Adidas uses 3D-printer for making personalised shoe

Adidas on October 7, 2015 unveiled the future of performance footwear with Futurecraft 3D, a unique 3D-printed running shoe midsole which can be tailored to the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot. The 3D concept is part of the Futurecraft series, a forward-looking initiative that places open source collaboration and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across all elements of production.
 
Adidas has partnered with Materialise, a pioneer and leading specialist in 3D printing, for its Futurecraft initiative.  
 
In its 3D concept, which provides a personalised experience to all athletes, Adidas created a unique combination of material and process. The production breakthrough will take the running shoe standard to the next level, offering unprecedented individualised support and cushioning for every foot, to enable athletes to perform at their best.
 
Imagine walking into an adidas store, running briefly on a treadmill and instantly getting a 3D-printed running shoe – this is the ambition of the adidas 3D-printed midsole. Creating a flexible, fully breathable carbon copy of the athlete’s own footprint, matching exact contours and pressure points, it will set the athlete up for the best running experience. Linked with existing data sourcing and footscan technologies, it opens unique opportunities for immediate in-store fittings.
 
  Eric Liedtke, executive board member of Adidas AG, responsible for global brands, said, “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.”
 
Paul Gaudio, creative director, Adidas, added, “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 handcrafting and prototyping with the limitless potential of new manufacturing technologies. Futurecraft is stripped back - fast, raw and real - it is our approach to design."