One-of-a-Kind, One Piece Machine-Milled Leather Sneakers from Adidas

Someday we may miss the feeling of those beautifully precise stitches that once held things together… But for now, this departure from traditional craftsmanship is an exciting step forward in mass production. “Futurecraft is our sandbox. It is how we challenge ourselves every day to explore the boundaries of our craft. Driving material and process innovation, bringing the familiar into the future. Marrying the qualities of handcrafting and prototyping with the limitless potential of new manufacturing technologies. Futurecraft is stripped back – fast, raw and real – it is our approach to design.” This according to Creative Director of Adidas Paul Gaudio, who has worked with an impressive community of creatives to develop truly groundbreaking innovations in the realm of performance footwear. Their newest design looks just like the iconic Superstar, with a major catch; the whole shoe is made from one piece of leather that’s been milled across its surface to achieve varying thickness. Despite the futuristic implications of this technological feat, the material’s unique qualities offer additional flexibility and support while simplifying the assembly process. “This unique process offers the opportunity for athletes to have bespoke leather footwear, which can be milled exclusively for them in real time, from the leather of their choice,” says Adidas, which hopes to open stores worldwide in which customers can watch the creation of their very own customized shoes. While that reality may be a long way off, Adidas will be selling 45 pairs at $400 each at the Dover Street Market in New York, London, and Tokyo this November 7.  All Images: courtesy Adidas