Part 1: The Top 10 Themes Shaping Digital Product Creation in Footwear

We here at PI Apparel are launching our first-ever footwear-specific event next March in Portland, aptly named Stride 2025. To ensure we deliver an agenda that is topical and valuable, I spoke with designers, product developers and digital champions from 25+ of the world’s leading footwear brands and asked them: ‘what are your main challenges and priorities for the immediate future?’

The overarching themes were revealed pretty quickly: Digital Product Creation (DPC), AI, Maturing Technologies (xR, 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, Virtual Try-on and more) and finally, Local Production & Sustainability.

As we near the launch of the Stride 2025 agenda, I wanted to share some of these insights with you. In Part 1 of this series I share ‘The Top 10 Themes Shaping Digital Product Creation in Footwear’.

1. 1. 3D Design Tools and Digital Twins Remain Key.

      Digital twins and 3D design tools have become undeniably essential for creating accurate prototypes and product models. These tools enhance precision, speed, and reduce the need for physical samples, paving the way for more efficient workflows. But how do we get started and/or maintain momentum?

   2. Poor User Experience and Accessibility of 3D Tools is a Barrier.
      Despite their potential, many 3D tools (e.g. Rhino, Blender, Substance) remain complex and not user-friendly for designers accustomed to traditional methods. There’s an increasing need for improved UI/UX design to make these tools more accessible without disrupting creative workflows. What is needed from the tech community to underpin a more seamless experience?

   3. Integration of 3D Tools into Existing Workflows is Hard.
      Incorporating 3D design tools into traditional workflows presents challenges, particularly as there is no one-stop solution. Is effective integration possible and if so, can it unlock further benefits such as cost savings, design precision, and faster time-to-market?

   4. Education, Training & a Clear ROI Could Help Tackle Resistance to Digital Adoption.
      Resistance from traditional designers and stakeholders remains a major roadblock in the widespread adoption of DPC tools. Can we overcome this resistance with a focus on education, training, and demonstrating clear ROI to gain buy-in?

   5. Complex Materials and Designs Require Structured Libraries with a Clear Owner.
      Creating complex designs digitally, such as seamless knit uppers, remains a challenge without physical samples. Ensuring that material libraries and scanned digital materials accurately represent physical properties is critical for design quality. But who should do this work and own/maintain the libraries?

   6. Digital Transformation Requires A Globally Coordinated Approach.
      A global approach to digital transformation requires coordinated training across regions and integrating teams at every level. Without involving factories in this transition, scaling DPC innovations remains challenging. So how do we create a strong foundation of global education on which to scale our digital initiatives?

   7. The Future is a Balance of Craftsmanship and Digital Innovation.
      The footwear industry is rooted in tradition and craftsmanship which don’t always go hand in hand with digital innovation and disruption. How do we create a hybrid approach that helps maintain the artistry of shoemaking while leveraging digital prototyping for efficiency?

   8. 3D Assets Should Be Created with Use Case Extension in Mind.
      The rise of digital assets for e-commerce is transforming the customer experience. Brands are now using 3D models to allow customers to visualise products before purchase, improving satisfaction and reducing return rates. What steps need to be added to your digital workflow to ensure assets are created from the offset with these extended use cases in mind?

   9. The Future Lies in the Integration of 3D with Other Technologies.
      The next frontier in footwear design lies in the integration of AI, AR/VR, and advanced 3D modelling. These technologies will enable modular, customizable footwear options and transform how products are designed, marketed, and sold. But how do we get started in seamlessly piecing these together into a solid digital ecosystem?

   10. A Bridged Pipeline for Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories Will Make You More Efficient.
       A unified 3D tool pipeline between footwear, apparel, and accessories is critical. Currently, material scanning and rendering tools are siloed, creating inefficiencies. What future developments must we focus on to allow for seamless integration across these domains?

This exploration of the key themes in DPC underscores the tremendous opportunities ahead for the footwear industry. In the form of panels, workshops and interactive roundtable discussions, Stride will be the event where these insights come to life, helping to drive the next wave of innovation. 

The agenda is coming soon, but for now, please find confirmed speakers to date here.