Coral-Lattice Sandal Midsole Design

I’m developing a sandal that features a 3D-printed midsole inspired by the interlocking geometry of coral polyps. The design must feel natural underfoot for everyday walking and casual wear, distributing pressure evenly across the whole foot rather than concentrating support only at the heel or arch. I’m working with a standard adult foot profile, so there’s no custom scan involved—just a well-balanced, ergonomic shape that can drop straight into typical men’s and women’s lasts. You’ll translate the coral motif into a printable lattice that blends cushioning and stability. Think flexible TPU or a similarly resilient material; the goal is a sole that rebounds lightly, keeps weight down, and survives repeated flexing. I’m comfortable evaluating files in Rhino, Grasshopper, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks, so use whichever platform lets you parametrically refine cell size, wall thickness, and infill gradients. Deliverables • 3D CAD file of the full-length midsole (STL and native format) • A brief spec sheet noting lattice parameters, recommended print orientation, and material guidelines • Rendered visuals that illustrate the underside pattern and a cross-section of the internal geometry • Optional but valued: a basic FEA snapshot or compression test simulation showing even pressure distribution across the footbed Acceptance The lattice should compress smoothly under light body weight, rebound without noticeable “bottoming out,” and maintain structural integrity at 2 mm minimum wall thickness. I’ll test by printing a sample in TPU—if the sole feels balanced from heel to toe and shows no weak spots after flex cycles, the job is done.