Chinese additive manufacturing company Hangzhou Staray Technology Co., Ltd (STARAY) presented its 3D printed shoes at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, drawing significant interest from attendees through hands-on product trials. The company received the Best Media Impact Innovation Award during the event, with multiple on-site orders placed following product demonstrations. Founded in 2020, STARAY has established global operations including an R&D center in Italy and distribution channels across Japan, the United States, and Europe.
First-Time Experience with 3D Printed Shoes Drives Positive Response
According to the company’s announcement, many CES visitors experienced 3D printed shoes for the first time and described the products using terms such as “lightweight,” “flexible,” and “snug fit.” Rather than technological concepts, the actual wearing sensation felt through the soles attracted attention. The company reports that multiple attendees expressed purchasing interest after trying on the shoes, with several orders placed on-site.
Product Philosophy Centered on Daily Walking Comfort
STARAY presents a product philosophy focused on daily walking comfort, distinguishing itself from traditional footwear that emphasizes appearance or functional labels. The company aims to return shoes to their essential role—accompanying people during long hours of walking, standing, and daily living, rather than becoming a burden. According to the company, this “foot feel”-centered approach resonated with audiences from various countries and lifestyles.
3D Printing as a Tool for Enhanced Experience
Founded in 2020, STARAY positions 3D printing not as a primary selling point but as a tool to enhance the wearing experience. The integrated structure reduces discomfort associated with traditional stitching, enabling a more seamless and natural walking experience. The elastic lattice structure maintains comfort and stability as foot pressure changes. The company states these experiences are often immediately perceptible with the first step during trials.
According to visitor feedback reported by the company, international attendees commented that STARAY’s shoes—neither as rigidly supportive as sports shoes nor as loosely fitting as casual shoes—closely approximate a state suitable for “wearing all day.” This balance between technology and daily life has led STARAY’s 3D printed shoes to be regarded as genuine consumer goods capable of seamlessly integrating into daily routines.
Design Approach Gains Recognition
STARAY’s design approach also received positive evaluation. The simplistic yet futuristic design, combined with diverse but understated color choices, makes the shoes suitable for both urban commuting and everyday life. This design philosophy, which does not overly emphasize “functional attributes,” allows products to fit more easily into daily outfits across different cultural backgrounds, according to the company.
CES Innovation Award Recognition
The recognition stemming from hands-on experiences was reflected in broader professional interest. During CES, STARAY received the Best Media Impact Innovation Award, further enhancing the brand’s visibility within the global consumer technology context. According to the company, more noteworthy than the award itself is the consensus it reflects—when technology translates into comfort, it becomes easier to understand, remember, and choose.
Manufacturing Logic Supporting Comfort
The comfort verified repeatedly at the exhibition stems from deliberate manufacturing choices. On the production side, STARAY’s manufacturing model centered around 3D printing forms the foundational basis for product experience. The bio-based, adhesive-free manufacturing process reduces resource waste and energy consumption while naturally aligning with environmental and sustainability values that European and American markets prioritize. The relatively low reliance on labor and factory space also enables realistic localization in different countries and regions. According to the company, this represents not merely efficiency but a more sustainable, everyday manufacturing approach.
Global Development Framework
In just over five years since establishment, STARAY has built a global development system covering R&D, design, manufacturing, and branding. The company has established an R&D design center in Italy and is simultaneously developing localized production lines, forming a mass-producible “Made in Italy” smart manufacturing model. In international markets, STARAY has entered key consumer regions including Japan, the United States, and Europe. In Japan specifically, the company has successfully established presence ranging from direct brand operations to boutique channels. According to the company, these capabilities and arrangements invisibly define the completeness of the products.
Reconnecting Walking with Bodily Sensation
Discussing the brand’s long-term direction, founder Luo Jie has stated that STARAY is not solely concerned with “whether the technology is leading” but rather with how technology can continuously deliver precise, comfortable, and trustworthy walking experiences. In her view, footwear is not just a functional product but an extension of lifestyle—conveying a way of living that delivers precision and comfort with every step, allowing the act of walking to reconnect with bodily sensations.
Consumer AM Applications Through Manufacturing-Experience Alignment
STARAY’s approach demonstrates how established AM technologies can transition from industrial applications to consumer products when manufacturing considerations align with end-user experience requirements. The company’s success at CES 2026 reflects growing opportunities for additive manufacturing in consumer goods sectors where production flexibility, design freedom, and material efficiency can directly address comfort and sustainability demands. As AM technology matures beyond prototyping and industrial tooling, consumer-facing applications like 3D printed shoes represent a significant market expansion pathway for the industry.
Company Information
Company: Hangzhou Staray Technology Co., Ltd
Contact: staray@starayglobe.com
Website: www.starayglobe.com
