Dezeen School Shows: black leather modular boots informed by punk culture are among the projects from Häme University of Applied Sciences.

Also featured are woven shoes with 3D-printed soles and shoes made from tanned vegetable leather.

Häme University of Applied Sciences

Course: Smart and Sustainable Design Bachelor's degree

School statement:

"Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is shaping the next generation of material‑driven designers in our Smart and Sustainable Design Bachelor's degree programme, where forward‑looking experimentation, craft heritage and contemporary design thinking meet.

"Rooted in Finland's long tradition of material innovation, our programme encourages students to push the boundaries of form, technique and sustainable making.

"This selection presents emerging designers and their work from our footwear programme, showcasing a wide range of approaches within the discipline – from traditional handcraft and material investigation to functional footwear and forward-thinking modular design.

"Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is the only university in the Nordic countries where you can study footwear design.

"Each project expresses a unique design voice and demonstrates a strong interest in exploring new directions in footwear through sustainability, technology and upcycling.

"Supported by dedicated footwear design studios, a variety of materials, tools and technologies for experimentation, our emerging designers are guided by experienced staff as they develop, prototype and produce their own footwear.

"Through practical making and innovative design processes, they are empowered to become creative changemakers and help shape a more sustainable future for footwear."

Cult of Craft: Louise by Heidi Kannisto

"Louise shoes bring together the dimensions of traditional weaving and contemporary 3D modelling. The design process combines a creative, ragged upper with a meticulously refined sole built through 3D modelling.

"The shoe's exterior is playful and draws inspiration from late-90s pop culture as well as the design language of traditional, colourful rag rugs designed from upcycled materials.

"The shoe is designed to be glue-free and versatile. The upper can be attached to the sole in various ways, and at the end of its lifespan, it can be taken apart and the parts recycled properly."

Student: Heidi Kannisto
Course: Footwear Design and Development Bootcamp
Email: kannistoheidi[at]email.com

Mod by Lauri Leino, Sittichok Moungmee, Riko Kuokkanen, Miia Lilli and Georg Lichtenberg

"Traditional footwear design often leads to excessive waste, as worn-out or damaged shoes are frequently discarded rather than repaired.

"To rethink traditional footwear waste, we developed a modular shoe to combat the waste generated by the footwear industry, where millions of shoes end up in landfills each year due to reparable wear or fast fashion trends.

"By designing shoes with interchangeable and replaceable parts, we sought to create a more sustainable alternative that allows consumers to repair or customise their footwear instead of discarding it entirely."

Students: Lauri Leino, Sittichok Moungmee, Riko Kuokkanen, Miia Lilli and Georg Lichtenberg
Course: Emil Aaltonen Museum Collaboration Project

BarbieBoon by Selma Repo

"This project was made in the Erasmus BIP course at the Estonian Academy of Arts. There we disassembled sneakers from factories, which were going to the landfill and designed them to fit upon clog soles.

"In these shoes, I wanted to mix up two worlds – where the sporty world meets classy high heels – like childhood Barbie would have done.

"The style is a play with sneakers' already existing shapes and keeping the style flowy and constructive."

Student: Selma Repo
Course: From Sneaker to Clog, Erasmus BIP
Email: selma.s.repo[at]gmail.com

Modular Shoe by Yan Wu

"This footwear project originated from my experience of discarding a pair of shoes because the sole was damaged, even though the upper remained in good condition.

"Reflecting on how modern shoes permanently glue together the sole, upper and lining, I recognised the difficulty of repair and replacement, which shortens product lifespan and increases waste.

"Inspired by the structural logic of traditional Chinese straw sandals, I reinterpreted their weaving and lacing system through contemporary materials and manufacturing methods.

"The design separates the sole, upper and lining into independent modules that can be removed and replaced individually, creating a more adaptable and sustainable footwear framework."

Student: Yan Wu
Course: Footwear Design and Development Bootcamp
Email: apus7702[at]gmail.com

Footwear Collection by Dorota Kaňuchová

"I see myself as a designer who likes to take on challenges and is passionate about exploring the intersection of concept, craft and technology.

"For me, footwear is a form of self-expression and storytelling, which is why my work tends to be diverse. I approach each project individually, so I always follow what it needs."

Student: Dorota Kaňuchová
Course: Personnel Design Project
Email: dorotakanuchova[at]gmail.com

Ketara by Riko Kuokkanen

"This is the result of my thesis in the Smart and Sustainable Design programme – handmade barefoot shoes made of thick vegetable-tanned leather.

"The product was 3D-modelled and printed by myself. I aimed to combine traditional handcrafted shoemaking with durable materials."

Student: Riko Kuokkanen
Course: Thesis
Email: riko.kuokkanen[at]outlook.com

Kroko by Miia Lilli

"This was the first Miia Lilli shoe I ever made. I chose to challenge myself by creating a high heel instead.

"I was inspired by unusual textures and experimented with manipulating the leather to create a rich, tactile surface. I also developed the elongated last shape to give the Kroko shoe a bold and elegant silhouette."

Student: Miia Lilli
Course: Materials and Techniques in Fashion
Email: miialilli[at]icloud.com

The Clowd Slippers by Senja Kaukonen

"The Clowd slippers are inspired by a flower-like form of a ceramic artwork by Anne-Sophie Boulogne. The design is zero-waste because they are made of second-hand denim, and they are filled with fabric waste.

"Their name comes from their imaginative three-dimensional shape and cartoonishly big size. The biggest challenge in the design process was figuring out the way to make the rounded shapes on the upper."

Student: Senja Kaukonen
Course: Basics of Fashion 1
Email: senja.kaukonen[at]dnainternet.net

Unisex Mini Collection for a Streetwear Brand SS25 by Mailis Purho

"My design is a classic combat boot style combined with eye-catching removable accessories that wrap around the shoe.

"The combination of deep black leather, chrome hardware and a pop of red creates a bold and timeless look.

"The O-ring straps add edge and personality to the piece, and I made them removable for a modular approach. Lowered ankle makes the design more casual and suitable for everyday use.

"The design is inspired by alternative fashion based on the New York downtown scene, which is influenced by subcultures like punk rock and metal. The design language communicates rebellion, freedom, and self-expression."

Student: Mailis Purho
Course: Prototyping and Techniques in Fashion
Email: mailis.purho[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Häme University of Applied Sciences. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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