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Adidas’ first major move toward mass-producing 3D-printed footwear was Futurecraft 4D, announced on 7 April 2017. It used Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis process, and adidas said it was committed to scaling and mass-producing shoes made with the technology. That announcement was a scale-up commitment—not a published production total. The earlier Futurecraft 3D was a prototype; it was not the same shoe or manufacturing story.
What was Adidas’ first 3D-printed shoe for mass production?
Futurecraft 4D was the shoe adidas presented in 2017 as its move toward scaled production of 3D-printed footwear. Its distinctive 3D-printed component was the midsole, made using Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) process. Adidas described the launch as an effort to overcome conventional 3D-printing constraints such as production speed and scale.
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The wording matters: adidas said it was “committed to scaling and mass-producing Digital Light Synthesised footwear,” but its announcement did not give a verified production-volume figure for Futurecraft 4D. It is accurate to call it adidas’ scale-up announcement; it is not possible from that release to state how many pairs were made.
How Futurecraft 4D differs from Futurecraft 3D
Futurecraft 3D, unveiled on 7 October 2015, was the prototype stage. Adidas described a running-shoe midsole that could be tailored to an individual athlete’s cushioning needs. Executive Board Member Eric Liedtke called it “a prototype and a statement of intent.” Futurecraft 4D followed in 2017 with a different process and an explicit focus on scaling production.
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| Model | Manufacturing and purpose | Production status | Availability or price stated by adidas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Futurecraft 3D (2015) | 3D-printed running-shoe midsole intended to be tailored to an athlete’s cushioning needs. | Prototype. | Not stated in adidas’ 2015 announcement. |
| Futurecraft 4D (2017) | Midsole made using Carbon Digital Light Synthesis; presented as a way to scale 3D-printed footwear. | Scale-up and mass-production commitment announced; a production total was not stated in adidas’ release. | Not stated in adidas’ 2017 announcement. |
| Futurecraft M.F.G. (2016) | Performance shoe made at adidas’ Ansbach SPEEDFACTORY facility. | First product made at that facility, according to adidas. | Not stated in adidas’ 2016 announcement. |
| Futurecool (announced 2026) | Seamless 3D-printed lifestyle shoe. | Adidas announced 400 numbered pairs first, with a wider launch planned for 1 April 2027. | Planned retail price: €180; planned worldwide launch: 1 April 2027. |
Is Futurecraft 4D really 3D-printed?
Yes. Adidas described the Futurecraft 4D midsole as made with Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis, a 3D-printing process. The claim refers to the midsole, not necessarily every part of the shoe. Calling the entire shoe 3D-printed would overstate what adidas said about its construction.
How does Carbon Digital Light Synthesis fit into the story?
Carbon was adidas’ technology partner for Futurecraft 4D. The announcement framed DLS as a route to producing complex midsole structures while addressing the speed and scale limitations associated with conventional 3D printing. Adidas also said it would continue working with Carbon on materials and machinery. The public announcement establishes the partnership and intended direction, but does not provide a Futurecraft 4D output figure.
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Why SPEEDFACTORY is not the same as 3D printing
Adidas’ 2016 Futurecraft M.F.G. release concerned the first product made at its Ansbach SPEEDFACTORY. That is a facility and manufacturing story; it is not the Digital Light Synthesis story adidas attached to Futurecraft 4D in 2017. The names are easy to mix up because both were part of adidas’ Futurecraft program, but the company described distinct products and manufacturing approaches.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened after Futurecraft 4D?
On 27 August 2026, adidas announced Futurecool, a seamless 3D-printed lifestyle shoe. Adidas said the first 400 numbered pairs would be offered through a CONFIRMED raffle, with a worldwide launch planned for 1 April 2027 at €180. These are Futurecool’s announced terms, not Futurecraft 4D production or pricing figures. Because the launch is scheduled for a future date, availability may change.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
