Welcome to the MIAMI Vibes: AI Footwear Challenge – A Global Competition to Revolutionize Footwear Design. Created by the MIAMI Shoe Museum, this groundbreaking global competition is designed to revolutionize the footwear industry. This unique contest invites visionary designers worldwide to push the limits of creativity and technology by merging cutting-edge AI with innovative design. The goal? To set a new standard for the future of footwear.
Winners will be granted a rare opportunity: their designs will be prototyped and brought to life, with these cutting-edge creations showcased at two prestigious events— THE SHOE VAULT, at the MIAMI Shoe Museum’s Research Center, during Miami Art Basel Week (Dec 5-8, 2024), and Fashion and Art Basel Edition Miami, Dec 4, USA.
Overall Judging Approach:
Judges are industry leaders from the fashion, technology, and sustainability sectors, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each design. Designs will be assessed based on the abovementioned criteria, with each category contributing to a final score. Feedback will be provided to all finalists, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. The highest-scoring designs will be recognized and rewarded, with winners gaining opportunities for collaboration with leading brands and exposure in the industry.
This avant-garde challenge captures the vibrant energy of Miami, inviting designers, innovators, and tech enthusiasts to create revolutionary footwear inspired by the city’s sun-soaked beaches, iconic Art Deco architecture, buzzing nightlife, and diverse cultural scene. Step into the future of footwear design—bold, innovative, and uniquely Miami.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be 18 years or older to participate.
A non-refundable submission fee of US $85 + tax per design proposal is required at checkout. Applications submitted without payment of the fee will not be considered.
Participants may apply individually or as part of a team, with a maximum of 3 designers per team. Each team or individual may submit one design per application.
Important dates
Ai Footwear Challenge Launching: October 8, 2024
Ai Intro by Footwearology (online): October 15, 1:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM CST
Application deadline: Nov 13, 2024
Top 5 pieces Preselection announcement: November 29
Top 5 pieces Presentation at the MSM THE SHOE VAULT, Miami Art Basel Week (Dec 5-8)
Top 5 finalists will discuss with industry professionals to select the top 3 prototypes. Date 2025 TBA
Exclusive Designer Opportunities: Recognition, Exposure, and Collaboration
Exhibition for Finalists: The five finalist designs will be featured during Miami Art Basel Week—a world-renowned event celebrating art, design, and culture as part of the MIAMI Shoe Museum Research Center exhibit.
Collaborative Production Discussion: The five finalists will be part of an interactive discussion with the experts in the industry to explore the best methods for producing their designs, utilizing the latest and most advanced technologies available, and select the top 3 to be prototyped in 2025.
Global Recognition: A jury panel will select five finalists, and after the initial selection process, the finalists will designs be featured at the MIAMI Shoe Museum Research Center during Miami Art Basel Week (Dec 5-8, 2024) and Fashion and Art Basel Edition Miami, (Dec 4), USA. Providing significant global exposure. Once the top three winning designs are manufactured in 2025, they will be displayed in an exclusive exhibition at the Miami Shoe Museum Research Center, offering the winners unparalleled visibility and recognition in the international footwear industry.
Judging Criteria:
Creativity and Originality, Miami-inspired aesthetic, Sustainability and Eco-Consciousness, AI Integration and Use of Technology, Functionality and Wearability, Storytelling and Concept, and Marketability and Trend Potential.
Participants must present:
Concept Proposal: A detailed concept note explaining the design philosophy, how AI is incorporated into the creative process, and any specific challenges addressed through AI.
A short video (2min MAX) presentation of the design proposal by the designer is required. If the video is in a language other than English, subtitles must be provided.
Digital Renderings/Prototypes: Participants should submit digital renderings 2D or 3D, which may include AI-generated elements, and they should include at least four of the six important views of the design:
1. Top View (Plan View)
2. Side View (Lateral and Medial)
3. Front View
4. Rear View (Heel View)
5. Bottom View (Outsole View)
6. 3/4 View (Isometric View)
Participants must provide a link to a Google Drive folder containing all the required judging materials. Please ensure that the Google Drive folder includes only the information specifically requested by the competition team for review.
Participants must confirm that they are the sole creators and owners of the submitted design proposal. By submitting your entry, you acknowledge that the design is your original work and that you hold all rights to its intellectual property. Additionally, you agree that the design has not been copied, published, or plagiarized from any other source.
