Shoe shopping can feel like a series of compromises. "This pinches a little, but maybe that's okay." "It's a little roomy in the toe." "If only adults could still wear velcro."
Adidas is working on a solution.
The company on Wednesday unveiled "Futurecraft 3D," an experimental initiative intended to perfect the midsole -- that main, bottom part of your shoe that provides cushioning and support.
"Imagine walking into an Adidas store, running briefly on a treadmill and instantly getting a 3D-printed running shoe -- this is the ambition of the Adidas 3D-printed midsole," the company said in a press release.
Like Lexus' cardboard car, this is really more of a marketing concept than something that you'll feasibly be able to enjoy yourself in the near future. But Adidas, which partnered with 3D-printing company Materialise to create the experimental kicks, does appear to hope this is the start of something real.
"Futurecraft 3D is a prototype and a statement of intent," Eric Liedtke, head of global brands at Adidas, said in the press release.
Take a look at the shoe below:
H/T Engadget