Felt the Future - walking with wool

Exploring wool as a material for modern shoemaking

Philipp Remus

Januar 2025

Hochschule Pforzheim

Description

By developing 100% wool footwear prototypes, I demonstrate a viable monomaterial approach that can strengthen regional sheep farming, support the maintenance of heathland ecosystems, and revive traditional shoemaking skills. Rather than relying on global supply chains, I explore decentralized production models such as local workshops or CNC milling to minimize waste and empower local communities. My work also lays the groundwork for future research into wool‑sole biodegradability and the air‑purifying potential of abraded wool fibers. While not all concepts are fully implemented yet, these findings illustrate how circular design with renewable materials can reimagine the shoe industry and spark broader socio‑ecological change.