TREAD/X – AI-Driven Personalized Footwear

Fashion Scholarship Fund Case Study – Class of 2025 Saks Global Named Scholar TREAD/X is a personalized performance footwear concept developed as part of the 2025 Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Case Study, which challenged students to develop an innovative strategy for Salomon. Out of over 6,000 applicants nationwide, I was selected as one of 148 FSF Scholars and awarded a Saks Global Named Scholarship for this submission. The concept envisions a future where Salomon leverages AI and digital manufacturing to create footwear tailored entirely to the individual. Using biometric data, terrain preferences, and performance needs, TREAD/X generates custom-designed outsoles made with 3D-printed TPU — optimizing traction, support, and energy return based on each user’s movement patterns and environment. Rather than relying on mass-produced sizing and generic silhouettes, TREAD/X introduces a fully personalized approach to product development, reducing waste and enhancing performance through precision and specificity. Rooted in Salomon’s outdoor innovation ethos, this case study redefines how the brand could lead the next frontier of tech-integrated, sustainable gear.