A few years ago Adidas was among the first companies to think and bring additive manufacturing in the footwear sector. Aesthetically, the company has always produced very beautiful shoes, with attractive and modern designs, also guaranteeing an above-average quality of materials.

The peculiarity is represented by the production method: of course, we are talking about 3D printing. Adidas’ stated goal is that the products “silently help” athletes, improving their performance so that they can fully concentrate on their business by making the most of the materials used. With this mission, the FUTURECRAFT brand was introduced, for 3D printed midsoles. The next evolution is STRUNG: the first shoe made entirely from athlete data for a specific runner profile.

This prototype was created to demonstrate the great potential of STRUNG, a one-of-a-kind textile manufacturing process that allows athletes’ data to be used to position each fiber with maximum precision. In this way, it is possible to design and test different structures in the software before sending the selected designs to the STRUNG robot, which positions each fiber in order to create zones with specific performance and properties. The result is a super lightweight one-piece upper that offers ideal flexibility, fit, breathability and support.

The first STRUNG model on the market will be launched in the first part of 2022 and will target the runner profile. The first prototype was created to revolutionize the experience of short-distance running, two runners participated in the development with motion capture sessions providing feedback throughout the process.

 

The STRUNG upper wraps the foot like a lightweight, seamless shell, and is made with minimal material waste. Designed with maximum precision to ensure a targeted fit and support, it always keeps the foot in the correct position thanks to the strategic positioning of the most robust red threads in the heel area, in the central part and at the toe. The forefoot, characterized by the softest yellow fibers, offers greater flexibility. The latest generation ADIDAS 4D lattice midsole features a design created for runners whose running is characterized by the support on the forefoot. The heel has a minimalist structure in order to reduce the weight of the shoe, while the rubber sole is created to guarantee an ideal grip even during the fastest runs.

Testing the prototypes will be very important for the development of the next steps, but even more so will be the feedback from athletes and consumers. STRUNG has the potential to completely transform the way athletes collaborate with designers, engineers and sports scientists. The ultimate goal is to create a multi-category platform dedicated to multiple sports: running is just the beginning.