Adidas has launched Futurecraft Leather, a cutting-edge combination of a high-tech manufacturing process and traditional materials to create a seamless upper that enables flex support and comfort in one single piece of material. The company is using the innovation for an exclusive leather edition of its iconic Originals Superstar sneakers.
This is the second edition in the brand’s Futurecraft series, which is committed to innovation in production.
Using a milling technique traditionally applied to metal, polymer and resin components in industrial manufacturing, Futurecraft Leather transforms a material synonymous with the heritage of the brand into a resource for advanced performance footwear.
Futurecraft Leather provides the potential for Adidas to tailor leather more precisely than ever before to individual needs by creating a fit to the exact geometry of the foot. Milled to varying thicknesses, the seamless leather upper provides flexibility and stability exactly where it is needed.
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The digital milling process gently cuts a single piece of leather, creating precision-engineered fit with the added benefit of drastically reducing the need for adhesives.
The process is the result of a collaboration between Adidas, industrial designer Alexander Taylor and shoe designer Joachim de Callatay.
“Futurecraft Leather is all about creating something new and unique out of something familiar,” said Adidas Creative Director Paul Gaudio. “The obsession to create and a deep emotional relationship with leather is what unites Adidas, Alexander and Joachim. The digitally automated milling process allows us to stretch the limits of our craft, bringing new form and function to an iconic material. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 45th birthday of the Superstar.”
Paying homage to the Superstar’s years since its inception, 45 pairs of the special-edition Futurecraft Leather Superstars will be available at Dover Street Market in New York, London and Tokyo beginning Nov. 7.
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