A view into the 3D prototyping of high performance shoes, from Sneaker News:
Sneaker News has shown you a ton of sample designs over the years, some of the more intriguing of which have been created using Z-Corp 3D printers. These prototypes give designers an idea of what their drawings look like in real world conditions, but now they’re ready to take the next leap. Nike was responsible for all of those aforementioned samples and led the way with the 3D-printed Vapor Laser Talon Cleat, and now New Balance gets out of the blocks early with the first such track spikes.
New Balance Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses biomechanical data, motion capture, high speed video, sophisticated softwear and embedded sensors to transfer the strides of Olympians and World Champions into precisely what they need to go even faster. All-American runner Jack Bolas became the first to wear a 3D-printed shoe in competition at January’s New Balance Games and now we wait on word for a consumer release. In the meantime, have a closer look below and let us know how you imagine 3D printing and other new technologies changing the sneaker world.
Every Thursday is #3dthursday here at Adafruit! The DIY 3D printing community has passion and dedication for making solid objects from digital models. Recently, we have noticed electronics projects integrated with 3D printed enclosures, brackets, and sculptures, so each Thursday we celebrate and highlight these bold pioneers!
Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi to the back of your HD monitor? And don’t forget the countless LED projects that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D!
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I imagine the real power in this would come from completely custom sizing. Walk on some type of "sensor floor" or trial shoe that watches the arch of your feet, while a kinect watches your stride. Then you get some sneakers in the mail, perfectly-sized and just for you.