August 23, 2024 According to Resource Library, professional athletic shoe brand Hypsole recently officially launched the first 3D printed toe protector made with Carbon Digital Light Synthesis™ (DLS) technology – Tidal 3D™ Elite. As an innovative product designed for athletes of all levels, Tidal 3D™ Elite not only excels in functionality, convenience, protection and comfort, but also cleverly integrates fashionable design to break the stereotype of sports equipment traditional.
Designed to resemble a removable outsole, this cleat protector transforms a traditional cleat into an everyday performance shoe that athletes can easily wear after a game, whether on the way home or running errands.
Versatility meets innovative technology
Tidal 3D™ Elite is compatible with many well-known brands of cleat models on the market and is suitable for sports such as football, rugby, lacrosse, baseball, softball and ultimate Frisbee. Hypsole founder Jes Christian was a former track and field athlete. Her university experience and work in fashion and sport led her to rethink the importance of toe protection and thus founded the Hypsole brand.
About the product design concept, Jes Christian said: “After clarifying the functional requirements of the product, we focused on the fit and beauty of the product. I don’t want this product to be just another sports equipment, but I hope it can integrate fashion elements and become part of streetwear. I firmly believe that a product must not only be practical, but also visually appealing, and only then can it truly appeal to athletes.
The perfect combination of design and functionality
The design of Tidal 3D™ Elite cleverly combines the benefits of athletic shoes and cleats, providing excellent functionality while pursuing a fashionable aesthetic. The contours of the protective gear follow the natural curves of traditional spikes and provide a firm grip to ensure the spikes remain secure during intense exercise. The adjustable button and strap design allows athletes to easily adjust the fit of the protective gear according to the height and width of different spikes. The unique heel groove design makes the protective gear quick and convenient to put on and take off.
This 3D printed wedge protector uses a lightweight lattice structure design, complemented by strategic support zones and an abrasion-resistant tread to ensure the product lasts over long periods of use. Hypsole has partnered with Carbon®, the global leader in 3D printing technology, to use its revolutionary Carbon DLS™ technology for production. This technology solidifies liquid resin through digital light projection, enabling the production of products with both functionality and visual effects, surpassing the limitations of traditional manufacturing processes.
During the year-long design adjustment process, the Tidal 3D™ Elite prototype was repeatedly optimized to fit the requirements of Carbon DLS™ technology. Ultimately, at the suggestion of the Carbon team, Hypsole decided to use Carbon’s elastic polyurethane (EPU) as its main material. The material is made from 40% bio-based ingredients and has properties comparable to the thermoplastic polyurethane commonly used in the outsoles of traditional athletic shoes.
Market Insights and User Experience
“Carbon’s technology is designed to create products that push the boundaries of markets and industries, and Hypsole’s innovative products are no exception,” said Phil DeSimone, Carbon Co-Founder and Head of the CEO Office. . “We are honored to partner with Hypsole to do this. DLS technology brings this revolutionary sneaker concept to life, helping athletes of all levels improve their performance.
Currently, Tidal 3D™ Elite is officially on the market, priced at $75, available in Calcite Hex and Onyx Hex colors, and 10 unisex sizes to choose from. This protective gear is suitable for football, rugby, lacrosse, baseball, softball and ultimate frisbee cleats. All Hypsole cleat protectors come in a custom unisex sizing system, covering US children’s size 1 through adult.
Against the backdrop of the rapid development of 3D printing technology, the footwear market ushers in technological innovation. However, in this technology competition, Suzhou Poly Technology, a domestic 3D printing technology enterprise, also achieved good results. Its ultra-fast HALS 3D printer, developed by itself, has obtained remarkable results in the shoe market thanks to its technical resistance comparable to that of Carbon. At the same time, Suzhou Poly Technology also provides production support for the new national fashion brand STARAY to help it stand out in the market.
