Inkbit

Architectural Designer KXIV Lends New Look to Adidas Ultraboost, Featuring 3D Printed Lace Lock

ST Dentistry

Share this Article

Shoes, shoes, we love 3D printed shoes! And whether they are meant for lounging, dressing up, or running, it’s fascinating to see how the future of footwear is changing thanks to 3D printing technology. While we’ve had glimpses into your basic flats, super cool high heels, and sneakers, when athletic shoes bearing major name labels involve 3D printing, we perk up, wondering what this will mean for the immediate future of our feet.

Coming from designer KXIV, it simply means there is a connection to architecture—and probably in a one-off pair. And while we see 3D printing projects connected to many different themes, shoes and architecture definitely make a unique coupling. The latest from KXIV features the Adidas Ultraboost sole topped with elements inspired by the National Stadium in Beijing, designed by Herzog and de Meuron.

As is so often the case, nature has inspired some of this project too. It’s not hard to see the nature-based concept rising up from the shoe, as KXIV gives a nod to the stadium’s nickname (‘the bird’s nest’). The texture of the tops of these shoes is rich and unique, with an intricate and highly functional lacing system that includes two laces that wrap around supports on both the upper and heel areas. 3D printing enters the picture with the double-loop cinch, responsible for holding the laces neatly in place. There is also another lace-lock that runs along the heel, keeping the ‘network’ held tightly together.

KXIV also designed the shoe with an added texture and material underneath. The webbed network is made of polyurethane connected to Lycra. Created in black, the shoes aren’t exactly festive, but they are sleek and chic, and would definitely be a conversation piece for the wearer.

This wasn’t the first time KXIV released footwear with a connection to architecture, as several years ago they made Jordan XI’s meant to be reminiscent of the white temple and black house of Chiang Mai, Thailand. They were considered ‘luxury sneakers,’ featuring exotic materials and textures like black python and buffalo, along with cowhide accentuated with a metallic design. To top that, pig and lamb skin accentuate the toe area. Although 3D printing was not part of creating the Jordan XI’s, extensive laser cutting was required—taking 16 hours to complete.

KXIV has managed to create true pieces of art with these sneakers, respectively athletic and luxurious. While it’s doubtful that Adidas will be releasing mass quantities of shoes made with snake, buffalo, pig and lambskin anytime soon, it is definitely possible that just as DIY artists are exploring and enjoying the uses of 3D printing, larger companies like Adidas will continue to do so too—and, of course, we know that Adidas is working to incorporate 3D printing into at least one major line of mass produced shoes as Carbon’s CLIP technology proves viable at scale. Discuss in the Ultraboost forum at 3DPB.com.

[Source / Images: designboom]

 

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...