Morph-X

This tennis shoe project primarily explores how structural systems can enhance and empower tennis footwear.
Three different structures were selected to investigate their functional potential:
a twisted grating color-changing structure (self-developed), minimal surface structures, and auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) structures.

The twisted grating color-changing structure is, in fact, based on a principle commonly found in everyday materials and optical phenomena. By enlarging and simplifying this structure, it unexpectedly achieved compelling results.
In addition to producing stripe-like color changes when viewed from different angles, the structure also provides immediate visual feedback under tensile deformation, making mechanical forces perceptible. This characteristic gives it potential for application across a wide range of scenarios.

The unique properties of minimal surface structures make them particularly well-suited for use as midsoles in 3D-printed footwear. Based on research into tennis-specific movements, the sole was divided into functional zones and explored through targeted experiments.
Earlier research combined common tennis postures, tennis shoe performance reviews, and observational studies, which were consolidated into handwritten research notes at that stage.

For the auxetic structure, significant compromises were made to ensure 3D printability. After extensive testing, the final decision was to integrate the auxetic structure as a skeletal framework embedded within the arch area, allowing it to express its anisotropic mechanical behavior while remaining manufacturable.

Finally, I hope everyone enjoys experimenting with the design and creating bold, expressive color combinations.