Editor’s Note: Forbes featured IAMBIC for developing AI-tailored, sizeless shoes that eliminate pain and redefine precision fit. The article explores how our approach replaces standard sizing with geometry-based design. Read the feature, then explore below.
The Future of Fit: Introducing the MODEL T
Standard sizing assumes similarity, but every foot has unique geometry. The MODEL T was created to change that by combining biomechanics, AI, and European craftsmanship to deliver a fit measured in millimeters. It begins with a smartphone scan that captures your posture, balance, and anatomical data. Our Fit Engine transforms this into a digital last shaped precisely for you.
Each pair is handcrafted in Portugal from full-grain Italian leather and refined through Sole Print feedback that helps your comfort evolve with every wear. Named a TIME Best Invention, the MODEL T is built on AI fit technology recognized by the National Science Foundation.
Not ready to order? Take the Fit Guide Quiz for personalized fit guidance.
The IAMBIC Difference
- Smartphone self-scan: A quick, browser-based process with guided steps.
- Custom geometry: Each pair is designed from your unique 3D measurements.
- Craftsmanship meets data: Full-grain Italian leather shaped by hand to your exact dimensions.
- Adaptive feedback: Sole Print technology refines future pairs from wear data.
What Forbes Highlighted
“We are making an AI-driven precision fit sneaker because we want to make footwear innovative. The industry leaves out one in four people who do not fit standard sizing.”
— Maeve Wang, Co-Founder, IAMBIC (via Forbes)
“We use more than 20 variables that go beyond length and width. The full 3D profile and comfort preferences are part of the design. We keep the art of shoemaking but combine it with science and data.”
— Raza Hassan, Co-Founder, IAMBIC (via Forbes)
Forbes also emphasized the health benefits of custom fit and how proper geometry helps prevent chronic foot pain and posture strain.
Why Custom Fit Matters
- Comfort under load: Alignment that endures meetings, travel, and long days.
- Posture and focus: Stability that minimizes fatigue and boosts confidence.
- Consistency: Each pair evolves with your feedback for lasting precision.
How to Get Started
- Order the MODEL T. After checkout, receive your smartphone Virtual Consultation link.
- Complete your scan. Three photos per foot on white paper plus a short comfort profile.
- We review and build. A biomechanical expert reviews your scan, and your pair is handcrafted in Portugal within 4 to 6 weeks.
Prefer guidance first? Take the Fit Guide Quiz to determine your ideal fit.
We reserve a limited number of complimentary consultations for qualifying participants.
About the Forbes Feature
IAMBIC Creates ‘Sizeless’ Shoes That Are Good For Your Feet, Forbes, May 2, 2023. The article highlights how AI-driven scanning, digital lasts, and European craftsmanship merge to create better comfort and reduce return rates.
About the Author
Nadja Sayej is a journalist covering art, fashion, and culture for outlets such as Forbes, The Guardian, and Vogue. Her decade-long reporting career focuses on the intersection of creativity and innovation.
FAQs
What does custom-fit mean compared to standard sizing?
IAMBIC designs from your 3D foot geometry rather than preset sizes, solving heel slip, narrow heels, wide forefeet, and instep pressure.
Can this help with pressure points or slipping?
Yes. The system locks the heel, tunes volume, and distributes pressure evenly. Our Signature Fit Guarantee covers unlimited refits if adjustments are needed.
How long is production?
After your Virtual Consultation, most pairs ship within four to six weeks. Start with the Fit Guide Quiz if you want guidance first.
Can the process be completed on a smartphone?
Yes. The scan runs in your phone’s browser using good lighting and a flat, white surface.
Is the MODEL T suitable for office and travel?
Absolutely. Its design fits both formal and smart-casual settings and supports long days of movement.
Is my scan data private?
Yes. Data is encrypted, used only for your fit model and refits, and never shared or sold.
The most interesting thing about them being crafted just for me is how well they fit. And I hadnever even noticed that my shoes didn't fit right. My other shoes don't hurt me - they just slosharound. With these, the heels actually stay on the whole time and it fits snugly yet stillcomfortably. And I'd never experienced that before. They just stay comfortable all day.
As a runner, as an athlete, just knowing that I'm doing a good service to my body is incredible.It’s the reason that I love my IAMBIC shoes. It's that precision that makes me feel safe to walkdown the street, get on the subway, do my commute, bring my kids to school, and not feelconcerned that I'm doing it in a shoe that doesn't fit right or that doesn't feel good.
The thing that I was surprised by the most with the precision fit is that any pressure points thatI had been feeling with the shoes that I previously came in wearing were completely gone. I waswearing a shoe that wasn't too tight. It wasn't too loose. The sole fit just right. Total comfort.That's the best way to put it.
So I suffer from chronic foot pain and I believe that a lot of that has to do with wearing shoes that actually don't fit. Whenever I wear my IAMBICs, I've noticed that I have felt less pain, which is really incredible. And they're just so comfortable. I'm not worried about the back of my heel popping out or my ankles not having enough support. Also, they're just so stylish and every time I wear them out in the street, I always get compliments, which never happens to me.
A shoe that may feel comfortable for a half hour walk is not a shoe that always feels comfortablefor a three and a half hour walk. So what I like about IAMBIC is, even though the snug fit isthere and it feels comfortable, it also feels substantial enough that I can walk a lot withoutgetting any discomfort. That's just something that's especially important to me and I think theshoe has really delivered that.
The first moment that I tried on my IAMBIC shoes, I noticed a difference. I have small feet. So whenever I try on shoes, I usually expect them to not fit. If they do fit, there's usually some sort of discomfort, whether that's in the toe box or too much space or at the heel. So knowing that this shoe was tailored to my foot was really meaningful. It's rare that you find a shoe like IAMBIC that truly is comfortable, but also hits the markers of style versatility.
I think we're all placed on this earth as unique individuals. None of us are really off the rack in terms of sizing. So for me to have that experience of having something made specifically for me that fit perfectly was something that was a little bit mind blowing. And once I got the shoes, I tried them on, they looked great, they felt great. And honestly, they fit like a glove.