Days after Sols debuted its Sols Flex 3-D printed insoles, Adidas unveiled its 3-D running shoe concept, Futurecraft 3D.
With the Futurecraft 3D, Adidas promises a unique 3-D printed midsole that can be tailored to the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot, matching the exact contours and pressure points. The company says it imagines a future where a customer can walk into an Adidas store, run briefly on a treadmill, and instantly receive a unique 3-D printed running shoe.
“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, Adidas AG executive board member.
Adidas says it will release more details on the Futurecraft 3D over the next six months. It is the first chapter in a series of Futurecraft advancements.
Adidas Creative Director Paul Gaudio stated, “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 hand crafting and prototyping with the limitless potential of new manufacturing technologies. Futurecraft is stripped back – fast, raw and real – it is our approach to design.”