Foamed metal materials feature cellular structures made of solid metal – normally aluminium – along with a volume of gas-filled pores. The defining characteristic of these materials is a high porosity of around 75-95%, making them extremely lightweight. Foamed aluminium is currently used widely inside high performing cars and inside buildings as a sound insulation – and now also in high-end fashion with these incredible shoes that resemble meteors.
These extraterrestrial-like shoes were created by Studio Swine, who were influence by the European Space Agency’s landing of the Philae lander on Comet 67P in November and meteorite collection at London’s Natural History Museum.
The outer part of these shoes was made with aluminium foam, while the interior is lined with soft Italian leather. 90% air, these shoes are extremely lightweight and efficiently create volume with a minimum use of material. The material properties of foamed aluminium allow the designers to create what they describe as ‘the feeling of large rocks floating in space.’
To make the shoes, 3D scanning, CNC milling and traditional shoes making skills were combined. The project was created for Microsoft using Studio Pro 3.
Photos by Petr Krejci