Zellerfeld Mule Design Challenge

We teamed up with our friends at Zellerfeld to host a mule design challenge. Design in Vizcom, make it real with Zellerfeld.

This challenge is closed for submissions.

The brief:

Mules are slip-on closed toe shoes that prioritize ease, comfort, and effortless wear. Designers are invited to rethink this familiar form, focusing on clarity of concept while considering how your design could translate to the real world.

Timeline

• Competition kickoff: March 2, 2026
• Deadline: March 16, 2026
• Winners announced: March 30, 2026

Join the challenge and create in Vizcom. Read the challenge brief. Design your mules in Vizcom.

Submit your work. Submit your final design images, description, and Vizcom file by March 16, 2026 @11:59 PM EST.

Production. Our judging panel will select the Top 3 designs to be Zellerfy-ied. Your design will be produced and shipped to you.

Prompt

Reimagine a pair of mules in Vizcom. Designers are invited to rethink this familiar form, exploring bold ideas, unexpected forms, and expressive details. Focus on clarity of concept while considering how your design could translate to the real world.

Constraints

• No boot, low-top or high-top designs.
• No open toe designs.
• Must be 3D printable. No mixed material designs.
• Avoid cutouts (ie. holes) on the body of your mule.
• Refer to the shoe last shared in the Vizcom Zellerfeld Template file. Template also located in the "Learn" section of the product.

Challenge guide

Open this guide to access everything you need for this challenge. Guide includes a starter template file and resources to get started.

Challenge stages

Stage 1: Design your mule in Vizcom

Participants have two weeks to design and submit their mule designs. Mules must be designed in Vizcom and must meet the submission guidelines to qualify for judging.

Stage 2: Judging and evaluation

Using the judging criteria below, the Vizcom and Zellerfeld team will shortlist and announce the top 30 submissions. Our judging panel (of industry footwear designers) will then select the top 3 submissions that will move on to production with Zellerfeld. Note: Decisions cannot be appealed. Winners will be selected based on the judges' collective assessment.

Stage 3: Production

The top 3 submissions will 3D model their designs to meet the Zellerfeld production guidelines. Designers will submit the required files directly in Zellerfeld Studio and pass their auto-checks. The Vizcom and Zellerfeld team will provide assistance here as needed. 3D modelling knowledge is not necessary, but is a bonus.

Stage 4: Wrap up

The Zellerfeld team will produce and ship samples of your shoe once complete. Vizcom will work directly with the winners to produce spotlight content.

Timelines

• Submissions open: March 2 @ 9:00 AM EST
• Submission deadline: March 16 @ 11:59 PM EST
• Top 30 announced: March 23
• Top 3 announced: March 30
• Production begins: Month of April

Once winners are selected, we’ll reach out and work with the designers to kickstart stage 3 of the production process.

Submission process

Submissions must include:

• Full name
• Email
• Project name
• Project description
• Project inspiration
• Zellerfeld Studio Account Email*
• Vizcom project file link*
• Five final design images
• One optional animation file

* The file must include a 3D model generated in Vizcom. It’s a submission requirement that you create a Zellerfeld Studio account.

Submissions gallery

A snapshot of the incredible submissions we received from the challenge.

What you'll win

The top designs will be selected by our team and judging panel of industry experts.

01

Your design, manufactured In collaboration with Zellerfeld we’ll produce the winning mule design and ship it to you.

02

Bring your shoe to market With Zellerfeld, you have the potential to bring your shoe to market and explore production and distribution pathways.

03

Featured story The winning designs will be showcased on our site, social channels, and newsletter.

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the following criteria:

Creativity & Originality (35%)

Uniqueness of the concept, strength of the idea, and how compellingly the design reimagines the mule.

Design Quality (25%)

Overall execution, attention to detail, form, proportion, and clarity of the final presentation.

Process (10%)

How effectively Vizcom was used throughout the creative process, including iteration, exploration, and workflow development.

Feasibility (20%)

Consideration of real-world production, materials, and how the design could translate from concept to physical product.

Alignment with Brief (10%)

How well the design meets the challenge guidelines and constraints.

Your next idea could be the one we make real

Join our live challenges and submit your design for a chance to see it manufactured and shipped to you. Not ready yet? Sign up to get the next challenge in your inbox.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Vizcom Challenges.

• Can I submit multiple designs? Yes, you can submit up to 3 designs per challenge.
• Do I need a paid Vizcom account to enter? No. Free accounts are eligible to participate.
• Who owns my design after I submit it? You do. You retain full ownership.
• What happens if my design wins? We'll manufacture it and ship it to you! You'll also be featured on our website and social channels.
• Can I use my winning design in my portfolio or sell it? Absolutely. You retain all rights to your work.
• How are winners chosen? A panel of judges from Vizcom and our partners will evaluate submissions based on creativity, design quality, feasibility, and alignment with the brief.
• When will I know if I won? Winners will be announced typically 2-3 weeks after the challenge closes.
• Can I enter if I don't live in the US? Yes! The challenge is open worldwide to anyone 18 or older.
• Can I update my submission after I've entered? No. Submissions are final once submitted.
• I have another question. Who do I contact? Join our Discord and send a message in the #chat channel — we're happy to help!