Sportswear brand Adidas has introduced a new sneaker model as part of its ALPHAEDGE 4D series. The new shoe, which leverages Adidas and Carbon’s 3D printed FUTURECRAFT concept, stands out for its reflective style.

The new shoe, the ALPHAEDGE 4D for FW19, was designed for better training in low light settings (perfect for these short winter days). The updated design features a reflective Primeknit upper, constructed using Adidas’ FORGEDMESH process. The technique constructs the tightly knitted upper millimeter by millimeter using a TPU-coated yarn, ensuring strength and support for the wearer.

The shoe also integrates Adidas’s FUTURECRAFT midsole, constructed using Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis technology. Adidas first partnered with Carbon in 2017, when it sought to realize its FUTURECRAFT 3D printed midsole concept. It turns out, Carbon’s 3D printing technology was a perfect fit, as Adidas has become one of the first companies to employ 3D printing for the mass production of footwear.

“We are proud to have taken a FUTURECRAFT concept and scaled it up significantly across our business within two years,” said Marco Kormann, Director Platform Innovation, Adidas. “ADIDAS 4D marks a shift in the way we approach the design and creation of our products. With the support of our partner, Carbon, we have shown the possibilities of data-driven-design and digital manufacturing on a global scale. The next iteration of the technology will be to develop how it can be used to produce footwear that is tailored to specific sports, and even individual athletes.”

As Kormann points out, Adidas envisions a future in which Carbon’s 3D printing and its own ADIDAS 4D technology can produce bespoke shoes that are tailored not only to the wearer but also to the sporting movement required.

The newly released ALPHAEDGE 4D shoes are the latest 3D printed sneakers released by the sportswear giant, following its FUTURECRAFT 4D, ALPHAEDGE 4D FW18, Stella McCartney-designed ALPHAEDGE 4D, Y-3 RUNNER 4D and an updated version of the ALPHAEDGE 4D released last Spring.

The new reflective model will become available on November 11, 2019 through Adidas’ website and app as well as through select retailers.