Athletic apparel manufacturer Adidas announced unveiled the 3D-printed running shoe prototype called Futurecraft 3D. The new prototype is part of the Futurecraft series which aims to create the ultimate personalized experience for all.
In a statement posted on Adidas' official website, Adidas executive board member Eric Liedtke said "Futurecraft 3D is a prototype and a statement of intent. 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."
Since Futurecraft 3D is still in its early prototype stage, only the midsole part was introduced. On the other hand, Adidas promised that is has developed a proprietary 3D printing technology in order to create innovative design in the future.
A 3D printed midsole means that it is specially tailored for a specific size. This will ensure comfort to its user.
According to Gizmondo, Adidas has already tapped the services of Belgian company Materialise in order to help it achieve its goal. Materialise is an established brand when it comes to additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, and has more than 20 years' worth of experience in the field.
Despite its innovative idea, Adidas is not the first company to jump into 3D printed shoes market. Feetz is one of the first few startup company to release 3D printed custom footwear. On the other hand, Adidas rival Nike is also designing a new technology that will allow consumers to 3D print their own shoes at the comforts of their home.