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The modular construction of the shoes serves mainly to highlight to the consumer the fact that they are wearing something that has been crafted, and should therefore be looked after. “Today more and more customers like to know where their products are from and how they are made,” says Ms Rieker. “By integrating the user in the production of their shoe, I wanted to make the process more transparent. The user has an experience that hopefully raises awareness for the difficulty of footwear production.”

Ms Rieker says that another reason for the self-assembly shoe is to promote regional economies. In an increasingly global world, it is often the case that a pair of shoes has travelled thousands of miles around the world during the production process before arriving at its destination. “With the integration of the local shoemakers in the production process, the Creo Shoe Concept cultivates regional products and tradition,” says Ms Rieker. “The Creo shoe supports small businesses and local craftsmen to establish a sustainable and regional economic system. The interaction between the user and the local craftsman lets the user learn about the shoemaking process. Moreover, the user