Various 3D-printed shoes are displayed at Zhejiang Juxie Youpin Technology in Wenzhou. [Photo/Wenzhou Daily]

In Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, the traditional shoe manufacturing process is being revolutionized by 3D printing technology. What once took over 100 steps now requires just three — design, print, and post-process — to complete a pair.

At Zhejiang Juxie Youpin Technology's 3D printing workshop, automated printing devices operate with minimal human intervention, with finished products ready in hours.

Yin Gang, general manager of the company with over 20 years of experience in the shoe-making industry, has merged AI shoe design with 3D printing, tapping into a new market. The company's AI-driven digital design system optimizes shoe structures for ergonomics and has been recognized as a model case in Zhejiang for integrating AI with manufacturing.

These 3D-printed shoes feature over 2,800 ventilation holes, offering breathability and comfort. Collaborating with Zhejiang Huafeng New Material, Juxie Youpin has also developed a high-rebound polymer material, addressing industry cost and durability challenges.

According to Ye Haoji, secretary-general of the Wenzhou Leather and Footwear Industry Association, Wenzhou has controlled production costs and maintained the price of 3D-printed shoes at 800 to 1000 yuan ($118 to $148) thanks to independent innovation technology. This has won the favor of many young consumers and provided a new model for the transformation and upgrading of the traditional footwear industry.