Vizcom and Zellerfeld are turning their followings into a live footwear lab with an open mule design challenge. Designers are given a two week window to sketch, submit, and potentially see their concepts 3D printed. Plus, their work could be launched to a global audience.

The challenge

Designers are asked to reimagine the mule,  slip on, closed toe, inside Vizcom’s digital design environment, using a provided last and template as a baseline. Core constraints apply: 3D printable, no multi material builds, and minimal or no cutouts so the shoe can be produced as a single printed piece.

The brief went live on March 2 at 9:00 PM EST, with submissions closing on March 16. Entrants submit final images and a short description. They must also submit the Vizcom project file and their Zellerfeld Studio account details before the deadline.

A joint panel from Vizcom, Zellerfeld, and industry footwear designers will select the top three entries. Winners receive a physically printed, wearable version of their concept, shipped free, and their designs are featured on Zellerfeld’s on demand platform.

Key Dates at a Glance

Key dates are straightforward: the brief is available from March 2 at 9:00 PM EST, and submissions close on March 16, after which the top three designs will be printed by Zellerfeld and launched on its platform.