Syntilay
Syntilay is a Boca Raton-based footwear brand founded in 2024 that designs AI-generated, 3D-printed custom shoes fitted via smartphone foot scans, sold DTC to athletes, influencers, and fashion-forward consumers at $111-$400 and manufactured exclusively by Zellerfeld in Hamburg.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2024
- HeadquartersBoca Raton, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Syntilay does
Syntilay, founded in 2024 by Ben Weiss and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, designs and sells custom-fitted footwear produced through AI-assisted generative design and on-demand 3D printing. Customers complete a smartphone-based foot scan that captures more than 5,000 data points; the resulting biometric file is used to auto-adapt length, width, arch height, and flex zones, and the design is generated using third-party AI tools (MidJourney for concept imagery, Vizcom for 3D modeling) before being manufactured by Zellerfeld at its Hamburg facility using aerospace-grade recycled nylon 12 (lattice midsole) and thermoplastic polyurethane. The company claims development cycles of 4-6 weeks versus a traditional 12-18 months, and finished products are lab-tested to 1 million flex cycles with less than 5% energy-return degradation.
The product portfolio spans seven SKUs at price points from $111 (PulsePodz standard-sized slide) to $400 (SKIN designer slide), with the core scan-to-fit range including Luminez ($189), Xplorer Ultra ($119), TO RESET pickleball recovery shoe ($189, co-developed with Terrell Owens), Walking Miracle ($149, with Tim Storey), and STEPN GO Aero Slides ($149, gaming crossover). A separate creator/influencer platform allows external designers and personalities to launch co-branded SKUs while Syntilay handles production and fulfillment, generating a transaction-fee revenue stream alongside direct unit sales. Distribution is omnichannel DTC through syntilay.com and syntilay-controlled retail inside TMRW (Times Square) and The Canvas NYC (SoHo), with shipping to 32 countries across North America, Europe, and APAC.
The customer base is concentrated in four overlapping segments: athletes and active individuals seeking recovery footwear (NBA/NFL/college-athlete endorsements include Shaquille O'Neal purchasing 31 pairs), fashion-forward consumers attracted to the sculptural aesthetic, influencers/content creators monetizing audiences through co-designed SKUs, and people with foot pain or professionals on hard surfaces seeking biomechanically tuned fit. Advisory relationships include Joe Foster (Reebok co-founder), Kevin Harrington, and David Meltzer. The operating model has no disclosed institutional funding, headcount of 1-10, and complete dependency on Zellerfeld as the single manufacturing partner, creating concentration risk on both production capacity and material supply.
Syntilay firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Syntilay
- Legal name
- Syntilay
- Website
- https://syntilay.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2024
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Syntilay is a Boca Raton-based footwear brand founded in 2024 that designs AI-generated, 3D-printed custom shoes fitted via smartphone foot scans, sold DTC to athletes, influencers, and fashion-forward consumers at $111-$400 and manufactured exclusively by Zellerfeld in Hamburg.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Syntilay industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Custom 3D-Printed Footwear
- NAICS
- Footwear Manufacturing (3162), Shoe Retailers (45821)
- SIC
- Footwear, (No Rubber) (3140), Retail-Shoe Stores (5661)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Comfort, Orthopedic & Medical Footwear (CRAAACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Casual & Lifestyle Footwear (CRAAACAB), Athletic Footwear Manufacturing (Running/Training/Court) (IMAOAIAA), Specialty & Orthopedic Footwear Manufacturing (Medical/Diabetic/Custom) (IMAOAIAI), Comfort, Orthopedic & Medical Footwear Retail (CRAAADAG)
Keywords
Where Syntilay is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boca Raton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Syntilay business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- Custom 3D-Printed Shoe Sales: One-time purchase model where customers order custom AI-designed, 3D-printed footwear based on individual foot scans. Each pair is made-to-order and priced individually based on product line.
- Influencer/Creator Platform: Enables influencers to design and sell their own branded shoes through social media channels, with Syntilay handling manufacturing and fulfillment while creators earn from sales
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-level 3D-printed slide |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium AI-designed sneaker |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sport-specific recovery shoe - pickleball |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Lifestyle slide by Tim Storey |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Recovery slide with pod technology |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Designer sculptural slide |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gaming-inspired lifestyle slide |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Syntilay product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Syntilay designs and sells AI-generated, 3D-printed custom footwear fitted to each customer's unique foot geometry. Buyers scan their feet via a smartphone camera; the captured data feeds into AI design tools that generate a made-to-order shoe, which is then manufactured on demand by partner Zellerfeld using fused 3D lattice construction and shipped globally in 4-6 weeks. The portfolio spans custom-fit sneakers and slides (Luminez, Xplorer Ultra, TO RESET, Walking Miracle, SKIN, STEPN GO Aero Slides) plus standardized recovery footwear (Pulse Podz).
Product overview
Syntilay is the first AI shoe brand offering custom-fitted 3D-printed footwear. The portfolio includes scan-to-fit custom shoes (Luminez, Xplorer Ultra, TO RESET, Walking Miracle, SKIN, STEPN GO Aero Slides) that use smartphone foot scans capturing 5,000+ data points to generate personalized designs, as well as standardized recovery products (Pulse Podz) using advanced 3D lattice technology. Products range from $111-$400 and are manufactured on-demand via Zellerfeld 3D printing in 4-6 weeks. The company positions itself as transforming footwear from mass-produced to made-for-you, with AI-driven design reducing development time by up to 9x compared to traditional 12-18 month cycles.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Luminez AI-designed performance sneaker with 95% automated development; custom-fitted from individual foot scans with a bold automotive-inspired aesthetic. Priced at $189.
- Xplorer Ultra Entry-level 3D-printed AI-shaped everyday slide built around the customer's unique foot scan with bold sculpted form and precision fit. Priced at $119.
- TO RESET World's first custom pickleball recovery shoe created with NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens; generated from individual foot scans and designed for pressure relief and lateral cut support. Priced at $189.
- Walking Miracle Custom-fit lifestyle slide created in collaboration with Tim Storey as a wearable reminder of strength, purpose, and possibility. Priced at $149.
- Pulse Podz Ready-to-wear 3D-printed recovery slide with precision-tuned PulsePodz lattice pods that reduce pressure, improve airflow, and deliver massage-like relief; uses standard sizing (no foot scan required). Priced $111-$149.
- STEPN GO Aero Slides 3D-printed AI-designed slide co-created with STEPN, inspired by the brand's in-game footwear; features scan-to-fit sizing for personalized fit. Priced at $149.
- SKIN Designer sculptural 3D-printed slide by Sebastian Ciuciu; built from individual foot scans for precision fit with organic, nature-inspired form. Priced $250-$400.
Companies that use Syntilay
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Syntilay technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
AI capability5 records
Feature6 records
Syntilay partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered key, flagship and core.
- Terrell OwenskeyNFL Hall of Fame legend collaborated on TO RESET recovery shoe designed specifically for pickleball players. Owens provided design input on pressure points and recovery challenges, with heel reshaped to redistribute force.
- TMRW (Times Square)flagshipCutting-edge tech boutique retail location in Times Square at The Candler Building. Syntilay is the only footwear innovator featured, offering in-store foot scanning experiences and product sales in a curated technology retail environment.
- The Canvas NYCkeyCurated retail and gallery environment in SoHo where design, art, and technology intersect. Features permanent Syntilay display with pre-printed shoe colors available for purchase. Marks Syntilay's second physical retail presence.
- AutrionkeyTechnology partner for PulsePodz development. Their lattice engineering enables airflow throughout the shoe while helping relieve pressure through precision-tuned pod structures.
- ZellerfeldcoreHamburg-based 3D printing footwear factory that produces all Syntilay shoes using thermoplastic polyurethane. Zellerfeld's TextureMap technology provides smart internal material structuring for durability and comfort. Manufacturing is located in Germany with worldwide shipping.
- Joe FosterkeyReebok co-founder who collaborated with Syntilay on the launch of the world's first 3D-printed AI-designed custom shoe. Provides footwear industry expertise and strategic guidance as advisor.
- STEPNkeyCollaboration on STEPN GO - a 3D-printed AI-designed slide inspired by STEPN's in-game footwear. Features scan-to-fit sizing creating a bridge between game and reality.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Syntilay competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Rothy's: Sustainable DTC footwear brand making shoes from recycled materials (plastic bottles) with made-to-order production. Comparable to Syntilay as a sustainability-driven, direct-to-consumer footwear company with on-demand manufacturing.
Broad incumbents
- Adidas: Global footwear leader with Futurecraft 4D (3D-printed midsoles produced in partnership with Carbon) and ongoing custom footwear initiatives. Comparable to Syntilay as a broad incumbent investing in 3D-printed and personalized footwear.
- New Balance: Major footwear brand with FuelCell 998 and TripleCell lines featuring 3D-printed midsoles and limited custom programs. Comparable to Syntilay as a broad incumbent pushing 3D printing into performance footwear.
- Reebok: Footwear brand with prior 3D-printed shoe collaborations (e.g., Reebok x Bottletop) and direct connection to Syntilay through Reebok co-founder Joe Foster, who serves as Syntilay advisor. Comparable as a traditional brand exploring 3D-printed and custom fit.
- Allbirds: Sustainable DTC footwear brand emphasizing comfort, eco-friendly materials, and direct consumer relationships. Comparable to Syntilay as a sustainability- and comfort-focused DTC footwear company, though Allbirds uses traditional manufacturing rather than 3D printing.
- Saucony: Performance running brand with ENDORPHIN PRO featuring a 3D-printed carbon fiber plate and continued investment in additive manufacturing for performance footwear. Comparable to Syntilay as a traditional brand integrating 3D-printed components into premium footwear.
- Nike: Global athletic footwear leader with Nike By You (custom design) platform and Flyprint 3D-printed textile upper technology. Compares to Syntilay as the dominant incumbent exploring custom fit and 3D printing at scale.
Others
- Carbon: Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) 3D printing technology provider and Adidas partner for Futurecraft 4D midsoles. Comparable to Syntilay as an enabling technology platform in the 3D-printed footwear ecosystem.
Direct peers
- Atoms: DTC footwear brand with a strong emphasis on fit, custom quarter sizing, and comfort for everyday wear. Comparable to Syntilay as a direct-to-consumer brand focused on individualized fit, though Atoms uses traditional manufacturing.
- Zellerfeld: Hamburg-based 3D-printed shoe manufacturer that produces all Syntilay shoes and also runs its own consumer brand. Direct competitor-adjacent as both a manufacturing partner and an emerging player offering custom 3D-printed footwear directly to consumers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Syntilay social profiles
Digital presenceSyntilay compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Syntilay financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Syntilay leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Syntilay funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Syntilay M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Syntilay
What does Syntilay do?
Syntilay designs and sells AI-generated, 3D-printed custom footwear fitted to each customer's unique foot geometry. Buyers scan their feet via a smartphone camera; the captured data feeds into AI design tools that generate a made-to-order shoe, which is then manufactured on demand by partner Zellerfeld using fused 3D lattice construction and shipped globally in 4-6 weeks. The portfolio spans custom-fit sneakers and slides (Luminez, Xplorer Ultra, TO RESET, Walking Miracle, SKIN, STEPN GO Aero Slides) plus standardized recovery footwear (Pulse Podz).
Is Syntilay a public or private company?
Syntilay is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Syntilay founded?
Syntilay was founded in 2024. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Syntilay based?
Syntilay is headquartered in Boca Raton, United States, in the North America region.
How does Syntilay make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Custom 3D-Printed Shoe Sales are the primary driver. The others are influencer/Creator Platform.
Who are Syntilay's main competitors?
Rothy's is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Adidas, New Balance, Reebok, Allbirds, Saucony and Nike. Carbon is listed as an others. Direct peers are Atoms and Zellerfeld.
Does Syntilay have an API?
No public API is recorded for Syntilay.
What industry is Syntilay in?
Syntilay's product category is Custom 3D-Printed Footwear. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAAACAG, Comfort, Orthopedic & Medical Footwear, with a secondary code of CRAAACAB, Casual & Lifestyle Footwear. Its NAICS code is 3162 and its SIC code is 3140.