TYPE-III Magarimono project

“TYPE-III Magarimono project” is a project in collaboration with MAGARIMONO, a footwear brand that seeks to revolutionize the shoemaking process.

In 2022, inspired by the design of zori*, a pair of unisex sandals that can be worn barefoot was released. It features a special, 3D-printed sole with a structure that allows cords to be hand-woven directly into it. The woven part on top of the sole created this way not only resembles zori in design but also functions as a cushioned insole, making the pair a fusion of technology and handicrafts, embodying the qualities of both.

*Japanese sandals traditionally hand-woven from natural fibers.

The sole is crafted using a fundamentally different approach from conventional shoemaking methods. Its structure is formed by precisely cutting a single sheet of rubber. For the upper, “Ultrasuede® nu”, a non-woven material developed by Toray is used, known for its soft feel and grain leather appearance. Through high-frequency processing, the material is molded without a single seam, resulting in a smooth and seamless finish. The shoe is completed by threading a single cord through the carved grooves and holes in the sole. The cushioned insole and cut line that gently wraps around the foot connects to the back strap to ensure both comfort and ease of wear. It is an item where handcrafted technique meets design rooted in everyday life.

From MAGARIMONO
While the previous release explored free modeling by 3D printing, the latest release takes a contrasting approach by employing a more restrictive method—single-sided three-axis milling—to pursue new possibilities of expression that arise from working with limitations.
Through ongoing discussions with A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE, a key design challenge emerged: how to assemble the sole and upper without the use of adhesives. Working within the strict constraints of the cutting process, the focus shifted to how this could be achieved through form alone.
The solution we ultimately arrived at was a clear design system in which a single cord is threaded through vertical grooves to interlace the upper and sole. By translating this system into a programmable algorithm, the team was able to rapidly and precisely test a wide range of parameters (groove angle, placement, depth, and spacing) to optimize comfort and performance.
The insole was also subjected to repeated wear testing, leading to a final design with excellent cushioning. Just as the subtractive process of cutting removes all but what is essential, this design philosophy similarly stripped away all arbitrariness, striving instead for a form in which beauty emerges from necessity.

MAGARIMONO
MAGARIMONO is a contemporary footwear studio sculpting the future with algorithms and innovation. Rethinking materials, reimagining craft—they fuse technology and artistry to create forms yet unseen. From their 3D-printed line, MAGARIMONO Originals, to imaginative creations pushing the boundaries of design, each work is an invitation to step into the unexplored realms of tomorrow.