Kazakh designer Daniyar Uderbekov is making waves on Instagram with UDRB sneakers —shoes defined by their striking 3D-printed soles.
Uderbekov calls the sneakers a blend of tradition and technology, continuing his focus on unconventional design.
“The idea came from an environmental perspective,” he said. “Most shoes on the market use glue, which prevents recycling. Plastic, leather, nubuck and textiles all end up as waste. With UDRB sneakers, every part can be separated, updated or recycled.”
The sneakers have three main parts:
- A 3D-printed sole: Made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the sole is lightweight, flexible, shock-absorbing and recyclable. Each pair is printed to fit the customer’s foot.
- Leather sock base: Inspired by traditional Central Asian and Caucasian footwear (makhsi or ichigi), the leather layer is breathable, water-resistant and protects from dirt. It can also be worn indoors.
- Climbing rope laces: A nod to Almaty and the mountains surrounding the city, the rope secures the foot to the sole without rigid fastenings and can be adjusted for comfort.
Uderbekov handcrafts the sneakers in his workshop near Astana. They come in one style: white sole, neon green laces. Each custom pair costs $200. He expects prices to fall after mass production starts in 2026.
UDRB sneakers are capturing international attention, drawing interest from beyond Kazakhstan.
Uderbekov began as a graphic designer in the early 2000s before moving into exhibition and object design studies in Moscow. His works, held in private and museum collections, often use natural materials such as felt, stone and wood alongside 3D printing. He draws inspiration from Isamu Noguchi, Philippe Starck and Scandinavian mid-century designers.
