Forget Crocs, there's a new unconventional footwear contender. Syntilay, an innovative startup leveraging artificial intelligence, has unveiled what they claim are the world's first entirely AI-designed and 3D-printed shoes.

The company, named after the word "scintillate," was founded by 25-year-old entrepreneur Ben Weiss. The shoe's design journey began with Midjourney AI generating the initial shape. An artist then sketched this form, which was subsequently converted into a 3D model using Vizcom AI. Finally, generative AI added the unique patterns and textures.

Weiss highlighted the disruptive potential of AI in shoe design, stating that the traditional 18-month development cycle can be reduced to just a few months with AI and 3D printing.

Syntilay emphasizes personalized comfort. Customers must scan their feet with a smartphone to ensure a custom fit. The shoes, available in five colors (blue, black, red, beige, and orange), are priced at $149.99.

With Reebok co-founder Joe Foster on board, Syntilay aims to capture a significant share of the $85.8 billion U.S. footwear market. The company plans to open its platform to brands and content creators, enabling them to design and sell their own AI-created footwear.

Syntilay also prioritizes sustainability. The shoes are 100% recyclable, and customers can return them for repurposing into new products, creating a closed-loop system.

While Syntilay's long-term success is uncertain, their innovative design and manufacturing approach is pushing the boundaries of the footwear industry. The combination of AI and 3D printing could revolutionize how shoes are designed, produced, and consumed.