Asics' 3D-Printed Sandals: Here's What You Have to Know

The Japanese multinational sportswear brand has officially entered the 3D printing space with the new ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL.

Back in July, Asics announced the arrival of the "world's coolest super sandals" in the form of the ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL, the brand's first foray into the After Performance space. The exciting new 3D-printed sandals were first unveiled during the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 and hit online stores on July 17.

The new ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL is specifically designed to assist recovering athletes after an intense round of exercise. Asics General Manager of Product Management AJ Andrassy told 3D Printing Industry that the new offering represented their "belief that innovation in sports footwear shouldn't be limited to what the athlete wears when competing or training."

What Makes the ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL the Top of Its Class?

Asics developed a unique geometric structure through a parametric design method and advanced 3D printing technology to equip the ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL with the ability to provide outstanding comfort and protection for the user, Asics said in a press release. The uniquely shaped sandal features a thick, open lattice structure that provides excellent cooling and breathability to ensure that it keeps the temperature and humidity levels on the foot lower than other recovery sandals in the market today.

Genki Hatano of the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS), who is the lead researcher of the institute's Future Creation Department and who was in charge of developing the parametric design, explained that the ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL's unique design supports structural integrity while having the ability to be morphed parametrically. This gives the sandals just the right amount of porousness to ensure breathability, softness, and support.

What are Critics Saying About the Asics 3D-Printed Sandals?

While the ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL is described to be "like a deep breath for your feet," some critics have reviewed the 3D-printed sandals and have pros and cons to say about it. Engadget's Daniel Cooper wrote about his experience taking them out for a test run and he immediately noted that these sandals are heavy, weighing about 350 grams or 12 oz for the size 11 variant.

Cooper also noted that Asic's 3D-printed sandals are larger than the average pool slide because of its overbuilt sole and lattice that goes over the top of the wearer's foot. But these features have a purpose, as it was designed to enable air to flow under the feet to cool them down after an intense exercise session.

Additionally, the 3D lattice felt "pretty bouncy," as it was designed to provide the most "step-in comfort" possible. On the downside, the Asics ACTIBREEZE^TM 3D SANDAL is made of "springy plastic" that would make the soles of one's foot feel like it had been "standing on a colander" and having one's "skin fed through a mesh."

Asics' newest 3D-printed sandals are currently listed on the website for $80 but they are currently out of stock, but reports say it will be available in select markets this Fall.