Decathlon, through its Kiprun brand, has introduced the KIPNEXT 3D, the company's first shoe with a sole manufactured using 3D printing. The model promises more efficient cushioning and superior durability compared to conventional footwear. For now, it is only available in select stores in China at a price close to $250, with no confirmed plans for global distribution.
How 3D printing changes footwear manufacturing 🏃
The sole of the KIPNEXT 3D is built through a sintering process, which fuses layers of material to create an open-cell structure. This geometry allows for customizable density in different areas of the shoe, offering greater support where needed and flexibility in other areas. The result is a more adaptive stride, although the production cost remains high for immediate mass adoption.
The sole of the future, but only for tourists in China 🌏
If you live in Beijing and have $250 to spare, congratulations: you can run on a 3D printed sole. For the rest of the world, it's time to wait and dream that one day the technology will drop in price or that a friend will bring you a pair in their suitcase. In the meantime, your current sneakers will keep doing the job, albeit without the promise of space-age cushioning.