You can make Adidas Futurecraft 3D at home in the future and according to chief executive officer Eric Sprunk of Nike, 3D printing footwear at home will be possible sooner than we thought. What is Adidas Futurecraft 3D?
It employs the assistance of 3D printing and Adidas is here to explain the process – well, at least the midsole part. You see, Futurecraft 3D is Adidas’ new unique 3D printed running shoe midsole. It can be fully customized in order to tailor to an individual’s foot. This initiative entails that athletes will have better shoes that will suit their needs. And, of course, ordinary people like you and me will be able to design our own footwear as we see fit – in accordance with some guidelines, one may presume.
The recently released statement has nothing to do with Nike’s plans of 3D printed footwear, but the resemblance is uncanny. A spokeswoman on behalf of Adidas notes that Paul Gaudio, who is a Portland-based creative director for the company, will be heavily involved in everything that means Futurecraft 3D.
This 3D concept means that anyone can walk into an Adidas store, do a short jog on a treadmill and get a design for 3D printed shoes that will be tailored to his, or hers needs. This is what Adidas wants to achieve – the company wants to be able to create cushioning for every foot, a breathable and flexible carbon copy of the individual’s footprint. This means that it will exactly match pressure points and contours.
Currently, Adidas Futurecraft 3D is in its prototype phase. This should be taken with a grain of salt. While the idea is out there, the technology to achieve such a feat is, well, lacking. The good news is that it isn’t lacking completely.
Paul Gaudio notes that Futurecraft is the company’s sandbox. It’s a means to challenge themselves and see how much they can push the boundaries of their craft. A new approach to design – real, raw and fast; Gaudio adds. They are bringing together all the qualities that comes with hand crafting a shoe with prototyping and 3D technology.
Materialise, a leading specialist in 3D printing and one of the pioneers, is Adidas’ partner in bringing 3D printed footwear to reality. Expect more news about Adidas Futurecraft 3D footwear in the upcoming six months.
3D print enthusiasts, would you buy a design of your footprint so you can make your own shoes at home? Or are you more keen to let Adidas do all the work?
Regardless of your decision, this trend will surely skyrocket before the decade ends.
