Editor’s note: Shape explored how modern technology is redefining fit and featured IAMBIC for its precision-fit, sizeless design. Read the full feature here: Shape article.
IAMBIC pairs a simple smartphone scan with a comfort profile to shape a digital last made for you, then handcrafts each pair in Portugal. Recognized as a TIME Best Invention and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Not ready to order? Take the Fit Guide Quiz for personalized fit guidance.
The IAMBIC difference
- Smartphone self-scan: A guided three-image capture directly in your browser.
- Custom-fit from your geometry: Designed from your 3D measurements and comfort preferences.
- Crafted in Portugal: Full-grain leather construction shaped to your personal last.
- Improves over time: Sole Print wear feedback refines future pairs.
Learn more in How Custom-Fit Shoes Work and AI-Tailored Footwear.
Introducing the MODEL T
The MODEL T blends quiet design with all-day comfort that remains consistent through movement and travel. Named a TIME Best Invention, it is built on technology recognized by the NSF SBIR Phase II Award.
How to get started
Ready to order? Visit the MODEL T page and place your order. After checkout, you will receive a link to complete your smartphone Virtual Consultation (three photos of each foot and a short comfort profile).
- Complete your Virtual Consultation. Use good lighting, a hard floor, and white paper to capture accurate data.
- We review and build. A biomechanical engineer reviews your profile, and your pair is crafted in Portugal. Most orders ship in about 4 to 6 weeks after your consultation is uploaded.
Still exploring? Take the Fit Guide Quiz to discover your personalized fit and learn how IAMBIC adapts to you.
FAQs
What does “custom fit” mean compared to standard sizes?
IAMBIC creates a last from your 3D foot geometry and comfort profile, addressing factors like heel slip, forefoot width, and arch volume for complete balance and alignment.
Can I do the full process on my smartphone?
Yes. You can complete the scan and comfort profile entirely in your phone’s browser with good lighting and a few sheets of white paper.
How long does it take?
Most orders ship in about 4 to 6 weeks after completing your Virtual Consultation.
What if something feels off?
You are covered by our Signature Fit Guarantee with unlimited refits.
Is the MODEL T appropriate for office wear and travel?
Yes. Customers wear the MODEL T for business, travel, and daily performance. The design supports long hours and movement with comfort that stays consistent.
About the Shape Author
Jennifer Heimlich is a senior writer at Shape, a certified running coach, and lifelong athlete. She covers performance, health, and recovery with a focus on footwear innovation and wellness design. Her editorial approach blends personal experience with data-driven insight into movement and comfort.
Helpful links
IAMBIC is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions.
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 shoesthat 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 andevery timeI 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.