adidas futurecraft strung shoe robotically woven to fit athlete data code

the adidas futurecraft strung is the first fully athlete data-coded shoe. every thread is individually selected and data-mapped for a seamless, lightweight fit that supports and enhances the natural motion of the wearer. inspired by architecture, the innovation uses robotics to build the fiber structures, which helps ensure minimal material is used throughout.

the adidas futurecraft strung is a conceptual shoe aimed at highlighting the capabilities of the sportswear brand’s new technologies – strung. futurecraft is their incubator for innovations and technologies designed to shape the future of sport. for this challenge, the design process was accelerated through the collaboration with digital design studio kram/weisshaar.

the innovation involves an all-new manufacturing process – the technology’s script was written as the shoes were developed. it makes a more meaningful, creative and data-driven way of combining robotics and athletes. two adidas runners provided motion capture and ongoing feedback for the design’s development. this data – their natural movement – informed the shape of the concept design.

the resulting shoe thus has an upper with a lightweight cocooned feel and fit. it also locks the heel to prevent slip. stiffer, stronger red threads are placed at the midfoot, toe-box and heel whilst suppler yellow threads fabricate the forefoot for flexibility. the extremely minimalist midsole features the brand’s most radical adidas 4D lattice design to date. its new shape caters for forefoot strikers, and the heel has been minimized to remove weight. the rubber outsole has been specifically engineered to provide traction where needed.

although a concept design right now, the first adidas futurecraft strung shoe is expected to be available in late 2021 or early 2022.

product info:

brand: adidas

concept: futurecraft strung