Imagine contributing to nature’s well-being simply by going for a run. This is the concept behind Rewild the Run, an initiative featuring 3D-printed shoe soles that can be fitted over regular sneakers.
Created by product designer Kiki Grammatopoulos, the soles use the principles of biomimicry – the practice of copying naturally-occurring processes and incorporating them into new products. The soles are equipped with small loops resembling hooks, which collect dirt and seeds during a run and gradually distribute them along the route.
The loops are inspired by the way specific seed types attach to the fur of wild animals, facilitating seed dispersion. To further enhance the ecological impact, the underside of the outsole is designed to emulate the hoof shape of a bison, a keystone species known for its significant role in maintaining its ecosystem. Bison’s distinctive hoof shape not only aerates the soil while the animals graze but also presses seeds into the earth.
The idea is to draw attention to the idea of rewilding, especially within urban environments, and to give people ways to make a difference as they go about their everyday routines. Critics point out that the invention could help spread non-native invasive species, an issue that Grammatopoulos plans to address in future iterations of the design.
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