Hot on the heels of rivals adidas, New Balance embarked on creating their own 3D-printed running shoe last year. Now, at long last, the pioneering kicks are about to go on sale, for a pretty steep price.
For $400 (£280), you can buy one of just 44 pairs of the New Balance Zante Generate trainers. As you can imagine, stocks aren’t going to last long, so set an alarm for Thursday at 2pm GMT to get your hands on a pair from the brand’s website.
Why 44? The number commemorates New Balance Owner & Chairman Jim Davis, who purchased the company (44 years ago) on Patriot’s Day in 1972.
New Balance say their 3D printing methods allow optimal flexibility, strength, weight and durability due to an intricate honeycomb midsole structure. The shoe’s upper is the same as that used in the Fresh Foam Zante v2 model.
The shoe also provides engineered mesh through the midfoot for soft, supple support.
For those who have $400 and the nerve to try to get one of 44 pairs, good luck to you. For everyone else, these shoe porn pictures will have to suffice for now.