PEAK Shows Off 3D Printed Basketball Shoes

Sports brand PEAK has rolled out its first 3D-printed basketball shoe. The Dwight Howard III (named for the Charlotte Hornets’ all-star center) includes a 3D lattice structure in the middle of the sole and a 3D-printed TPU structure for the vamp side walls.

“This pair of boots has obviously higher performance than traditional ones,” Howard said. “I felt that the 3D printed soles and vamp side walls enable a more comfortable wearing experience. Maybe, one day in the future, you’ll see me wearing the 3D printed basketball boots, footwear designed based on R&D carried out by PEAK, during an NBA competition.”

PEAK unveiled the new shoes at the 2017 PEAK China Tour & Dwight Howard III press conference in August.

The company first purchased 3D printing equipment three years ago, and launched its FUTURE I 3D-printed running shoes in the spring. The basketball shoes were created using SLS technology. The company plans to use 3D printing for other products moving forward.

PEAK has also used 3D printing for shoe molds, and produced 3D printed food molds for Howard to create exclusively designed shoes.

Both Adidas and Under Armour have released 3D-printed running shoes as well. Earlier this year, Cleveland Indians pitcher Corey Kluber wore a 3D-printed plate in his cleats.

“As a new prototyping and processing technology, 3D printing is of great significance to Chinese sports brands and the country’s Made in China 2025 strategy,” said Xu Zhihua, general manager at PEAK. “Our goal is to transform PEAK into the world’s leading professional sports brand through continuous innovation and ongoing expansion into international markets.”

PEAK did not announce when the 3D printed shoes would be available.

Source: PEAK