Adidas 3D Runner Is A Custom, 3D Printed Pair Of Sneakers

Dec 14, 2016 10:43 AM EST

The importance of wearing a pair of shoes that fit cannot be understated at all. After all, the right fit will ensure that you are not only able to get up and about comfortably, it will even be able to enhance your performance -- be it at work or on the race tracks. This is why athletes have custom made shoes in order to fit their profile, but these are obviously out of reach of the ordinary person. Sportswear giant Adidas has decided that it is time the ordinary folks are able to enjoy custom made footwear that will suit each individual, essentially making sure that all of these sneakers are special. This vision is brought to life through the form of the Adidas 3D Runner. The Adidas 3D Runner is basically a custom 3D printed pair of sneakers, and you might see a pattern repeating itself with the price tag of $333. We are sorry to note that you won’t be able to pay for this through a stack of 3D printed bills, as Adidas would very much prefer actual dollar bills or a swipe of your credit card.

The $333 Adidas 3D Runner will see a limited release, and it enters the annals of history as the first of its kind from Adidas to hit the market. According to Mikal Peveto, senior director of Adidas’ Future team, ”This is just the beginning. Creating customized shoes based on an individual’s footprint – including their running style, foot shape, performance needs and personal preferences – is a north star for the industry and Adidas is leading with cutting edge innovations.”

The $333 Adidas 3D Runner will be available at adidas Confirmed​​ in New York, where sign ups are already being accepted. If you have actually placed a reservation, you will be able to pick up your pair on December 15 at adidas NYC, which happens to be the location of the brand’s latest flagship store in the Big Apple. This particular piece of footwear is special since it will boast of an engineered 3D web structure that will be packed with dense zones in high force areas. On the other hand, there will be less dense zones in the low force areas, and the reasoning behind this is simple: to allow for the optimum level of performance.

The Adidas 3D Runner will also boast of a 3D printed heel counter, which will be integrated into the midsole. By taking this approach in the shoe's design and manufacturing process, it will enable Adidas to avoid the typical process of gluing or stitching. There are some benefits to be gained from this particular move, including a greater level of elasticity, compliancy and support. There will also be a black PRIMEKNIT upper which will make sure it is not only functional in terms of walking and running in the Adidas 3D Runner, it will also preserve a sense of style and form.

New York will not be the only place where the Adidas 3D Runner is made available on December 15 -- there will also be a limited number of the Adidas 3D Runner that are up for grabs over in London and Tokyo on the same day, too.