Adidas Put a 3D-Printed Sole on a Classic Golf Shoe
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Adidas is bringing together kilties, brogue wingtips, and a 3D-printed sole for a golf shoe borrowing heavily from the past and the future.
The MC87 4D is Adidas’ first golf shoe to make use of the brand’s 4D technology, a proprietary form of 3D printing that uses light and oxygen. Based on the Tiverton, a golf shoe from the ’80s, the water-resistant white leather upper has all the hallmarks of the sport’s footwear from even further back. A croc texture brings even more refinement to the silhouette through the underlay and hosts a raised, metal Adidas logo.
Where the shoe truly deviates from classic footwear is in its 4D midsole, which is tuned for controlled energy return and absorbs pressure from any angle. Adidas first introduced the tech in 2017, and although its not as rare as it once was, it’s still a fairly limited offering in lifestyle and running applications. Going down further, the rubber outsole makes use of lugs instead of spikes for traction on the course.
Another surprise then comes from the insole, which features a cobblestone graphic inspired by the upcoming Ryder Cup in Rome.
“Over the last 18 months we’ve noticed golfers wanting more vintage designs, and we’re in a unique position where our archives provide some amazing product inspiration as we continue our mission to be the most progressive golf brand in the world,” Masun Denison, global footwear director for Adidas Golf, said in a press release. “We challenged ourselves to combine the timeless aesthetics from the past with the technology of today, and MC87 4D was the perfect result. It’s a very special silhouette, a first for us in golf using the 4D technology, and it will be one that golfers everywhere will be excited about.”
The MC87 4D was built on a gender-neutral last and will release in both men’s and women’s sizes Thursday, Sept. 21. Adidas’ website and app will host the limited-edition release, and pricing is set at $250.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.