German giant adidas continues its quest for innovation to improve and optimize the performance of its running shoe range. The 3 stripes brand has developed a creative process unique in the textile industry, called STRUNG, which uses athletes’ data to place each thread of the shoe’s upper with unique precision. The first product concept called FUTURECRAFT.STRUNG is presented to us today.
This first ever futuristic running shoe targets fast short distance runs.
It consists of an upper made of a new type of textile, entirely woven by the STRUNG robot. Unlike conventional knit shoes that use only horizontal or vertical yarn lines, this sneaker features a 360° single-layer weave of more than 1000 threads. To improve runners’ performance over short distances, the forefoot is made of soft yellow yarn for maximum flexibility, while the toe, midfoot and heel use stiffer red yarn for support. Together, they create a lightweight, seamless, all-around boot designed with minimal material, providing comfort, support, flexibility, breathability and performance. This ultra-precise technology offers a new experience, new sensations to runners. On the lateral side, threads are dyed blue to define the emblematic adidas 3 stripes. The shoe benefits from the world’s first 3D printed midsole, created in partnership with the Californian company Carbon and featuring a latticework construction, the 4D, here in white color. It’s developed in a new shape with an attack on the forefoot and a reduced heel for maximum weight reduction. The whole is based on a shaped rubber outsole for optimal grip.
Starting with running, this brand new STRUNG design process is intended to be developed in the future for use in a maximum of sports disciplines.
The adidas Futurecraft.STRUNG is still under development, its release is planned in early 2022. We’ll keep you updated with the latest news, so stay tuned. 
