Ecco has teamed up with Dow Chemical and Dassault for a project called Quant-U. With Dow supplying elastomer and Dassault supplying software, the three companies have come up with a midsole that is made of liquid silicone rubber. It can be produced with a 3D printer, fitting the shape and movement of the individual wearer's feet. A customer can walk into a store, get fitted and emerge with custom shoes in less than an hour. Dow's silicone is called Silastic 3D 3335, and the soles made with it are odor free, bacteria resistant, water repellent, breathable, durable and machine washable. Ecco presented the system and shoes in late January at events in Tokyo to promote its spring/summer collection.

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