Reebok co-founder launches Syntilay, the world's first AI-designed shoes: Colours, price and more

Reebok co-founder Joe Foster and entrepreneur Ben Weiss have launched Syntilay, the world's first commercially available shoe designed entirely by artificial intelligence. The innovative slide, priced at $149.99, represents a significant leap in footwear design, combining AI-generated patterns with 3D printing technology. Available in five colors—black, blue, oat, orange, and red—the shoe is custom-fitted using a smartphone scanning app that captures individual foot measurements.

Weiss claims approximately 70% of the shoe's design was generated by AI, drawing inspiration from yacht bridges and science fiction artist Syd Mead's iconic designs. The shoe's unique creation process involves AI-generated concept images, human designer sketches, and a final 3D model produced through artificial intelligence.

Syntilay plans to produce only a few thousand pairs initially, positioning the product as an exclusive, cutting-edge item. The company's broader vision extends beyond this initial launch, with hopes of designing AI-generated gear for celebrities, influencers, and everyday consumers.

The shoes will be individually 3D-printed in Germany, with a production and shipping turnaround of four to six weeks. Foster, drawing from his Reebok experience, views this venture as another opportunity to embrace technological change and innovation in the footwear industry.