New Balance Launches Its Own 3D-Printed Shoes

Allowing for levels of hyper-customization never before seen with regards to footwear, New Balance has unveiled the next evolution of 3D printing: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Hot on the heels of Nike‘s introduction of the 3D-printed Vapor Laser Talon Cleat, New Balance’s SLS uses biomechanical data, motion capture, high-speed video, advanced algorithms, specially-created software, and in-shoe sensors along with help from athletes like U.S. Olympian and current 1500m World Champion Jenny Barringer Simpson, 2012 U.S. Olympian Kim Conley, 2012 Great Britain Olympian Barbara Parker and four-time All-American runner Jack Bolas to create the most precise spike plates on the market. Debuted at this January’s New Balance Games by Bolas and marking the first time 3D-printed shoes have ever been worn in competition, New Balance will be looking to extend its SLS technology beyond the realm of elite athletic competition as it couples speed, balance and agility into a single package for the average consumer.