Some of the companies imitating New Balance’s brand include New Boom, New Barlun and New Bunren. (Photo : Facebook)
New Balance introduced its first 3D-printed running shoe on November 19, Thursday trying to take the lead against athletic shoe rivals Nike and Adidas. The sneaker features a 3D printer-made midsole whose materials will improve the experience of runners due to the balance of weight, durability, and flexibility.
These running shoes' midsoles consist of "elastomeric powder" as well as DuraForm Flex TPU. It will probably be launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in January, according to Engadget.
However, the sneakers will likely not hit retail stores until April, in a limited edition version in Boston, It will be in time for the city's famous marathon. The shoes will later be sold in some global New Balance stores.
New Balance will run a trial program in some retail stores in 2017. It will allow consumers the chance to customize their 3D-printed midsoles.
The shoe's design is an update of New Balance's Fresh Foam Zante, according to Fast Company. Although the shoe's upper will include traditional materials, the 3D-printed midsole will replace a standard foam midsole.
In the past, 3D-printed midsoles were too heavy and stiff to be effective. However, New Balance has reported that its new materials have made the shoes lighter and pliant.
New Balance has not announced a price point for the 3D-printed shoes. However, it has reported that it will be higher than the company's regular running shoe lineup.
In May 2013 the first-ever 3D printer was added to the National Inventors Hall of Fame in Alexandria, Virginia. The "SLA-1" machine was tested successfully by Charles Hall in March 1983.
Here's a first look at the New Balance 3D-printed running shoes:
