There are 3D-printed supercars, entire homes, pizza and now, functional running shoes. You read that right, these shoes use the company’s DuraForm Flex TPU for the midsole, while 3D-printing helps create the ideal balance of flexibility, strength, weight, as well as durability. Underfoot date from heel strikers were used to design the shoe, thus adding more cushioning elements in areas of higher average pressure. With selective laser sintering, the company was able to give their shoes a previously unavailable combination of strength, along with elasticity. Click here to view more pictures. Continue reading for another video about New Balance’s 3D-printing technology.
“This project represents an unprecedented technical collaboration in footwear. To deliver this level of performance with a 3D printed component, we paired experts in running and biomechanics with leaders in plastics engineering, material development and generative design. These are the types of collaborations that will drive footwear design and manufacturing in the future,” said Sean Murphy, New Balance Senior Manager of Innovation and Engineering.
