Brooks Running Company announced a partnership with HP and Superfeet that will result in an individualized performance running shoe — one that’s based on and responds to the runner’s unique biomechanics. The shoe will be available in June 2018, with each runner’s biomechanics captured via FitStation by HP.
The first of their kind, the announcement last month claimed, the shoes will be created from the 3D scan of the runner’s feet as captured by FitStation, which has software that will then analyze the scan for biomechanics like gait and foot pressure measurements, and for the runner’s specific path of motion. The runner can also input information about running preferences. The resulting foot profile determines exact specifications for each shoe.
Then Superfeet takes over the process by creating the physical shoe according to those specifications. Using a polyurethane injection-molding machine, Superfeet creates the lasts around which the shoes are built and which ensure that the shoes are designed specifically for the feet they’ll be worn on, according to the announcement. The midsoles will be created by taking into account the runner’s preferences and several measurements.
“Brooks is committed to providing the fit, feel and ride each runner wants. The ability to give an individual a personalized shoe based on his or her unique biomechanics is a game changer. It is a compelling offering for the runner who is interested in tip-of-the-spear technology and a totally tuned experience,” Brooks CEO Jim Weber said in the announcement. “As part of our focus on reinventing performance running, we will continue to push the envelope to bring runners innovations that help them uniquely tailor their run.”
“FitStation by HP is changing what personalization means — from the in-store experience to the final product. In collaboration with Brooks and Superfeet, we are delivering truly made-to-measure footwear with a lot size of one,” Ed Ponomarev, the general manager of FitStation and business development at HP Inc., said in a statement.
“Digitalization of biometric data opens an opportunity to ultimate individualization with the speed and cost efficiency of mass production. HP brings deep experience in computing, scanning and technology integration at scale to deliver a revolutionary digital manufacturing platform, creating individualized products that are available to anyone — from casual runners to elite athletes.
The shoes will be available via special order at particular retailers throughout the United States. The shoes will also be made in the U.S. at Superfeet’s Ferndale, Wash. state headquarters.