Dezeen Magazine

Lou Moria uses vacuum forming to create recyclable shoes in seconds

Israeli designer Lou Moria has used a vacuum-forming process to create pairs of plastic slippers that can be produced quickly and cheaply (+ slideshow).

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

Lou Moria designed a pair of shoes that could be created from a single piece of recyclable rubbery plastic in response to research on cheap shoes, which often comprise many different materials and are assembled as part of a long process.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

"In this model I tried to think about shoe manufacture and marketing in a different way," said Moria. "This shoe may not last long  – but so is the cheap one we can find in the market today – but it's being made in a few seconds from one material and technology and can easily be recycled as one piece."

The designer creates the shoes using vacuum forming technology. A plastic sheet is heated until it is soft and draped over a mould inside the forming machine.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

A vacuum is used to suck the plastic into the shape of the mould, then the mould is removed after the plastic has cooled and firmed.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

Once the shoes are shaped, the excess material around the sole needs to be cut away and the top has to be chopped off so the foot can slip inside.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

"The shoe is also its own packaging and by opening it the user prepares it for use," said Moria.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

Waste pieces of the material can be recycled and used to create more shoes, which are available in any colour.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

A small hole formed at the top of the sole is included so the footwear can be hung up on shop displays.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

The design is the fourth model in Moria's Last 21986 project, which focusses on alternative footwear production and user interaction.

Last No 21986 Model 1 shoe by Lou Moria

Model 1 in the series is a pair made from multiple canvas layers that can be cut away when the shoe gets dirty or torn.