Shamees Aden's Amoeba Trainers: Living Protocell Running Shoes

Designer Shamees Aden is developing the Amoeba Trainer, a running shoe made from a biosynthetic skin nourished by protocells—artificially created liquid chemicals that behave like living cells. The shoe adapts in real time to the runner's foot morphology and gait, providing support and cushioning by inflating and deflating with each stride. After use, the shoes regenerate when placed in a special liquid solution. Aden, a graduate of Central Saint Martins (MA Textile Futures, 2012), has collaborated with Dr. Martin M Hanczyc of the University of Southern Denmark. The concept was inspired by protocell technology that blurs the line between living and non-living matter. The first commercial product is expected by 2050, but Aden has recently joined Nike's innovation lab, and prototypes may be shown soon. The article also traces the history of Nike's Air Max 1, designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1987 after he was inspired by the Centre Pompidou's exposed structure.