Digging into the archive of HLT𝟥x—an innovative system where we embedded 3D-printed structures into a one-piece upper.
We’re sharing more about our material journey and the approach we took to exploring textile property modulation. ______
Textile property modulation refers to the alteration of a fabric’s surface, mechanical, thermal, or electronic properties through techniques such as chemical treatments, physical deposition, fiber engineering, or the integration of functional materials and structures.
We have designed and validated a novel class of microstructured systems that enable variable stiffness and shape morphing through the use of controllable segments. These structures can dynamically transition between soft, compliant states—ideal for safe and adaptive interaction—and rigid states that provide precise control and manipulation.
______ This approach enhances key performance characteristics—such as softness, stiffness, elasticity, wettability, and thermal regulation—unlocking a wide range of applications, including personal thermal management, smart footwear and adaptive apparel. #hoclabtech #hlt3x
Digging into the archive of HLT𝟥x—an innovative system where we embedded 3D-printed structures into a one-piece upper.
We’re sharing more about our material journey and the approach we took to exploring textile property modulation. ______
Textile property modulation refers to the alteration of a fabric’s surface, mechanical, thermal, or electronic properties through techniques such as chemical treatments, physical deposition, fiber engineering, or the integration of functional materials and structures.
We have designed and validated a novel class of microstructured systems that enable variable stiffness and shape morphing through the use of controllable segments. These structures can dynamically transition between soft, compliant states—ideal for safe and adaptive interaction—and rigid states that provide precise control and manipulation.
______ This approach enhances key performance characteristics—such as softness, stiffness, elasticity, wettability, and thermal regulation—unlocking a wide range of applications, including personal thermal management, smart footwear and adaptive apparel. #hoclabtech #hlt3x
Digging into the archive of HLT𝟥x—an innovative system where we embedded 3D-printed structures into a one-piece upper.
We’re sharing more about our material journey and the approach we took to exploring textile property modulation. ______
Textile property modulation refers to the alteration of a fabric’s surface, mechanical, thermal, or electronic properties through techniques such as chemical treatments, physical deposition, fiber engineering, or the integration of functional materials and structures.
We have designed and validated a novel class of microstructured systems that enable variable stiffness and shape morphing through the use of controllable segments. These structures can dynamically transition between soft, compliant states—ideal for safe and adaptive interaction—and rigid states that provide precise control and manipulation.
______ This approach enhances key performance characteristics—such as softness, stiffness, elasticity, wettability, and thermal regulation—unlocking a wide range of applications, including personal thermal management, smart footwear and adaptive apparel. #hoclabtech #hlt3x
is presenting HLT𝟥x a proprietary innovation that integrates 3D-printed structures directly into a one-piece upper.
While demonstrated here in footwear, the printing solution represents a versatile textile property modulation technology with potential applications across industries including apparel, automotive, and beyond. It enables localised control of stiffness, flexibility, and breathability, allowing the material to respond precisely to anatomical movement without layering or adhesives. ______ The footwear application began as an exploration of more efficient, flexible production systems using HLT𝟥x. Starting from a simplified paper pattern assembled with a single stitch, the HLT internal team developed a method refined through 246 tests, drastically reducing tools, steps, and manufacturing space.
Zones of support and ventilation were integrated directly into the upper, while a drop-in midsole provides targeted comfort without disrupting the seamless form.
The construction also emphasises ease of disassembly, with the outsole designed for simple removal to facilitate repair, component updates, or recycling — all without compromising the upper’s integrity.
This streamlined process enables footwear to be produced locally or remotely — even in space — unlocking versatile manufacturing wherever needed.
______ All research and fabrication were carried out internally at HLT’s lab, enabling rapid iteration and complete control. This integrated approach exemplifies the company’s commitment to speed, adaptability, and precision, presenting a vision for future footwear manufacturing that is lighter, smarter, and adaptable to evolving needs.
#hoclabtech #HLT3x
is presenting HLT𝟥x a proprietary innovation that integrates 3D-printed structures directly into a one-piece upper.
While demonstrated here in footwear, the printing solution represents a versatile textile property modulation technology with potential applications across industries including apparel, automotive, and beyond. It enables localised control of stiffness, flexibility, and breathability, allowing the material to respond precisely to anatomical movement without layering or adhesives. ______ The footwear application began as an exploration of more efficient, flexible production systems using HLT3x. Starting from a simplified paper pattern assembled with a single stitch, the HLT internal team developed a method — refined through 246 material and structural tests that drastically reduces tools, steps, and manufacturing space.
Zones of support and ventilation were integrated directly into the upper, while a discreet drop-in midsole provides targeted comfort without disrupting the seamless form.
This streamlined process enables footwear to be produced locally or remotely — even in space — unlocking versatile manufacturing wherever needed.
The construction also emphasises ease of disassembly, with the outsole designed for simple removal to facilitate repair, component updates, or recycling — all without compromising the upper’s integrity.
______ All research and fabrication were carried out internally at HLT’s lab, enabling rapid iteration and complete control. This integrated approach exemplifies the company’s commitment to speed, adaptability, and precision, presenting a vision for future footwear manufacturing that is lighter, smarter, and adaptable to evolving needs.
#hoclabtech #HLT3x
is presenting HLT𝟥x a proprietary innovation that integrates 3D-printed structures directly into a one-piece upper.
While demonstrated here in footwear, the printing solution represents a versatile textile property modulation technology with potential applications across industries including apparel, automotive, and beyond. It enables localised control of stiffness, flexibility, and breathability, allowing the material to respond precisely to anatomical movement without layering or adhesives. ______ The footwear application began as an exploration of more efficient, flexible production systems using HLT𝟥x. Starting from a simplified paper pattern assembled with a single stitch, the HLT internal team developed a method refined through 246 tests, drastically reducing tools, steps, and manufacturing space.
Zones of support and ventilation were integrated directly into the upper, while a drop-in midsole provides targeted comfort without disrupting the seamless form.
The construction also emphasises ease of disassembly, with the outsole designed for simple removal to facilitate repair, component updates, or recycling — all without compromising the upper’s integrity.
This streamlined process enables footwear to be produced locally or remotely — even in space — unlocking versatile manufacturing wherever needed.
______ All research and fabrication were carried out internally at HLT’s lab, enabling rapid iteration and complete control. This integrated approach exemplifies the company’s commitment to speed, adaptability, and precision, presenting a vision for future footwear manufacturing that is lighter, smarter, and adaptable to evolving needs.
#hoclabtech #HLT3x
Specimen Archive Week_6
Utilitarian + No Glue + Skateboarding
A pretty simple premise with a seemingly simple answer. Overlasted on the outside, liner on the inside, cupsole and footbed sandwiched in-between. Ideally all of this is stitched together with a sidewall stitching machine and can be patched, updated, and repaired.
Order of creation: Yellow, Blue, BW, Black
1. Dry black iris bouquet. Sculpting with vibram’s luxury rubber
2. Pliable pedals, morphing silhouette
3. A melancholic end
4. Azure period
5. At a moment collapsable
6. La Vie
7. Heat-gun molded to the last shape
8. Contoured by contrast stitches
9. Shell pattern pulled from a flat knit out
10. Sweet/I thought you wanted to dance
Specimen Archive Week_5
Symbiotic + Embroidery + Sailing
Most weeks we work on several samples at once based on the generative brief but this week we honed in on just one to dive deeper.
The “symbiotic” attribute of the brief imagines the component parts being up-cycled and inspired by the sea. For instance the cage relating to a net like support system capturing your foot, the cord running through it perhaps being repurposed fishing net threads, and the shroud utilizing old sails.
The Vibram outsole already featured a built in housing made for integrated lacing which worked perfectly for our magnetic quick release shroud concept. It took a bit of effort to shove the 5mm neodymium magnets in the tooling but the press fit held them in without the need for glue. Similarly we engineered the shroud magnet housing in such a way that the cables and magnets could be disassembled and configured by the user for various fits, materials, and functions.
We imagine that one aspect of the future of footwear is inviting the user to be a part of the design process, to build a relationship with the product beyond a transaction. What if included in the packaging was the shell pattern for the shroud? The replacement component parts. The 3D file for the housing. A lego kit of sorts to learn, build, and play.
Specimen Archive Week_4
Ideas around comfort and protection.
The tire thing actually has a backstory. The first week I was here Vito and I set up a bike for me to get to and from the studio but no more than 10 minutes go by and we caught a flat. Of course the immediate and obvious thing to do was inspect the tire and see how we could use it for something else. Thus a visual language was born, thrown in with our collective perspectives and inspirations that range from nasa patents, Eva suits, moto-racing, and so on.
Specimen Archive Week_3
Process work
Machine stitched + Origami + Modular
Here’s a breakdown of one of our generative prompts. Sometimes the outcome is quite literal to the prompt and in others they take unexpected tangents.
Modularity combined with the constraint of “indoor” lead to this reversible shoe concept that’s really a 4in1. Two reversible outsoles for varying terrain and a reversible internal bootie that has the potential for color/material changes.
We often talk about reducing the shoes we need as the best way to be conscientious of our footprint. Is this something you could potentially pack for your next trip? Hailing a ride, running to your gate, taking a layer off as your house shoe, flipping it inside out to change colors, so on and so forth.
Another thought starter. On to the next roll.
Specimen Archive Week_2
Knit + Disassemblability + Upcycled =
Concepts adapted from generative prompts around conscious design methodologies.
On day one we created gamified design process that involves a 20 sided dye, each face corresponding to a constraint. The “generative” nature of the combination of constraints along with each persons interpretation of such makes for a lively discussion as we share our quick post it note sketches and dive into discussion.
Thats how each 2 week design cycle starts. From there we play with construction methods and materials, rearrange and combine ideas to then hone on to a direction for week two as you see here.
(x) =
Each exploration and idea leads to more questions than answers. More ideas and discussions. Come roll the dice with us 🎲
