Step into the Future: Reebok Founder, Syntilay CEO Unveil World’s First AI-Designed Shoe

In an exclusive conversation with Deccan Chronicle, the pioneers of AI shoe shared insights on how it all happened.

Ben: Our goal at Syntilay is to help people sparkle and shine. We want to give everyone the opportunity to experience their favorite brands or be in the shoes of their idols. Greatness isn’t just limited to athletes; there are talented individuals in DJing, UFC, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch streaming who deserve recognition. We are bringing their essence into footwear through AI-designed, 3D-printed shoes. This approach mitigates risk and makes it more accessible for brands to collaborate with diverse talent. Our mission is to revolutionize the footwear space and provide unique shoes for different occasions, capturing the greatness of individuals beyond the athletic world.

Ben: The idea started with a conversation between my brother and me about the intersection of footwear and AI. I thought, ‘What if we used AI for design?’ I had a connection to a 3D printing shoe factory, Zellerfeld in Germany, through my podcast. They helped us find a designer, Kedar Benjamin in India, who’s a leading expert in AI-designed shoes. Our process makes design and production nine times faster than traditional methods. Joe and Julie, being innovators, were excited to support the idea and be on the cutting edge of technology. It’s been a collaborative effort to bring this unique concept to life.

Ben: Our shoe, the Explorer, is entirely recyclable, which mitigates its environmental impact. You can wear it, send it back to the factory, and we will fully recycle it into a new pair. This closed-loop system is a game-changer. We have designed the shoe to be environmentally friendly, using TPU plastic in a smart and sophisticated way. Our goal is to minimize our ecological footprint, and we are committed to continuing this approach in future projects. By embracing recyclability and sustainability, we are proud to offer a product that’s not only innovative but also responsible.

Joe, what role do you see AI playing in the future of footwear design and manufacturing?

Joe: I think 3D printing is still a bit challenging due to speed limitations. Currently, it takes a whole day to print one shoe. However, I am confident that machines will improve, and we will find ways to accelerate the process.

The real game-changer is AI in design. It can significantly shorten the time it takes to go from concept to market. Traditionally, design and development take around six months, and it’s 18 months before the product hits the market. AI can cut out a lot of the time spent on testing, sampling, and refining.

I think people won’t be able to tell where AI is being used. It’s just faster, different, and can explore new spaces. AI can provide designers with ideas and inspiration instantly, rather than spending days researching archives and files.

AI will likely be adopted in design before manufacturing. We are already seeing some 3D printing used for sole production and component manufacturing. However, to produce a full shoe, machines need to speed up.

Our approach, using 3D printing for slides and clogs, is tapping into the growing trend of comfortable, easy-to-wear shoes. People are getting lazier, and they want shoes that are simple to slip on. This movement is gaining momentum, and I think 3D printing will play a significant role in the future, but AI in design will be the first major breakthrough.

Joe: The only limitation with AI and 3D printing is when it comes to performance. Sneakers originated as performance sports footwear, and that requires a level of personalization. Designers will continue to prioritize that.

AI is here to stay, and it’s already being adopted by the big players like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. However, it takes time for them to implement new ideas due to the massive volumes they produce. I recall Reebok making five million pairs a month, and now Nike is likely producing 20 million pairs a month. Changing techniques to accommodate new technologies while maintaining those volumes is a challenge.

Despite this, AI will creep in, and it can actually add personality to a product. 3D printing might not offer the same level of personalization, but we will have to wait and see. Like any new technology, it will continue to evolve and improve.

I believe AI is the biggest technological advancement to hit the footwear industry. Previous innovations, like new rubber compounds and cushioning systems, were significant, but AI has the potential to revolutionize the design and manufacturing process. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and I am eager to see how AI and 3D printing continue to shape the future of footwear.

Joe: The biggest lesson I have learned is perseverance. Keep pushing, keep trying. It took us 11 years to break into the American market, but we found a way. We adapted, innovated, and exploded from $9 million to $900 million in four years. Now, with AI, 3D printing, and foot scanning, we are seeing new technologies transform the footwear industry. Instead of relying on standard sizes, we can scan feet and create personalized shoes. These innovations will continue to shape our industry and provide customers with unique, tailored products.

Ben, what’s next for Syntilay and how do you plan to expand the product line and technology?

Ben: We have demonstrated that AI can create commercially available shoes. Now, our next step is to make it scalable for mass-market production worldwide. We are working on a product that combines AI design with traditional manufacturing. Our goal is to create something innovative that showcases AI’s capabilities. We are aiming to launch this product in about three months. It will be a unique combination of a sock and a shoe, potentially replacing both categories. We are also exploring partnerships with influencers and brands to expand our presence and bring AI-designed shoes to a broader audience.

Joe: Ben is young and I am impressed by Ben’s energy and enthusiasm, which is essential for any business. He’s been driving this project forward since he first reached out to us over a year ago. His passion is infectious, and I think he’s going to achieve great things. We are on the cusp of something exciting, waiting for that one design or shoe that will take off. With plans to expand into gaming, I think Syntilay is poised for big things. Keep an eye out for us…we are coming soon!