The world of luxury footwear faces a key challenge: offering fully personalized products without compromising business scalability. Striking this balance between craftsmanship and technological efficiency is essential—especially in a market where omnichannel experiences and online sales are now pillars of growth.
Discover in this case study how a luxury footwear manufacturing company has managed to revolutionise its measurement system with 3D Avatar, offering a better shopping experience, reducing returns and increasing sales without sacrificing personalisation.
Why is 3D scanning technology crucial in luxury footwear?
Luxury footwear is not only defined by materials or exclusive design—it’s also about comfort, precise fit, and customer experience. In this context, 3D scanning technology plays several key roles:
- Accurate capture of measurements and foot morphology.
- Contactless personalization.
- Digitization of the sales channel.
- More efficient and sustainable production.
About the client: A story of design, engineering, and a passion for shoes
Enrico Cuini, a U.S.-based brand specializing in high-end women’s footwear. The story of this company dates back to 1997, when Enrico designed his first collection alongside Taryn Rose at the iconic Mondrian Hotel. Their professional paths then diverged—Taryn went on to build a $40 million company, while Enrico focused on architecture and industrial design in Rome. But fate brought them back together, united by a shared passion: high heels that are both elegant and comfortable.
Inspired by a butterfly that landed on his studio window, Enrico developed the «Wing Shoe» technology—a breakthrough in comfort, design, and fit. Yet offering that level of personalization at scale would require more than just great engineering.
Challenges and needs: How can a luxury footwear brand scale without losing personalization?
Enrico Cuini team knew one thing for sure: maintaining their market edge meant delivering a perfect fit with every pair of shoes. But doing it manually—as they had traditionally—limited their production capacity, drove up costs, and made a large-scale digital strategy unfeasible.
The challenge was clear: the brand needed a precise, fast, contactless foot measurement solution that could be deployed both at in-person events and through their online sales channel. Up until that point, measurements were taken manually, which meant:
- Long fitting sessions with each client.
- Heavy reliance on specialized staff.
- High margin of error.
- Difficulties selling online without compromising fit.
The solution
To scale a luxury footwear model without sacrificing personalization, Enrico Cuini needed a tech solution that addressed two fronts: delivering a fast and accurate foot measurement process during in-person events, and replicating that same experience through digital channels. The combined use of DOMEscan/IBV for physical retail and 3D Avatar for online sales enabled the brand to automate measurements, streamline production, and ensure a perfect fit for every customer—no matter where the purchase happens.
DOMEscan/IBV: 3D technology for events and pop-up store
To enhance the in-person experience, Enrico Cuini adopted DOMEscan/IBV, a low-cost scanner developed by the Biomechanics Institute of Valencia (IBV). This technology captures the 3D shape of the foot and calculates precise measurements and a recommended shoe size in just seconds.
Thanks to its portability, DOMEscan has become a key tool for the pop-up events that Enrico Cuini hosts in various cities. Clients can scan their feet on the spot and receive personalized size recommendations, ensuring a perfect fit and drastically reducing returns.
Advantages of using DOMEscan in temporary retail settings:
- Scans in under 10 seconds.
- No physical contact or expert staff required.
- Data exportable to the design and production system.
3D Avatar: the technological leap into digital retail
While DOMEscan addressed the needs of physical retail, 3D Avatar was the breakthrough that allowed Enrico Cuini to scale its personalized experience into the digital channel. This technology enables anyone to scan their feet at home using nothing more than a smartphone. 3D Avatar generates a high-precision anatomical digital model in seconds, with no additional hardware required.
For Enrico Cuini, this was a game changer:
- Full scalability without compromising personalization.
- Enhanced online shopping experience.
- Fewer returns due to incorrect sizing.
- Seamless integration with their custom manufacturing system.
Results
Although Enrico Cuini hasn’t released exact figures, data from IBV and 3D Avatar confirms the value of these technologies:
- Up to 80% reduction in size-related errors.
- Up to 25% increase in online conversions when scanning is included.
- 50% drop in returns due to poor fit.
- Significant increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How is the technology integrated into the brand experience?
Enrico Cuini has not only implemented this technology for efficiency—it’s also woven into their brand storytelling. Their narrative centers on delivering a luxury experience that’s accessible and personalized, where each client plays an active role in designing their own shoes. The 3D solutions strengthen that message:
- They reflect a commitment to innovation.
- They reinforce the pursuit of comfort without compromising style.
- They support sustainable production by minimizing waste and returns.
Conclusion: technology and inspiration shaping the future of luxury footwear
The Enrico Cuini case shows that it is possible to scale a personalized luxury footwear model without losing its essence. With DOMEscan/IBV for physical retail and 3D Avatar for digital, the brand has successfully combined design, science, and engineering to deliver a flawless user experience.
This story is a source of inspiration for other brands in the sector: cutting-edge technology isn’t just about optimizing operations—it’s about creating real value for the customer. Because in luxury footwear, every detail matters. And today, precision can be digital.
Would you like to become our new success story? Contact the 3D Avatar team through the following form.
For more information, visit: www.avatar3d.tech
