Our story
The inspiration for URBNC3 came in 2020 when Linda went to see a doctor because she had foot pain while walking. However, the doctor advised her to wait until it gets worse before seeing a podiatrist. At the same time, Philipp wanted to buy orthopedic shoes, but found only expensive and old-fashioned models. In a discussion, Philipp explained that it is frustrating to search for shoes suitable to his insoles - especially in summer he cannot wear sandals or flip-flops without pain because he needs his specific foot bed. This was the moment when they both recognized the great potential of a mass-tailoring approach to footwear to give more people access to the right shoes before health problems arise. Together with design & fashion enthusiasts Roman and designer Kristyna, the label URBNC3 was finally brought to life.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide more people with access to custom-made shoes to prevent potential problems caused by ill-fitting shoes. We want to make individual fit and design of shoes more affordable and prove that it is not necessary to compromise between functionality, sustainability and design.
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We are pursuing the vision of sustainably changing the shoe industry that is still very traditional. For this purpose, we want to completely redesign the value chain of shoe production, based on 3D printing, digitization and circular economy. We fight the prevailing culture of mass consumption and returns in the fashion industry by producing tailored and on demand.
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The team
In 2022, Linda and Roman gave up their corporate finance careers to pursue their passion for a product that excites them and solves their personal problems. When still studying at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Linda pursued some ideas for self-employment, while Roman organized the sustainable fashion show Undress and started to build his network in the fashion world.
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Philipp, who as a doctoral student and data analyst at ETH KOF Zurich focused on technical topics, has meanwhile also become our photographer, model and editor. After Kristyna, experienced fashion & shoe designer from the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design Prague (VSUP), enthusiastically joined the team, nothing could stop us.
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Together with experience partners such as podiatrists or material and 3D printing experts, we are continuously working on realizing our vision.
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