Once Futurecraft 4D was created, we were really excited. We were keen to share not just the proof of concept and ability to scale, but also the shoe with our closest partners. As we scale up, so do our drops. Starting in April 6,2017, we gave media and influencers their own pairs at the launch, and in January 2018 we made our proof of concept available for consumers. By doing this we have raised awareness on the potential of the technology, and this year you will see these new 4D printed midsoles applied to other models based on sport specific needs. Ultimately, we will be able to customize your very own pair based off your weight, gait and sport.

Futurecraft 4D was made possible by the collaboration with Carbon, the pioneer of „Digital Light Synthesis“. A completely new way of 3D printing that uses light, oxygen and liquid resins to create the complex obejcts. Light triggers the solidfication process but oxygen inhibits it. By using light and oxygen in tandem we’re able to create amazingly complex objects out of liquid resins. Liquid resins give you the most flexibility in material design as we can now use different materials based on needs. We realized very quickly the potential of this technology which also enables functional customization based on physiological and sports data.

Futurecraft 4D officially changes how we make products. No longer are foams the only option for midsoles. We will extend the technology into multiple categories in 2018 scaling up to 100,000 pairs by the end of the year. Our sports science team is also working towards being able to collect the right data in order to customize your very own pair. In the future, you might be able go into the store we can do a couple of tests and make you the perfect shoe. We are also planning to integrate Carbon printers in SPEEDFACTORY in Europe and USA, we will be able to get your shoes to you quicker then ever before. Futurecraft 4D is changing how we manufacture our products.

In order to provide the best for each athlete, we travel the crossroads of tradition and technology. Futurecraft thrives at the intersection of art, design, science and humanity. Using CARBON’s Digital Light Synthesis technology, we created the world’s first high performance footwear featuring a midsole crafted with light, oxygen. Driven by 17 years of athlete data, this innovation unlocks limitless possibilities. FUTURECRAFT 4D exclusively unveiled in 2017 for top athletes, influencers, who led the conversation globally. In 2018, exclusive pairs dropped in New York and sold out in seconds. Ultimately, we aim to offer customized FUTURECRAFT 4D for each individual.

2013-2015_Prototyping of Futurecraft 3D

2015_Futurecraft 3D released

2016_Partnership with Carbon

2016-17_Prototyping and testing of Futurecraft 4D

2017_Sample Release of Futurecraft 4D

2018_Futurecraft 4D for sale

2018_Release of new 4D models (Alphabounce 4D + Y-3 4D)

When we first started with Futurecraft it was a design ethos to guide us, to set us on a path. It is an approach to balance the newest technologies with craft. 3D printing for example is one of these technologies that allows unlimited possibilities. We worked to create the first Futurecraft 3D footwear. But there are limitations to additive manufacturing; it is tough to scale, the materials, the flexibility. We built something, but was it finished? How can we make a 3D printed shoe that works? That really works well? When we met with Carbon, we realized we have the potential to move beyond prototyping. Creating a hyper-flexible misdole, based of athtlete data, that can be mass produced. Futurecraft 4D changes how we create our products.