Resilient Paper Footwear

This project is an exploration of paper and some of its many resilient properties. The premise of the project was to create a sturdy shoe out of only paper and glue, which could support the weight of an adult at least two inches off of the ground. Paper, at first glance is a flimsy material, however, when folded into truss-like triangles and glued together, the weight of the user can be equally distributed throughout the shoe. This prevents any one area from crumbling under the wearer's weight. By manipulating paper in this way, the shoes, which together weigh less than one pound, are able to support the weight of a 130 pound adult. 

Possibilities:

Due to their material makeup, the shoes could be used, then recycled,  reused, or even re purposed. Further, the idea that paper can be manipulated to bear weight and form sturdy structures can be applied to a plethora of situations, particularly in temporary structures and environments. The possibilities are endless and exciting.