After the 3D printed dress, sportswear may as well be the next step

Mar 14, 2013 13:26 GMT  ·  By

It was just last year that 3D printing technologies began to catch on with the general public, and we dare say we might have another case of “larger than life” on our hands now.

Indeed, 3D printing has turned out to be quite prolific, with even nylon dresses being made through this method of manufacturing.

Still, before anything supposedly durable could be created through such technologies, researchers had to figure out how to make the 3D printed plastic, or whatever material, stay strong under repeated use and wear.

New Balance claims to have the solution: a printing process called selective laser sintering, where plastic powder is hardened layer by layer instead of through an extrusion process.

New Balance can create a spike plate light enough to act as a good component of footwear, but still strong to withstand long jogs and keep feet comfortable at the same time.

"Utilizing our Team New Balance Athletes to develop the customization process was extremely helpful," says Sean Murphy, New Balance's senior manager of innovation and engineering.

"We are impressed with their precise ability to identify and speak to the differences in the custom options provided. They are acutely aware of what is happening in their shoes."

When making each spike plate, New Balance analyzes biomechanical data for each athlete (sensor-laden shoes and motion capture technology is used for this).

All this data allows the custom plates to perfectly support each runner's foot, improving performances during competitions.

"With 3D printing we are able to pursue performance customization at a new level to help our elite NB athletes and eventually all athletes. We believe this is the future of performance footwear and we are excited to bring this to consumers," says New Balance President and CEO Robert DeMartini.

"As the only major athletic brand to manufacture shoes in the U.S., we are proud to invest in American workers. Developing our printing capabilities could ultimately help us further invest in the American worker by adding highly technical positions to our already skilled labor force in Massachusetts and Maine."