Yes, Under Armour hit us with the first retail 3D midsole in the Architech. Now New Balance gives us the first 3D midsole for running – the Zante Generate.
Here is the short version of the production process: a layer of powder as thin as a human hair is cut with a laser and melded into a midsole, then compressed between two stable layers (the article is WAY more technical). The holes you see in the picture compress and rebound for cushioning.
If you thought the Architech was limited (and expensive), well, it was, on both accounts. But New Balance takes things further: only 44 pairs, in honor of New Balance owner Jim Davis buying the company 44 years ago, will be made available on April 15 for *drumroll*…$400.
New Balance has released all the information about the Zante Generate, including the full production process (which is way cool–they have pictures!), so I’ve included it below. Let us know if you will try to pick up this hyper-exclusive shoe (good luck) and as always, leave comments below.
From New Balance:
Runners, meet the Zante Generate, the world’s first high performance running shoe with a full-length 3D printed midsole.
Proudly printed at our factory in Lawrence, Massachusetts, this midsole allows the shoes to be flexible, supportive and durable. This Friday, April 15th, we’ll release 44 pairs as a nod to our Owner & Chairman, Jim Davis, who purchased the company (44 years ago) on Patriot’s Day in 1972.
“New Balance is at the forefront of 3D printing and has been utilizing this exciting and innovative technology to customize product for our athletes for a number of years,” says New Balance President and CEO Robert DeMartini. “Our unique position as both a manufacturer and retailer allows us to bring the world’s first 3D printed running midsole to market. The Zante Generate demonstrates the strength of New Balance design and innovation and will allow consumers to own a piece of running technology history.”
Through an exclusive collaboration with 3D Systems, we utilized the company’s newly-developed laser sintering powder, DuraForm® TPU Elastomer to make significant advancements in the performance of printed parts for running shoes. For the Zante Generate midsole, we used selective laser sintering (SLS), a process which converts the new powder material into solid cross-sections, layer by layer, using a laser.
The new midsoles leverage the benefits of 3D printing and breakthroughs in available materials to achieve an optimal balance of flexibility, strength, weight and durability in an intricate honeycomb midsole structure.
Within this incredibly flexible midsole, hundreds of small, open cells provide cushioning and structure. The Zante Generate upper is taken from the Fresh Foam Zante v2, which features a bootie construction with an engineered mesh through the midfoot to allow for soft, supple support.
The Zante Generate is more than a pair of running shoes – it’s a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation. #alwaysinbeta
The 44 pairs will be available starting Friday, April 15th, at 9:00 a.m. EST., for $400 USD on newbalance.com and at our Experience Store at 583 Boylston Street in Boston.
VIP Access: Watch the Zante Generate Come to Life
We’ve got your backstage pass to the printing process of our Zante Generate, the world’s first performance running shoe with a 3D printed midsole. Below, we go through each step of the printing process to watch the Zante Generate come to life.
Material Preparation: thermoplastic powders are mixed with a set of additives to optimize their performance during and after printing
Data Preparation: midsoles files are prepared through a series of software platforms to create a virtual representation of the print job
Machine Preparation: materials are loaded and process parameters set to ensure the midsoles are strong enough to withstand a footwear application but retain flexibility for comfort.
Printing: midsoles are printed from a Thermoplastic powder by laser consolidation. Printing progresses layer by layer over many hours until the job is complete.
Assembly: just a few floors down from where the midsole is designed and printed, our manufacturing team proudly assembles the Zante Generate
Hi weartesters. Hope you could review fresh foam zante. I own s pair. Its very comfortable. And i think it can compete with boosts and zoom.
looks pretty much like a boost to me
I want one, tho looking at the midsole makes kind sick.
Looks like a nightmare to clean once dirty
Looks like a white sponge,
It may not be practical for weartesters to review it,
because not everyone can have it, since it’s a very limited shoe.