Revolutionizing Footwear Design: A Review of Lattice Engineering, Biomechanics and Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printed Shoes

Additive manufacturing is redefining footwear fabrication by enabling customized designs, lightweight cellular structures and enhanced biomechanical performance all while optimizing material efficiency. This review critically evaluates the role of foot anthropometry, lattice architecture and process optimization in the design and production of 3D printed footwear. It investigates current foot‐scanning and plantar pressure measurement technologies and highlights their importance in achieving personalized fit, improved comfort and injury prevention across diverse user populations. The study further explores how lattice structures contribute to superior cushioning, weight reduction and energy return, supported by insights from finite element analysis, topology optimization and emerging machine learning approaches. Additionally, the influence of key 3D printing process parameters such as layer thickness, infill pattern and printing speed on mechanical behaviour and dimensional accuracy is discussed. Despite progress, challenges remain in standardizing lattice design frameworks, validating simulation models in real‐world conditions and improving access to integrated design tools. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary strategies that merge biomechanical understanding, lattice design innovation and advanced additive manufacturing processes to accelerate the development of next‐generation, high‐performance and customizable footwear.