Under Armour has entered the 3D printing field by creating their first 3D printed shoe. The shoe, called the UA Architech, has a specially designed midsole that can only be created by a 3D printer. Under Armour worked with the 3D design company Autodesk to create what they call an all-purpose trainer. Autodesk Within, the program that created the midsole, used different algorithms to find the perfect balance of comfort, cushioning, and support. This process guarantees the shoe to be used through multiple workouts without having to change shoes. The design of the midsole sports a very unique lattice design that looks very well done.
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The shoe also displays a 3D ClutchFit auxetic upper. Along with that, there is a caged cushioning underfoot. Without having to put the shoe on, one can tell that it does indeed seem very comfortable and breathable. For a shoe that is 3D printed, it sure does look very futuristic, which is a nice aesthetic touch.
Shoes like these are beginning to become the future of sports technology because of their custom fit, unique style and health benefits. Shoes like the Architech aren’t just custom made for the heck of it. Every person’s foot sizes are completely different so it becomes very difficult to find a perfect match. In the case of the new Architech, users were able to enter many details regarding how they wanted their shoe to perform during workouts such as flexibility, weight, and stress. So not only is the new shoe created fit individual wearers, it might be beginning of solving the question of whether there is a perfect workout shoe. With the technology on the rise, we will mostly likely see another printed shoe by Under Armour next year or even sooner.
The shoe went on sale on March 18th at a price of $300 and is already sold out. Only 96 were made as a reference to the year Under Armour was founded.