Hek Lab launches EDDY 3D printed footwear design

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December 12, 2025 Applications 9559

New model offers familiar design to broaden consumer adoption

Hek Lab, a design studio focused on additive manufacturing for footwear, introduced the EDDY model, a new design intended for daily wear – an issue we have also explored in our own review of Zellerfeld products. The firm developed the EDDY model to address consumer resistance to 3D printed shoes, which stems from unfamiliar materials, higher costs, production lead times, and conceptual aesthetics. Hek Lab previously used the Zellerfeld platform primarily for conceptual prototypes. The EDDY model was constructed around a natural foot form to provide a grounded, lightweight feel.

The EDDY shoe is printed on demand using Zellerfeld’s proprietary additive manufacturing process. Zellerfeld operates a farm of custom-built 3D printers that employ a specialized material extrusion technology. This system utilizes ZellerFoam, a specially developed Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

Manufacturing the shoe as a monomaterial piece eliminates the need for stitching or adhesives, aligning with the company’s focus on sustainability. The material also allows the footwear to be fully recyclable into new pairs. Zellerfeld reported that its latest proprietary system, GEN3, enabled significantly faster printing speeds than previous generations.

For enhanced grip, the EDDY model integrates a time-proven herringbone traction pattern on the outsole, which Hek Lab claimed provided traction across diverse terrains and conditions. The upper section of the shoe incorporated an open mesh structure, designed to improve breathability and flexibility. The structure also featured high sidewalls to keep the feet dry in wet environments. The EDDY model was made available on December 11th, for a price of $149$.