28 August 2022 - Adidas and Carbon continue their collaboration with the release of the company's latest 4DFWD 3D printed running shoe. The company claims that the 4DFWD innovative sports running shoe is the first to overcome a long-standing problem that has prevented runners from reaching their full potential. This is thanks to the shoe's bow-tie shaped lattice midsole, manufactured by making full use of 3D printing and big data analytics to convert vertical pressure into horizontal force, which has the benefit of providing a smooth transition for runners to continue uninterrupted forward.
△Adidas launches new 4DFWD 3D printed sports running shoe
Adidas evaluated over 5 million variations of lattice structure and combined this with 18 years of real athlete big data analysis to create a design solution that could transform high-end sports running shoes through collaboration with global innovation partner Carbon, using EPU44 to create a precisely fine-tuned midsole.
Jason Rolland, Senior Vice President of Materials at Carbon, explains: "In terms of materials, the issue is the choice of material in relation to the moulding technology that people use. In the case of foams, especially elastomers, there are very few technologies related to elastomers and 3D printing, and a lot of work needs to be done to create high-performance elastomers for running shoes that can meet all the requirements like durability, and that's why we built the company in the first place - let's try to solve these problems."
△EPU 44 is a bio-derived 3D printed elastomer with enhanced properties
Anette (Peko) Hosoi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, and his colleagues said, "When humans run, our forward motion is interrupted every time our foot hits the ground, resulting in a subtle stopping motion between strides. This is true for all runners, and it's not about your ability or skill. At the MIT Sports Lab, we are developing innovative technologies that provide a straightforward solution to overcome this inherent challenge. The new 4DFWD does just that."
Charlotte Heidmann, Product Manager at Adidas, said, "At Adidas, we are always looking for ways in which technology and data can intersect to create the best possible products for our runners. With the new 4DFWD, we've made the impossible possible, defying the laws of science by using unique performance benefits designed to propel you forward."
He added: "With each step, the midsole of the Adidas 4DFWD, transforms vertical impact into horizontal forward motion for a smooth forward transition and a new foot feel throughout the run."
Adi claims that the new 4DFWD features a new Continental outsole to provide extra grip, therefore allowing athletes to maintain a good grip in all weather conditions. The new Primeknit+ and engineered mesh upper construction provides extra support and fit, while the Primeknit+ also offers a new integrated heel. In addition, the 4DFWD midsole offers 23% more cushioning than previous generations of 4D midsoles (4D Run 1.0). The shoe is priced at €200 (approximately Rs. 1370).
ΔCarbon collaborates with sports equipment giant Riddell to 3D print custom rugby helmet liners
After a long partnership with Adidas, Carbon is offering the use of EPU 44 to other companies, mainly for performance-based industries (where lighter, more breathable and customised parts are needed). For example, in 2019, for Riddell rugby helmet liners, a 3D printed elastomer designed to absorb impact, but it is an energy absorbing elastomer rather than an energy returning elastomer.
The company is working with Specialized in 2020 to digitally print lattice bicycle saddles for the same reason as the rugby helmet and the mountain backpack project created by the company, both to provide a technical feature that traditional manufacturing, cannot offer.
