World Footwear

Innovation

adidas introduces new 3D-printing process

Apr 10, 2017 Germany

adidas unveils Futurecraft 4D

adidas has joined forces with Carbon, a Silicon Valley startup, to move 3D printing shoes from prototypes into mainstream retail

Carbon uses light-sensitive plastics in their 3D printing process. Their technology reduces the time it takes to print the shoe's sole from an hour and a half to something like an impressive 20 minutes.

This unique process to create them uses light to fix the materials into lattice designed soles and could allow the company to tailor make shoes perfectly fitted to the feet, producing small production runs, limited edition shoes and even soles designed to fit an individual's weight and gait.

The German sportswear brand hope that their Futurecraft 4D trainers - made using the process - could be in the market before the end of the year.

Related Events

  • Sep
    4
    Sep 4-Sep 6, 2026 | Leipzig, Germany

    QUARTERshoetime & bags ORDERDAYS

  • Sep
    20
    Sep 20-Sep 22, 2026 | München, Germany

    Essenz

  • Sep
    29
    Sep 29-Oct 1, 2026 | Essen, Germany

    Hauptmusterung Damen- Und Herrenschuhe in Düsseldorf -

  • Jan
    29
    Jan 29-Jan 31, 2027 | Offenbach am Main, Germany

    Barefoot – European Shoe Fair

Related Organizations

  • German Shoe Museum Hauenstein

    German Shoe Museum Hauenstein

    Germany
  • Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

    Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

    Germany
  • ISC - International Shoe Competence Center Pirmasen

    ISC - International Shoe Competence Center Pirmasen

    Germany
  • PFI Germany -  Test and Research Institute Pirmasens

    PFI Germany - Test and Research Institute Pirmasens

    Germany