The biggest complaint about 3D printed slides? "They feel like walking on plastic."
That’s because standard TPU filament is a solid block of rubber; it bends but doesn't bounce. For a slide to feel like a Yeezy or a Croc, you need foam.
Enter Siraya Tech Roamr, the only foaming TPU filament designed specifically for footwear. By trapping microscopic air bubbles inside the print, Roamr creates a lightweight, high-rebound structure that offers real shock absorption.
But which version should you choose? Siraya Tech offers two distinct hardness levels: the firm and responsive HR-85A, and the ultra-plush HR-80A. Here is how to pick the perfect one for your slides.
Quick Decision: 85A or 80A?
|
Feature |
||
|
Feel |
Athletic, Responsive, "Springy" |
Plush, Cloud-like, "Cushioned" |
|
Best For |
Heavier users (>180lbs), Outdoor use, Sport Mode |
Lighter users (<180lbs), Indoor lounging, Recovery slides |
|
Print Speed |
Faster (Easier to feed) |
Slower (Requires care) |
|
Energy Return |
High (Bounces back fast) |
Medium (Sinks in soft) |
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1. The All-Rounder: Roamr HR-85A (Firm)
👌 Best For: Daily Wear, Outdoor Walking, Heavy Users
If you want a slide that can handle a walk to the store or a day at the beach, Roamr HR-85A is your workhorse. It is slightly stiffer, which provides critical arch support that prevents foot fatigue.
Because it is firmer, it is also easier to print on Bowden-style printers (like the Ender 3) without jamming.
- The "Pop" Factor: The 85A hardness acts like a loaded spring. When you step down, it resists compression, pushing you forward into your next step.
- Durability: Better abrasion resistance for walking on concrete or asphalt.
- Printer Friendly: The stiffness makes it feed smoothly through extruders, allowing for slightly faster print speeds than the 80A.
2. The Comfort King: Roamr HR-80A (Soft)
👌 Best For: Recovery Slides, Home Use, Lightweight Users
If you want that "walking on marshmallows" feeling, Roamr HR-80A is the answer. It is significantly softer than standard TPU, mimicking the squishy feel of EVA foam used in recovery sandals. This softness allows the slide to conform perfectly to your foot shape.
- Maximum Squish: Ideal for "recovery slides" worn after a workout or just lounging around the house.
- Grip: The softer material offers superior traction on smooth tile or hardwood floors.
- Printing Note: Because it is so soft, it requires a Direct Drive Extruder (like on a Prusa or Bambu Lab) and slow speeds (20-30mm/s) to print successfully.
Why Foaming TPU Filaments Win for Footwear
Standard TPU prints are heavy and dense. Roamr changes the physics of your print.
1. 20% Lighter Weight
Because the filament foams as it melts, it expands to fill the space with air bubbles. This means your finished slide weighs significantly less than a standard TPU print—critical for a shoe that doesn't drag your foot down.
2. The "Velvet" Finish
Layer lines are the enemy of aesthetics. The foaming action of Roamr creates a natural matte, textured finish that effectively hides layer lines. Your slides come off the printer looking like a finished, injection-molded product, not a raw prototype.
3. Heat Resistance (HR)
Both the HR-85A and HR-80A are formulated for high-temperature resistance. Unlike PLA, which warps in a hot car, Roamr maintains its shape and bounce even in summer heat.
Print Settings for 3D Printed Slides
Most makers use standard TPU 95A. The result is a heavy, dense shoe with zero shock absorption. Roamr changes the physics by trapping microscopic air bubbles inside the print.
To activate the foaming agent in Roamr, temperature is key. Hotter = More Foam. Cooler = Less Foam.
| Setting | Value | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temp | 220°C - 240°C | 240°C creates maximum softness/matte finish. |
| Flow Rate | 90% - 100% | Reduce flow slightly as the foam expands to fill gaps. |
| Retraction | OFF or 0.5mm | Flexible filaments clog easily with high retraction. |
| Print Speed | 20 - 30 mm/s | Go slow, especially with the softer 80A. |
Start Printing Better Shoes
Don't waste time printing hard plastic. Switch to Roamr Foaming TPU for the only 3D printed slides you'll actually want to wear all day.
Shop Footwear Filaments →Conclusion: Which Spool Should You Buy?
- Choose Roamr HR-85A if you want a durable, supportive slide for everyday outdoor use or have a Bowden printer.
- Choose Roamr HR-80A if you prioritize maximum softness and have a direct-drive printer capable of handling flexible materials.
Start Your Print:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are 3D printed slides waterproof?
Yes. Both Roamr (TPU) and Tenacious (Resin) are waterproof. However, the design of the shoe matters—lattice structures will let water in (and out), making them great for the beach/shower but bad for puddles.
Will they melt in the sun?
PLA slides will deform in a hot car. Roamr and Tenacious have much higher heat resistance. Roamr remains stable well above typical summer temperatures, making it safe for outdoor wear.
Why use Foaming TPU over regular TPU?
Comfort. Regular TPU is like walking on a tire. Foaming TPU (Roamr) is like walking on a yoga mat. The difference in shock absorption is massive for daily wear.