Dolce Vita, a high-street shoe brand owned by footwear giant Steve Madden, is known for its trendy shoes and accessories, but now it will also be known for its innovation. The retailer, founded in 2001, is launching an on-demand 3D printed footwear offering in cooperation with HILOS, a software company specializing in product creation and on-demand workflows.
Readers might remember that Dolce Vita parent company Steve Madden already has an established partnership with HILOS. When the partnership was announced late last year, the stated plan was to use HILOS’ technology as well as AM to accelerate product development times and eventually to roll out on-demand shoe manufacturing. Well, that time has come and, as the kids are saying, we are here for it.
The first product to launch via the Dolce Vita and HILOS partnership is Holis 3D, a sandal whose design is reimagined from a popular 2024 silhouette. This updated version of the shoe leverages 3D printing as well as more traditional shoe production, combining a 3D printed outsole and upper with a leather-wrapped footbed.
Available as of today, Holis 3D is retailing for $130 a pair (a price comparable to its other products) and is available in a range of sizes (women’s 6-13) and colors (ivory, light sage, light yellow and café). The design integrates some classic 3D printed elements, including an intricate lattice design reminiscent of raffia or lace, but perhaps the most innovative thing about Holis 3D is that the shoes are made to order in the U.S., circumventing many steps in the complex supply chains associated with mass-manufactured footwear. For Dolce Vita, embracing this approach means a step in the right direction ecologically speaking.
“At Dolce Vita, we’re committed to leading sustainability by collaborating with emerging tech startups and piloting alternative production methods,” commented Kerry Norlin, President of Dolce Vita. “Our partnership with HILOS pushes the boundaries of footwear innovation—leveraging cutting-edge technology and circular, low-waste manufacturing. Fashion has the power to drive real change, and when we pair that influence with science-backed solutions like HILOS, we move the industry forward. The more brands that invest in responsible innovation, the closer we get to making sustainability the standard.”
Holis 3D joins a small but growing array of commercial 3D printed footwear, including Adidas’ 4DFWD shoes and Nike’s recently launched Nike Air Max 1000. The Dolce Vita shoes do, according to the partners, hold the distinction of being the first commercially available 3D printed shoes to be manufactured on-demand in the United States.
Central to this launch is Oregon-based HILOS, whose design-driven platform facilitates the development and manufacturing of footwear designs. Interestingly, HILOS’ solution was the focus of a 2022 Yale study (also including supply chain partners BASF, HP and AMT), that investigated the environmental impact of 3D printed shoes. This study found that by 3D printing shoes, it was possible to reduce carbon footprint by 48% and water consumption by 99% compared to legacy manufacturing.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with Dolce Vita to reimagine one of their most popular styles in a 3D printed, on-demand format,” added Elias Stahl, HILOS CEO & Co-Founder. “Our industry is at a turning point, and it’s been incredible to see such a storied brand as Dolce Vita lean into a new way to design and make that is true to their heritage and craft while also setting new rules for design and production. This is a truly historical launch.”
