The Futurecraft 4D shoes are objectively gorgeous. But in addition, Carbon’s technology, called Digital Light Synthesis, is, according to Adidas, “a breakthrough process… that uses digital light projection, oxygen permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to generate high performance, durable polymeric products.” Unless you’re some kind of sneaker scientist (in which case Adidas probably employs you) the concept can be a bit tricky to grasp. But essentially, Carbon’s use of light and oxygen keeps the soles of the shoes more permeable than any that have come before. And, according to GQ, using a liquid resin in the sole will allow Adidas to manufacture shoes incredibly quickly—ideally, this technology will eventually be used to give customers custom soles, made on the spot. It’s a major step forward for the industry.
“The Digital Light Synthesis technology is allowing us to create in a way we haven’t before, without limits,” said Adidas creative director Paul Gaudio. Gaudio is widely credited for Adidas’ recent meteoric rise in the sportswear world, overseeing creations like the Ultra Boost and AlphaBounce—he was described in an in-depth Buzzfeed feature as “the man who made Adidas cool again.” He’s passionate about pushing the company forward. “We have a whole team at Adidas whose whole jobs revolve around looking towards the future,” he said. “Looking for the next best thing.”
