adidas showcases 3D printed footwear

The future looks bright
(Photo courtesy of adidas)

adidas recently unveiled the future of performance footwear with Futurecraft 3D, a unique 3D-printed running shoe midsole which can be tailored to the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot. The 3D concept is part of the ‘Futurecraft series’, a forward-looking initiative that places open source collaboration and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across all elements of production.

adidas Futurecraft 3D on YouTube

In its 3D concept, which provides the ultimate personalised experience for all athletes, adidas created a unique combination of material and process. The production breakthrough will take the running shoe standard to the next level, offering unprecedented individualised support and cushioning for every foot, to enable athletes to perform at their best.

Imagine walking into an adidas store, running briefly on a treadmill and instantly getting a 3D-printed running shoe – this is the ambition of the adidas 3D-printed midsole. Creating a flexible, fully breathable carbon copy of the athlete’s own footprint, matching exact contours and pressure points, it will set the athlete up for the best running experience. Linked with existing data sourcing and footscan technologies, it opens unique opportunities for immediate in-store fittings.

“Futurecraft 3D is a prototype and a statement of intent. We have used a one-of-its-kind combination of process and material in an entirely new way. Our 3D-printed midsole not only allows us to make a great running shoe, but also to use performance data to drive truly bespoke experiences, meeting the needs of any athlete,” said Eric Liedtke, Executive Board Member of adidas AG, responsible for Global Brands.

The Futurecraft 3D story is the first chapter of the adidas Futurecraft series, which demonstrates the brand’s commitment to innovating throughout all areas of production.

“Futurecraft is our sandbox. It is how we challenge ourselves every day to explore the boundaries of our craft. Driving material and process innovation, bringing the familiar into the future. Marrying the qualities of handcrafting and prototyping with the limitless potential of new manufacturing technologies. Futurecraft is stripped back – fast, raw and real – it is our approach to design,” said Paul Gaudio, Creative Director, adidas.

True to the Futurecraft vision of creative collaboration, Futurecraft 3D is possible through an open source partnership with Materialise, a pioneer and leading specialist in 3D printing. The Futurecraft initiative will announce more groundbreaking design innovations in the coming six months and further support adidas’ ambition to be the best sports brand in the world.

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NOTE TO THE EDITOR

adidas Group

The adidas Group is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, offering a broad portfolio of footwear, apparel and hardware for sport and lifestyle around the core brands adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade and CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group employs more than 53,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 14.5 billion in 2014.

adidas Group and Open Source

Open Source is a strong commitment to further strengthen the company’s ties with its consumers. By increasing consumer desire in how adidas creates, designs and presents products, the brand engages with consumers, athletes and partners more than ever before. adidas has already been working closely with some of the world’s most creative and innovative influencers and organisations such as Stella McCartney, Kanye West, BASF SE or Google.