COBBLERATION
Bringing Together Cobblers, Art, and Technology
to explore new ways of designing and producing Footwear
COBBLERATION
is a playful combinatination of the words ‘cobblers’ (people that make and repair shoes) and ‘collaboration’. In 2025, we launch the COBBLERATION movement, a global effort pioneered by researchers and artisan cobblers from across the world, to unite around a shared vision on making and walking. We want to critically investigate industrialized footwear production and to explore healthy, sustainable and just alternatives, by blending Indigenous art and communal design with new technologies. We believe it is possible and necessary to produce shoes in a way that respect body and planet, while also respecting the rights of those who produce them. COBBLERATION is a global triannual meeting of cobblers.
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Who is united in COBBLERATION?
Indigenous cobblers and knowledge holders, whose traditions and skilled practices are connected to the lands they inhabit, engage with each other and exchange views, knowledge and Researchers and industry leaders investigate ‘making and walking’ from various angles such as anthropology, biomechanics and footwear design. The exchange is organized and facilitated by Future Footwear Foundation, following over 12 years of research and exchanges with the communities.
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CONCRETE ACTIONS
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We publish scientific articles on biomechanics, design anthropology and related fields
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Bringing the San-Dal back to life and distribute it worlwide with Vivobarefoot
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Creating data-bases of biomechanical and design knowledge
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Provide skilled training via the community premium fee
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Create and implement strategies for fair data usage
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Prototyping of Indigenous and 3D printed shoes
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Co-create a book on cultural knowledge with Ju’|hoan speaking San
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We organize meetings between cobblers, researchers and industry leaders
COLLABORATING COMMUNITIES​​
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San | Namibia/S-Africa
Common Antilope/eland
Saami Sapmi | Inari, Finland
Reindeer hides
Kolhapuri | Atahani, India
Buffalo hides
Jutti | Ranthambore, India
Buffalo and goat hides
Muina Muriu | Colombia
Palm leaf fibre
Tsal’alh | British Colombia, Canada
Salmon skins
RESEARCH AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS
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KASK Conservatorium, HOGENT | Belgium
Main research partner
Liverpool University | UK
Gait lab , Evolutionary Morphoplogy and Biomechanics
Vivobarefoot | UK
Partner for San-Dal distribution
Raghu Kerayil @ Indiecraft | India
Mediation with Kolhapuri cobblers
Devika Krishna | India
Mediation with Kutch cobblers
Virpi Laasko @ Taveämmi | Inaari, Finland
Partner for Saami exchanges
Sara Moritz @ Thomson River University | BC, Canada Mediation with Tsal’alh cobblers
Cobbleration Launch Event May 5 -10, 2025 | !Khwa ttu San Heritage Center South Africa
Indigenous cobblers and knowledge holders, whose traditions and skilled practices are connected to the lands they inhabit, participate in performances, workshops, walking tours, a book launch, storytelling, and talks.
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This first COBBLERATION event will highlight the San heritage linked to the making and wearing of the eland hunting sandal and connected storytelling. Ju|’hoan cobblers will share their skills in an active N!ang N|osi (traditional hunting sandal) workshop.
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PROGRAM
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Talk on land management, resources and justice
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Guided walking tour to ancestral footprints on the Cape Coast
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Book launch TJU - thoughtful ways of making and walking
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Talk on decolonizing design (Dr. Dori Tunstall, Devika Krish-
nan, Catherine Willems)
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Inclusive data management workshop (Datatank)
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Exhibition on ‘walking tracks’
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!Khwa ttu museum tour with Magdalena Luckas
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Ju|’hoan storytelling with |=Oma and |AI!ae Fridrick | Kunta (for
simultaneous translation)
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Jorosi dance and song and framing of the eland connection
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Sandal-making workshop (San, Namibia)
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Shoe repair training workshops
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Want to support our mission and future events?
Reach out to us at anca@futurefootwearfoundation.com and be a part of our movement for sustainable footwear!