obj1
more groundwork:
the outsole is our interface to the world. that interface channels our movements, and builds our connection from the ground up.
the inspiration:
unrivaled explosive speed breaking out of the mold engineered for takeoff
energy redirection:
how the midsole and lattice is structured is not trivial. a high heel stack provides soft cushion and energy absorption. the direction of the struts along with the aggressive toe spring promotes energy redirection, driving the forces forward.
art direction: all design work: operations:
the muse:
we were approached by Odell Beckham Jr. to design a shoe for his brand, Obley. a unique product for his unique story.
the concept:
utilizing the latest Carbon3D foaming resin to design a 3D printed sports style shoe... that doesn’t look 3D printed.
evolution through materials:
the concept continued to adapt with the material constraints. when utilizing a brand new material and emerging manufacturing method, it was important to problem solve to maintain feasibility while maintaining design.
3D iteration:
with the main silhouette blocked out it was time to iterate and refine in 3D all while thinking through DFAM for DLS
scribbles:
technical repetition aggressive toe spring threading the needle
a parametric system:
using grasshopper to drive precision and adaptability, my goal was to engineer a lattice to simulate a multilayer foam midsole with performance in mind.
Adam Saleh Mikey Robins Steve Burstyn
bowtie lattice:
implementing a print in place compliant gusseted tongue had not been done before, and allowed the shoe to have a snug lockdown with a design system familiar to traditional footwear.
“i’ve seen 3D printed shoes before ... just plain and simple they weren’t like this ... whatever they’re doing over there, they’re doing it right. “ - OBJ
the presq team
the only way out, is through:
with dialed print supports and tireless back and forth with Carbon’s application engineering team, the first successful samples arrived. we analyzed samples with OBJ’s team and sent a pair to the man himself.
Carbon's EPU pro:
a next-generation elastomer engineered specifically for high-performance lattice applications. unlike traditional foams, EPU Pro enables precise control over stiffness, and energy absorption. mechanical behavior can be tuned directly at the strut level rather than relying on bulk material properties.
engineered for active recovery:
the obj1 delivers controlled, progressive compression in the ideal range for sports recovery — enough to unload joints and reduce impact, without the instability or fatigue associated with overly soft recovery footwear.
voronoi collar:
initially the intent was to create a latticed collar that would resemble the function and feel of a urethane foam collar. later the collar was eliminated for light weighting and a tighter overall sock-like fit.
growth through failure:
through communication, teamwork and problem solving, anything is achievable. try, fail, learn, try again. rinse and repeat.
these are the moments fuel me:
we sent a pair of samples to Odell and it’s safe to say he was impressed. he provided pointers for refinement, which were then implemented. this full circle moment was the fuel i needed to sprint to the finish line.
state of the art:
the obj1 represents the future of footwear without forgetting its origins. fully 3D printed in expanding foam resin, the shoe weighs in at 340g. its design celebrates additive technology, with taste and elegance.
architecting the blueprints:
building a sound foundation is important to creating a robust system for support. the first step was designing that structure.
abstract:
performance footwear has always been meticulous, shaped by the layering of technical materials, foams and rubbers. over the last half century, performance footwear companies have pushed the limits of their athletes—simultaneously pushing the limits of how footwear design can support that mission. additive manufacturing presents a rare opportunity to rethink those foundations. as a young and increasingly accessible alternative to traditional foams, the obj1 project explores how far additive technology can be pushed in pursuit of performance. while additive manufacturing and materials are still evolving, this work aims to investigate how they may one day integrate into performance footwear development and challenge the pace of innovation within the industry.
process
