on the map. Thankfully, he offers both footwear and horse gear.

    If you’re looking for an alternative way to get shoes in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, you can simply loot shoes from the bodies of NPCs. Whether it’s a guard, bandit, or an unfortunate villager, you can take and wear their shoes. Just be cautious not to get caught or you might attract unwanted attention from the law.

    How to Fix Shoes

    Over time, your shoes will require repairs. While buying new ones is always an option, you can also return to any Cobbler to have them repaired.

    When you speak with the Cobbler, select the Repair option and choose the shoes you wish to fix. After paying the fee, you can leave knowing your footwear is as good as new.

    Remember to haggle over the repair costs, just like you would when purchasing items in the game.

  • Unlocking and Equipping Shoes in Fortnite: A Quick Guide

    Unlocking and Equipping Shoes in Fortnite: A Quick Guide

    In Fortnite, you can customize your character with a new accessory known as Shoes, or Kicks. These stylish additions allow players to express their individuality in both Battle Royale and Fortnite Festival modes, giving you the chance to flaunt your unique look.

    Unlocking these cool Kicks in Fortnite: Chapter 2 Remix requires a bit more effort compared to straightforward items like skins or back bling. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to discover, acquire, and equip your shoes in the game.

    How to Obtain Kicks

    You can earn Kicks by progressing through the Weekly Quest Rewards available on the second page of the Battle Pass. Alternatively, you can purchase them directly from the Item Shop, which updates daily with fresh choices.

    Generally, the prices for Kicks in the Item Shop start at around 600 V-Bucks for simpler designs and can go up to 1,200 V-Bucks for more elaborate or special edition styles. Make sure to regularly check the shop to see what new footwear is available to perfect your character’s outfit.

    How to Equip Kicks

    To put on the Kicks you’ve unlocked, head to your Locker, where you’ll find a special section just for shoes. Clicking this section showcases all the Kicks you have on hand.

    From there, you can equip any Kicks that are suitable for your character. While Kicks can currently be worn with a selection of over 500 Fortnite outfits, more skins will likely be added as Epic Games expands this feature.

    Tip

    When navigating your locker, you can use the filter menu to display only those skins that are compatible with Kicks, making it easier for you to choose the perfect match for your footwear.