Collaborative research project by PUMA + MIT Design Lab, powered by Biorealize.

The Breathing Shoe is made of a biodegradable material that is patterned with microorganisms. The organisms respond to the heat generated by the feet and proliferate by consuming the media in the cavities. As media gets consumed, the surface of the shoe begins to create ventilation points allowing more air to flow through. Over time, each shoe begins to take a custom look based on the activity profile of their users.

After being featured Milan Design Week 2018, Biorealize’s new prototypes were also exhibited at Sneakers Unboxed: From Studio to Street at the London Museum (May-October 2021).

A review of the exhibition by the curator Ligaya Salazar for Dezeen can be found here.