Just like any technological innovations, 3D printing has come a long way. From engineering and architecture to graphics design and even medicine, startups and established firms alike are dipping their interests in its bright future.
German sports apparel Adidas is one company that pursued the step, and it brought them in creating the Futurecraft 3D in late last year. Although the midsole of Futurecraft 3D is the only 3D printed piece, Engadget proposed that it was enough for the industry to have a "glimpse at what shoes might look like in the near future." Aside from its unique midsole, the Futurecraft 3D is a combination of Primeknit material also found in Adidas' Ultra Boost line.
The dividing line, however, is the company's partnership with Materialise and its forecast to make custom made shoes based on "each individual's needs". Adidas said that the process of creating a personalized shoe would mean that foot elements like "contour details and precise pressure points" are meticulously taken into consideration. The result is a footwear made with 3D materials' that intended for everyday use rather than a specific sport.
As for Adidas' latest 3D venture, the 3D Runner will be akin to the "3D-printed Winners Shoe" they gave to, well, winning athletes who competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It will be made with a Yeezy and Ultra Boost-inspired black Primeknit upper and once again, a 3D-printed midsole that shadows the Futurecraft 3D. It's not entirely the whole shoe that's 3D made, but at least Adidas is pushing for the material in what will be the next generation footwear.
While the news may be an instant hit especially to shoe collectors, the Adidas 3D Runner will be limited to New York City, London and Tokyo with a price tag of $333. Shoeaholics living in New York can reserve the 3D Runner via the Adidas Confirmed app (available on Android and iOS). London and Tokyo residents meanwhile will have to wait until the 15th. Should you miss out on the event, expect the 3D Runner to resell "for hundreds of dollars above its original MSRP."
