unico – children's shoes

Designed with inclusivity in mind, Unico shoes are suitable for children with ankle-foot orthoses, ensuring comfort and style for every child.

This project is now archived and was part of DDW24

This project is part of
We design tomorrow

Child can choose the color of the shoe.

Unico is an inclusive children's shoe that is fully recyclable. It is designed for children who wear ankle-foot orthoses for medical reasons. These children do not need orthopedic shoes, but shoes that are easy to slip on. The shoe can be worn by any child.

Modular, sustainable, inclusive children's shoe.

As children's feet grow quickly, approximately one size every six months, the modular design without glue, allows easy disassembly and 100% recycling. With the shoe design of only three parts: a 3D-printed outsole and insole, and a 3D-knitted textile a 100% digital manufacturing is possible. This enables local and easy production anywhere in the world. On top it minimizes waste, reduces costs, and shortens delivery routes. Made from 100% recycled TPU and organic cotton, Unico shoes are super-lightweight and breathable. The flexible heel stabilization and a reinforced nose add durability and protection.

Social design for children, to improve their everyday life.

Four of hundred children have to wear ankle-foot-orthoses for medical reasons. Children who wear ankle-foot orthoses have real difficulty finding suitable and affordable footwear. Existing shoes on the market are stigmatizing and do not meet the functional needs or aesthetic preferences of children, and parents and therapists are dissatisfied with the existing products on the market. These children simply need a wide opening, easy slip-on shoe. Unico shoes are functional and aesthetically pleasing. By designing innovative everyday shoes for children and including these special children, I want to highlight the urgency of inclusive design. In addition, I want this design to emphasize the importance of repairable, locally produced and user-oriented products that sustainably improve the quality of life for the user group.