Modular glue-free sneakers connecting 3D printing with traditional Asian craftsmanship, 2026.
UDRB consists of three primary components: a 3D printed TPU sole, a leather sock-boot, and a rope-and parachute-fabric fastening system. The sole is produced through additive manufacturing, allowing its form and cushioning properties to be adjusted according to individual foot requirements. Made from recyclable thermoplastic polyurethane, the component can be reprocessed and printed again when necessary.
For the inner leather boot Uderbekov draws from Makhsi and Ichigi, traditional Central Asian and Caucasian footwear characterized by their flexible construction and protective qualities. Integrated into the sneaker system, the leather component provides ventilation and comfort while maintaining the possibility of being worn independently as a lightweight indoor or outdoor shoe.
The fastening system replaces conventional laces with climbing rope and parachute fabric, materials selected for their durability, adjustability, and connection to Almaty’s mountainous landscape. Threaded beneath the sole and wrapped around the foot, the system secures the shoe while allowing the fit to be modified according to individual preferences.
