I was thrilled when @lacelessdesign announced their contest, especially since the winner would have their shoe produced by DESMA. That opportunity really caught my attention and motivated me to join the #lacelesschallenge. After winning, I had the pleasure of turning my concept into reality and being part of the entire process.

The shoe I designed is made from a mono-material PU with a knitted TPU sock, both fused together through direct injection. This process not only makes production fast and efficient but also ensures the shoe is completely recyclable. I was determined to create a high-top foam shoe, which is challenging because foam typically isn’t stretchable enough for easy foot entry. I found my solution in the structure of baleen whales' throats, which can stretch multiple times their original size—this became the inspiration for my entire project.