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New Balance Announces Date of Exclusive 3D Printed Shoe Sales

Since the end of last year, it’s been known that 3D Systems partnered with New Balance to create a limited series of running shoes with a 3D printed midsole. The shoe then turned up at CES this year, where attendees got to see the pair in person. Today, the partners finally announced when these shoes would be made available to the public. So, get your wallet ready, 44 pairs of Zante Generate shoes will be made available for purchase on Friday, April 15 at 9 am EST.

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The midsole of the Zante Generate line is made from 3D Systems’ new laser sintering powder, DuraForm® TPU Elastomer. The combination of this new material with the honeycomb infill of the midsole are meant to result in a balance of flexibility, weight, durability, and strength.  The midsole is flexible due to the open cells that make up its structure. Once 3D printed in the US with 3D Systems’ selective laser sintering technology, the midsole is assembled with the rest of the shoe at New Balance’s factory in Lawrence, MA. The upper of the shoe is the same as New Balance’s Fresh Foam Zante v2 line, a bootie construction with mesh through the midfoot for soft support.

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New Balance President and CEO Robert DeMartini said of the new product, “New Balance is at the forefront of 3D printing and has been utilizing this exciting and innovative technology to customize product for our athletes for a number of years. Our unique position as both a manufacturer and retailer allows us to bring the world’s first 3D printed running midsole to market. The Zante Generate demonstrates the strength of New Balance design and innovation and will allow consumers to own a piece of running technology history.”

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The Zante Generate running shoes will be available for purchase for $400 USD at www.newbalance.com and the New Balance Experience Store at 583 Boylston Street in Boston. The limited run of 44 pairs is a tribute to New Balance Owner & Chairman, Jim Davis, who purchased the company 44 years ago on Patriot’s Day. If you manage to be one of the 44 people that can get their hands on the new shoes this Friday, you may be a walking part of history.