Adidas's FutureCraft Runner Sneaker Is Finally Here

The brand with three stripes offers up their answer to Nike's self-lacing sneakers.

The great Sneaker Wars have always been about which company offers the best technology coupled with the best design. And in 2016, that technical kicks arms race was kicked into high gear. Nike finally unveiled the Nike Mag, a sneaker that laces itself just like Back to the Future promised it would. (Even if it was a year late—just saying.) Later it dropped the less nostalgic-for-the-'80s Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, a running sneaker that also self-laced. Adidas, on the other hand, doubled down on its FutureCraft Series of shoes. It's continued to develop its Speedfactory concept, a production system by which shoes can be made in a matter of hours (as opposed to months) and the first fruits of that research and development phase are finally here. Say hello to the FutureCraft Runner, a sleek all-black sneaker that features a 3D printed sole. (Murdered-out running shoes seem to be a big deal these days.)

What's the real benefit of 3D printing? Well, like the FutureCraft MFG and Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 before it, the shoe is essentially a signal for what could be possible in the future. In a few years, Adidas hopes that one will be able to walk into a store, get your foot scanned, and exit with a custom pair of sneakers that have been 3D printed for your specific needs.

Adidas Boost technology has helped the brand make big strides in both buzz and at the bank this year, but the FutureCraft Runner doesn't make use of the bubbly sole. Instead, it's built around a web-like 3D printed design or several layers of lattice-like structures on top of one another. Sandwiched on top of that is a loosely woven knit upper (if you're a man who likes breathable running kicks, look no further) and below, an open rubber sole so you can actually wear these on a sidewalk/road/treadmill. All together, those components feel heavier than an UltraBoost, but still add up up to one very slick silhouette. In fact, they're a really great looking pair of limited edition sneakers, which just what we want if we're dropping three Benjamins and change on them.

Adidas FutureCraft Runner, $333, available December 15th in New York City, London, and Tokyo.

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS ONE

http://ift.tt/2hP4W8f

Best Product Soap
Defense Soap Bar 4 Oz (5 Pack) All Natural Antibacterial Antifungal Therapeutic

Kirk's Original Coco Castile Bar Soap, 4 Oz, 3 Count

Raw African BLACK SOAP Organic From GHANA Pure Premium Quality CHOOSE

Dial White Antibacterial Deodorant Soap, 4 Oz, 10 Count