Adidas unveiled its Futurecraft 3D performance footwear in Portland, Ore. The 3D-printed running shoe midsole is completely customized for each unique, individual consumer and athlete.
The 3D concept is part of the 'Futurecraft series,' an initiative that places open source collaboration and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across all elements of production.
With the technology, Adidas said customers may one day walking into an Adidas store, run briefly on a treadmill and instantly get a 3D-printed running shoe that matches the runner's exact contours and pressure points. 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, Adidas AG– responsible for Global Brands.
A youttube videe explaining Futurecraft 3D is here.
The Futurecraft 3D story promises to be the first chapter of the Adidas Futurecraft series.
“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” said Paul Gaudio, creative director, Adidas.
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 ground breaking design innovations in the coming six months
