Adi
das is a sports apparel and footwear brand that has been around since 194
9. The company has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology in the sports industry. From the introduction of the first studded football shoe to the creation of the Boost foam and the Futurecraft 4D, Adidas has always been pushing the limits of what is possible in sports technology. But today, we're going to dive into some lesser-known facts about Adidas' tech innovations.
1. The Adidas Boost foam was developed with car tire technology In 2013, Adidas introduced the Boost foam, which quickly became one of the most popular cushioning technologies in the running industry. But what many people don't know is that the Boost foam wasn't developed for running shoes. Instead, it was first used in car seats in BMWs! The technology was developed in collaboration with chemical company BASF and is made from polyurethane pellets that are heated and expanded. The result is a highly cushioned foam that is responsive and durable.
2. The Futurecraft 4D midsole is created using a process called Digital Light Synthesis Adidas' Futurecraft 4D shoe is one of the most advanced shoes on the market. Its midsole is created using a process called Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), which uses lasers to create a 3D structure out of liquid resin. The result is a midsole that is precisely engineered to the specifications of the wearer's foot. The Futurecraft 4D has been praised for its comfort and support, and it is currently being used to create custom insoles for athletes.
3. Adidas used motion-capture technology to develop their soccer shoes To create shoes that would fit the foot of a soccer player perfectly, Adidas used motion-capture technology to study the movements of professional players. The company had a team of athletes perform various soccer movements (like kicking, turning, and jumping) while wearing sensors on their feet. This data was used to create a 3D model of the optimal soccer shoe, which was then used to design the final product. The result was a shoe that is tailored to the movements of soccer players, providing them with the support and comfort they need to perform at their best.
4. Adidas designed a shoe that can be 100% recycled In 2019, Adidas introduced the Futurecraft Loop, a shoe that is designed to be 100% recyclable. The shoe is made from a single material (thermoplastic polyurethane), which allows it to be easily recycled into a new pair of shoes. The Futurecraft Loop was created in response to the growing sustainability movement in the fashion industry. While the shoe is not yet available for purchase, Adidas is working to make it a reality.
5. Adidas developed a shoe that is specifically designed for astronauts In 2018, Adidas partnered with the International Space Station (ISS) to create a shoe that would be suitable for astronauts to wear in space. The shoe had to be lightweight, stable, and comfortable, while also providing support and grip in a zero-gravity environment. The shoe was tested on the ISS and received positive feedback from the astronauts who wore them. While the shoe is not currently available for purchase, it showcases Adidas' commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in all areas of their business. In conclusion, Adidas has always been a leader in sports technology innovation. From the Boost foam to the Futurecraft 4D, Adidas is constantly pushing the limits of what is possible in sports footwear. And with projects like the Futurecraft Loop and the space shoe, Adidas is also showing a commitment to sustainability and innovation in all areas of their business.