Running trainers are constantly evolving, innovating and striving to be greater. None represents this march towards the future more than the new 4D, printed trainer tech from German sportswear creators adidas.
Nike seemed to be running away with their dominance on the running track as their Nike Vaporfly running trainers have been breaking records all over the world. With the inclusion of a carbon fibre plate and a soft-wedged foam heel that helps boost the energy return efficiency by up to 4% – it might not sound much, but in terms of running this is the difference between silver and gold medal –the trainers almost saw themselves banned from the 2020 Olympics.
What is 4D?
In order to catch the leading pack, adidas looked at new technology and how they could produce better energy return and even lighter trainers. Something which was inevitable but was already at the cutting edge of the spectrum with Boost and Primeknit technology creating the most lightweight trainers of all time.
By partnering up with Californian based firm Carbon, adidas were able to produce a brand-new performance material for their footwear made with as little as light and oxygen. It may sound like farfetched advertising jargon that means nothing in real terms, but this Carbon Digital Light Synthesis is a real process able to produce 3D objects with light and oxygen permeable materials which are thermal baked to achieve the desired shape.
adidas’ performance 4D footwear are already being rolled out in stores across the world. Where soleplates used to be primarily made from injection moulding, this new process, whilst complicated, allows for a lattice shoe construction in over fifty different patterns.
Whilst a few collaborations with the new 4D tech are available, expect plenty more as time goes by.