With the introduction of the adidas Futurecraft 4D, the Three Stripes continues its innovative Futurecraft program originally begun in 2015. Back then, adidas unveiled a plan to transform the sneaker industry with a performance sneaker featuring a 3D-printed midsole. The adidas Futurecraft 4D improves upon the previous iteration with the help of Carbon, a Silicon Valley tech company that uses a process called Digital Light Synthesis. The technology utilizes digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to create a sneaker midsole built with liquid polymer, instead of the solid plastic used in previous versions. The usage of both ultra violet light and oxygen means that the shoe’s resin platform remains liquid, allowing for an unparalleled level of customization and speed. Adidas will initially release 300 pairs of its Futurecraft 4D in April 2017 for friends and family, followed by more than 5,000 pairs for retail in Fall/Winter 2017.
