Häme University of Applied Sciences Showcases Modular Combat Boots and Sustainable Footwear

Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) in Finland, the only Nordic university offering footwear design studies, has presented a range of student projects from its Smart and Sustainable Design Bachelor's degree programme. The selection includes modular combat boots with removable accessories, woven shoes with 3D-printed soles, and footwear made from vegetable-tanned leather. Among the featured works is 'Mod' by Lauri Leino, Sittichok Moungmee, Riko Kuokkanen, Miia Lilli, and Georg Lichtenberg, a modular shoe developed in collaboration with the Emil Aaltonen Museum to address footwear waste by allowing repair and customisation. Mailis Purho's unisex mini collection for a streetwear brand SS25 features classic combat boots with removable O-ring straps, inspired by New York downtown subcultures like punk and metal. Heidi Kannisto's 'Cult of Craft: Louise' combines traditional weaving with 3D modelling, using upcycled materials and a glue-free design. Yan Wu's 'Modular Shoe' separates sole, upper, and lining into independent modules, inspired by traditional Chinese straw sandals. Other projects include Selma Repo's 'BarbieBoon', made from disassembled sneakers on clog soles, Riko Kuokkanen's handmade barefoot shoes 'Ketara', Miia Lilli's 'Kroko' high heel, and Senja Kaukonen's 'The Clowd Slippers' made from second-hand denim. The school show is a partnership between Dezeen and HAMK, published on Dezeen on September 5, 2026.