Sports footwear company Hypsole has developed its first model of 3D printed cleat guards – Tidal 3D™ Elite. It is compatible with several cleat models for rugby, football, baseball, soccer, frisbee, and lacrosse.
Jes Christian, Founder and CEO of Hypsole reveals, “Once the functional product demands were established, the aesthetic from fit to finish became a top priority. I didn’t want this product to be just another piece of sports equipment. I wanted fashion and streetwear to be infused into the design visuals. I felt strongly that it needed to look good & that we needed athletes to want it as much as if not more than they needed it, because at the end of the day if it works but it’s not hitting aesthetically – then we’re going to be fighting an uphill battle with our target demo.”
The cleat guards are described as sleek & comfortable offering convenience, protection, and functionality. Cleat guards function like removable outsoles, converting cleats into shoes. This makes them ideal for ‘anywhere walking.’ They have been cleverly designed to follow the natural foot curve by keeping the cleats in place.
Tidal 3D™ Elite is manufactured by Hypsole in collaboration with Carbon®, using its patented Carbon Digital Light Synthesis™ (Carbon DLS™) process. This technology has already been used across multiple sports applications.
As a reminder, the process uses digital light projection to cure liquid resin, producing products with desired functional and visual properties. Based on a recommendation from the Carbon team, the team decided to rely on Carbon’s Elastomeric Polyurethane (EPU) to produce the athletic cleat guards.
EPU is a 40% bio-based material that according to Carbon, “Rivals the performance of the standard thermoplastic polyurethanes often used in the production of sneaker outsoles.”
3D printing enhances comfort and energy dampening to reduce heat buildup. The cleat guards come in 10 unisex sizes. These cleat guards can be customized by adjusting the button-and-strap design making it ideal for different foot widths and lengths. It lends durability by supporting strategic regions and tough treads. Tidal 3D™ Elite is available in Calcite Hex and Onyx Hex colors for 75$.
Author: Nagarjun M
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