Inkbit

Reebok Uses Proprietary 3D Drawing Technology to Create New Liquid Speed Shoes

ST Dentistry

Share this Article

reebok_deltaFrom head to toe, runway to running track, we’ve witnessed many recent instances where fashion intersects with 3D printing technology. One area that is blossoming into a commercial trend is 3D printed footwear, whether that be in the form of high heel shoes or athletic sneakers. Some of the biggest athletic footwear manufacturers have decided to integrate additive manufacturing into their sneaker production process. For instance, Nike has used 3D printing to refine the design of one of their popular Nike Zoom Superfly Elite sneakers, while New Balance has implemented 3D printed midsoles into their latest running shoes.

Now, the Canton, Massachusetts-headquartered athletic footwear and apparel company Reebok is utilizing a unique twist of 3D printing technology for their latest creation, the Liquid Speed shoe. The newly unveiled shoe takes on an innovative approach to the traditional molding process, using a “high rebound” liquid created by BASF to “draw” frames directly onto the shoe. Designed by Reebok’s new Liquid Factory, the 3D printed frame creates an energy-return outsole, which Bill McInnis, Reebok’s Head of Future and former NASA engineer, claims to provide a drastic performance improvement over the traditional rubber outsole.

reebok_liquid_speed_grey_side

[Photo: Business Wire]

The 3D printed winged frame of the Liquid Speed wraps up and around the base of the shoe, creating a tighter fit for the wearer. Reebok uses a unique proprietary 3D printing process to create the shoes, which was developed in collaboration between Reebok, BASF and the Michigan-based reactive resin producer RAMPF Group. The final assembly of the Liquid Speed shoe was performed in Reebok’s home state of Massachusetts. The production process creates a futuristic aesthetic and a performance-enhancing experience for the wearer, while the proprietary technology allows Reebok to customize the design in a quick and efficient manner.   

“Footwear manufacturing hasn’t dramatically changed over the last 30 years,” said McInnis. “Every shoe, from every brand is created using molds – an expensive, time-consuming process. With Liquid Factory, we wanted to fundamentally change the way that shoes are made, creating a new method to manufacture shoes without molds. This opens up brand new possibilities both for what we can create, and the speed with which we can create it.”


reebokliquidspeed_blackonwhite_bottom-right-1400

The Liquid Speed shoes currently cost $189.50 through Reebok and Finishline.com, and are available at a limited run of just 300 pairs. But, with plans to open their own Liquid Factory manufacturing lab early next year, you can expect to see more Reebok sneakers that incorporate their proprietary 3D printing process in the near future. With leading athletic footwear producers like Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and now Reebok throwing their hat in the 3D printing ring, their customers will soon have the full ability to customize both the look and performance of their sneakers. Discuss in the Reebok forum at 3DPB.com.

Share this Article


Recent News

3D Printing News Briefs, June 3, 2023: Beta Software, 3D Printing Walls, & More

3D Systems Confirms Bid to Buy Stratasys to Create $1.84B 3D Printing Company



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

3D Printing News Unpeeled: Stratasys, Nano Dimension and 3D Systems

Today we’re talking about all the merger options on offer between Desktop Metal, Stratasys, Nano Dimension and 3D Systems. It seems like most people in this industry are publicly saying...

3D Printing Financials: Stratasys Reveals Strong Q1 Earnings Ahead of $1.8B Merger with Desktop Metal

Following Nano Dimension (Nasdaq: NNDM)’s numerous failed attempts to acquire Stratasys (Nasdaq: SSYS), the 3D printing pioneer finally announced its merger with Desktop Metal (NYSE: DM) in a staggering deal...

XJet Sets Sights on Metal 3D Printing IPO

XJet, a 3D printing manufacturer based in Rehovot, Israel, plans to raise up to $10 million through an initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq. According to a registration statement...

Featured

Printing Money Emergency Broadcast: Stratasys and Desktop Metal to Merge in All-stock Deal

In what is shaping up to be the biggest deal in the 3D printing industry of 2023, Stratasys and Desktop Metal will combine to form a $1.8 billion company. Alex...