New Balance First Off The Blocks With A 3D Printed Running Shoe
The special material makes up the shoe's midsole. Unlike other materials New Balance has played with in the 3D printing arena, DuraForm Flex TPU is fairly lightweight, coming in at just 40 grams more than a traditional foam midsole design. It's also strong and elastic, traits that make the new midsole design appropriate for running shoes.
While the result is lighter than previous designs New Balance has tested, it's largely focused on durability.
"This project represents an unprecedented technical collaboration in footwear," says Sean Murphy New Balance Senior Manager of Innovation and Engineering. "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."
New Balance has been interested in 3D printed designs for some time now. Back in 2013, it was the first athletic brand to have a track athlete, middle distance runner Jack Bolas, compete with 3D printed spike plates.
As for the new 3D printed running shoes, New Balance will debut them in Boston next year in April, followed by retail availability in select New Balance store locations around the world. As for customized designs for consumers, that will require a different process, one that's not so reliant on biomechanical measurements.