Decathlon Sports’ running shoe brand Kiprun is taking a big innovative swing with their new 3D printed shoe, the KIPNEXT 3D, bringing their already innovative line further into the future.
The process, from idea to finished product, took a reported six months in Decathlon’s Shenzhen, China factory. Barcelona-based company Something Added, which specializes in using Hewlett-Packard’s 3D printing technology, lent their extensive expertise to the project.
Anthony Dulieu, Running Director at Decathlon, hopes that a successful KipRun KipNext 3D will lead to an embrace of new manufacturing methods that will lead to a new frontier in running shoe production.
Unlike shoes such as Nike’s AirMax 1000.2 or Adidas’ CLIMACOOL LACED, the KipNext 3D will be made with a traditional knit upper and lacing system instead of being entirely 3D printed. While the Adidas’ CLIMACOOL does come with a traditional lacing system, the rest of the shoe is entirely 3D printed.
If you’ve never heard of Kiprun, they’ve been doing well in Europe for awhile but are now available in the US!! We’ve started reviewing the shoes and so far the team is impressed. Checkout the Kiprun Kipstorm Elite review for a speedy option that’s ready to roll right now.
Kipnext 3D Overview
Made in a bold red, the upper is designed to be eye catching. Yellow outlined Kiprun logos add structure to the upper, as well as a pop of electrifying color to jump out from that bold canvas.
The traditional knit upper of the KipNext 3D will sit atop a 3D printed midsole made from a proprietary thermoplastic elastomer material, and is made using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion Process.
If the term thermoplastic elastomer sounds familiar, you might be a regular reader of this space. Thermoplastic Elastomers, or TPE, are very similar to TPEE, or Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomers. TPEE is becoming a more common compound in running shoe foams, but is seen most prominently in Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro and Saucony’s IncrediRun.
TPE does come with various differences, despite its similarities to TPEE. While TPEE has traditionally been known for its durability, the durability of TPE can vary depending on formulation. TPE usually carries the same flexibility as TPEE, but can be softer, is easier to process, and is easier to recycle. TPE is also less expensive to manufacture.
Boasting a reported energy return of up to 75%, runners can expect a livelier ride in the KipNext 3D than a shoe with a traditional EVA midsole, which generally give back somewhere in the range of 50 to 75% energy return. This is assuming, of course, that independent verification can be attained after the shoe’s release.
The midsole is also designed to absorb shock depending on a runner’s stride pattern. The varied density lends to this theory, while also keeping the midsole light.
Kipnext 3d Specifications
Visually the contrast will be striking. The shoe’s open lattice construction casts a marked difference between the traditional upper, like putting traditional furnishings into a contemporary home.
- Weight: 9.5oz
- Stack: 39mm
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Will sell on Decathlon for $250, currently only available in China
The stack is close to max cushion, but not all the way there. So that does seem to lean towards a shoe that’s going to be well cushioned, but still able to provide energy return for picking up the pace. The weight is where details seem to vary and make us wonder if it won’t have more of a daily trainer feeling.
Either way, we can’t wait to find out exactly what it feels like!
As of now no timeline for worldwide distribution has been announced. The Kiprun KipNext 3D is currently on sale in Decathlon store in China for $250 USD.
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