Preston Zly

The design process began with the realisation that there was an aspect missing in our footwear offering—an exciting tread/wedge component that could be utilised for numerous designs and offered in different colours, all produced in-house. This led to the initial phase of sketching various designs and conceptualising them visually on the computer. After several iterations, the final design was chosen.

Following this, we created the initial component through 3D rendering and tested the initial 3D sample for fit and overall compatibility with existing lasts. Various moulding options were tested for strength and colour fastness. We then created 3D printed moulds for the actual manufacturing of components, experimenting with different liquid rubbers to achieve the optimal weight, durability, and functionality. This functionality was crucial not only for small-scale production but also for the wearability and comfort of the end user.

With the final component ready, we designed the first shoe style to incorporate this new tread/wedge. The shoe underwent rigorous testing and iteration to meet quality and performance standards, which included testing glues for the strength of the join between the component and upper, and engineering the component to be lighter.

Once satisfied with the results, we moved on to marketing and sales of this new shoe style, which quickly gained positive feedback from end users.

Designs using this new technology have now become some of our best-selling styles and favourites among our design-savvy customers. This componentry forms the backbone of our design process, proving to be far superior to anything existing on the market in terms of durability and sustainability.

The successful implementation of this project not only met but exceeded our design goals by addressing a gap in our product line and introducing a highly durable, customisable, and innovative solution that has significantly enhanced our offerings.

This project sets a new benchmark for design excellence in Victoria. Melbourne was once the heart of Australian footwear design, renowned globally. Preston Zly is proud to bring this rich heritage back to the forefront, revitalising Melbourne as a hub for innovative, slow fashion footwear.

Our design process enables a holistic, high-quality, fit-for-purpose user experience. We leverage advanced technologies and traditional craftsmanship to create footwear that offers superior comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

The Trampa sole demonstrates good design principles including:

• Functionality - the sole ensures the shoes are comfortable and wearable
• Accessibility - Trampa styles fit orthotics, a major issue as women age
• Aesthetics - the sole adds a vibrant, colourful and sculptural feature to our footwear, which has pushed our design silhouette in a new and contemporary direction, as well as creating an instantly recognisable Preston Zly brand element
• Safety - every shoe undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee safety
• Quality - the sole contributes to the sturdiness and long life of the footwear. To this day we’ve never had a Trampa shoe returned for repair
• Sustainability - the sole is produced via a small-scale, zero waste process using ethically sourced materials, contributing to a longer lifecycle for the footwear which further minimises waste. Sustainability isn’t just an ideal for us; it’s central to our approach. Beyond our sustainable production methods and slow fashion approach, we also commit to repairability, significantly reducing our environmental impact.

The success of this project showcases the immense benefits of investing in professional design. Thoughtful design practices lead to superior products that meet and exceed market expectations. By integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional shoemaking techniques, we’ve created a product that stands out in terms of quality, sustainability, and innovation.

And by demonstrating the advantages of sustainable and customisable design, we inspire other businesses to adopt similar practices, driving industry-wide progress.

The project has allowed Preston Zly to create a whole new offering that is now intrinsic to our approach to the design of our collections with a truly unique component that sets our design practice ahead of what is currently considered best practice in handmade footwear.

By leveraging in-house technology, we can produce components in the exact quantities needed, avoiding the significant investment in injection moulds and the associated costs of thousands of dollars per mould (for right and left feet, across 8 sizes). This eliminates the need for ordering excess stock beyond our actual requirements.

This innovation is ground-breaking as it enables us to create a product far superior to what is currently on the market, achieved sustainably and on a small scale, significantly reducing waste while providing something unique and comfortable to our customers. Our use of advanced 3D rendering and printing technologies allows for precise and efficient production, ensuring each component meets our high standards for durability and comfort.

The project’s uniqueness lies in its ability to combine modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, ensuring high-quality, durable footwear that meets the specific needs of our customers. The need for this element in our design process was driven by customer demands for ethical and exciting fashion. This user-centric approach has resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback, with customers appreciating the enhanced fit, comfort, and longevity of our footwear.

Additionally, our commitment to sustainable and ethical production practices has significantly reduced our environmental impact. By producing on a small scale and avoiding waste, we have set new benchmarks in the industry for quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. This project showcases how innovative design and responsible manufacturing can coexist, creating products that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally conscious.

Pre-70’s Melbourne was a leading footwear design hub globally. In the twenty-first century, Preston Zly is revitalising this craft, making Melbourne a centre of slow fashion footwear.

The overall outcome of the project has been transformative for Preston Zly. By developing a unique in-house technology for producing sole components, we have created products that are far superior to those made with outsourced componentry. The intrinsic strength and durability of our Trampa sole ensure that our footwear lasts significantly longer than conventional options, providing excellent value and reducing environmental impact.

For our clients, this project means access to high-quality, customisable footwear that combines comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Our customers can enjoy footwear that not only looks great but also stands the test of time, contributing to a more sustainable wardrobe.

The sustainability aspect of our production process is significant—emphasising zero waste, ethical sourcing of materials, and energy efficiency. By reducing waste and our carbon footprint, we make a positive environmental impact. Additionally, our commitment to repairability extends the lifecycle of our shoes, further minimising waste and promoting a culture of sustainability within our customer base.

Our small-scale, made-to-order production supports local employment and reduces the environmental impact associated with mass production and long-distance transportation.

Preston Zly’s thoughtful, user-centred design and superior quality products not only elevates our brand but also promotes the significance of design excellence within Victoria and internationally. We’re demonstrating how a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation can lead to products that are not only better for the consumer but also highlighting the critical role design plays in driving economic and environmental progress.

Preston Zly is a slow fashion leader in footwear. We design for real women’s lifestyles, producing timeless, durable styles that don’t date and last for years if well cared for and easily repaired. Our designs’ strength ensures shoes last many times longer than market alternatives.

Our handmade shoes use sustainable materials and techniques, such as the Trampa sole, making them more environmentally friendly than mass-produced shoes. They are made to last, preventing a fast turnover into landfill. In fact, Preston Zly customers wear our shoes for decades, making them highly sustainable and affordable. This approach not only minimises waste but has created a culture of sustainability among our customers, encouraging them to invest in quality over quantity.

The innovative technology for our Trampa sole component is used in-house. With no production minimums and by making only what we need, we achieve zero waste. Our circular design principles optimise every part of the production process for sustainability and energy efficiency, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.

By responsibly sourcing materials and using traditional shoemaking techniques, we support the local economy and reduce transportation’s environmental impact. Our artisans are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions, aligning with ethical production processes. Our small-scale, made-to-order production responds directly to customer demand, ensuring each pair of shoes is crafted with care and precision, avoiding fast fashion’s overproduction.

Preston Zly’s dedication to sustainable design principles is evident in all aspects of our business. Our shoes reflect the belief that fashion can be beautiful and responsible, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern sustainability to create truly timeless footwear.