Brooks Is 3D Printing the Soles of Sneakers for Better Running Performance

We have all seen adidas’ continued success in the 3D-printed footwear market, and increasingly we are seeing more and more players entering into this field. One example is Brooks Running which has renewed its partnership with manufacturer HP. In 2017, the two companies had jointly announced the launch of the Genesys shoe, an innovation that enabled customization for each buyer thanks to 3D foot-scanning technology. At the time, HP used its FitStation technology to create a 3D print of the wearer’s foot. Today, Brooks continues its collaboration with HP by unveiling a brand-new running shoe incorporating 3D printing technology. This new creation, christened Exhilarate-BL, is a flagship of the brand’s BlueLine Lab program and custom-designed according to the runner’s specific needs and data.

The Exhilarate-BL running shoe features a 3D-printed midsole, designed to provide a bouncy feel that comfortably propels the wearer forward. In addition to their usefulness as exercise sneakers, these shoes also allow you to monitor your training. In fact, they are equipped with sensors capable of measuring parameters such as stride length, pace and other factors related to height and weight.

The new Brooks Exhilarate-BL running shoe

According to Nikhil Jain, Brooks’ director of footwear product line management and BlueLine, leveraging HP’s 3D printing technology has enabled the company’s design team to perfect midsole details to the millimeter, an achievement that would otherwise have been out of reach. Mr. Jain emphasized that the use of 3D printing paved the way for a transformation of the running experience at the level of the foot. He added that it had the potential to bring even greater optimization, helping to deliver a high-end, high-performance running experience.

At the same time, Brooks has managed to achieve this goal in the most environmentally friendly way by reducing the amount of materials needed in the manufacturing process. Nikhil Jain further emphasized the brand’s commitment to their customers as well, saying, “As a brand rooted in the science that every individual has a unique motion path, we’re just scratching the surface in terms of how we can change the underfoot experience and use 3D printing to deliver a premium, performance run experience with the potential for greater optimization.” He added as well that from a sustainability perspective, exploring the benefits of 3D printing was a crucial step for Brooks.

Brooks 3D Printed Midsoles Offer a Dynamic, Bouncy Running Experience

The Exhilarate-BL series is made using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology. Specifically, MJF is used to 3D-print the shoes’ “3DNA” midsoles, which have been designed to deliver a dynamic yet bouncy running experience. What’s more, these soles have been tailored according to runners’ data, to match specific size groups, guaranteeing optimal cushioning and maximum energy return with every stride. HP has conducted independent tests confirming that these midsoles offer higher energy return than 90% of running shoe midsoles available on the market today.

The 3D-printed midsole ensures unrivalled bounce and propulsion for runners

These 3D-printed shoes are available in limited quantities as part of a “test and learn” program, available to Brooks Wear Testers and Brooks Run Club members who synchronize their wearable devices with the Brooks platform. Thanks to these wearable devices, Brooks collects essential data on runners, such as stride length and running cadence, which contributes to the evolution of 3DNA technology for future versions. You can learn more in HP’s press release HERE or check out Brooks Running’s website HERE.

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*All Photo Credits: Brooks Running