Innovative Digitally Knitted Football Boots Fit Like A Glove: Wow!

Mega sportswear giants Adidas and Nike are among the few companies who have mass production capabilities and pockets that are deep enough to utilize advanced technologies for practical applications to create digitally knitted football boots. These include Flyknit, which was launched two years ago and Primeknit.  Born from a sincere desire to create a shoe that is speedy and snug with the comfort of a sock, digitally knit football shoes are all the rage.

The digitally knit football shoe 

This innovative athletic shoe is the result of highly sophisticated technologies that include: 2D printing of fabrics, 3D printing, injection molding and 3D weaving, such as that done for socks and shoes. Whenever a dress or shoe is 3-D printed, the motivation behind its inception is more experimental than functional, but sports brands generally promote innovation in their products to improve performance levels. The digital knitted football boot is extremely flexible, comfortable and stable.

Fyknit vs.Primeknit

Flyknit, which was introduced in 2012, allows the foot  via a sock-like cleat, to get closer to the ball and deliver enhanced control. This high-tech material offers siginificant support  and stronger fibers are strategically placed in specific areas of the shoe. The woven upper, as seen in the Magista running shoe featured below, is both comfortable and supportive and represents Nike's first attempt to use flyknit technology to create a football boot.   

The emphasis with Primeknit  is a shoe that has a one-piece upper comprised of the same material throughout. The application of heat to specific areas creates support and occurs when the fibers melt and create a fuse-like structure. Areas that need support can be pinpointed and yet weight  and mobility are never compromised.

Adidas Primeknit: Source: Dezeen.com

According to a spokesman from Adidas: "Primeknit is a technology that is right at the heart of Adidas innovation and we're excited about introducing this development into football...The color is a mix of blue, ornage, pink and lime green and is a reflection of the color schemes currently used in Adidas's Samba range,which was released ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup that took place in Brazil this past summer."

Adidas Samba range: whoateallthepietv.com

The Magista digitally knitted football shoe

The Magista knitted football boot: Source: wgsn.com

According to Nike, this footwear is made expressly for the aggressive football player who is always on the move and is designed to enable 'devastating creativity.' This shoe is the result of four years of research and development in the company's Sport Research Lab and extensive feedback from some of the world's best players.

In the words of player Iniesta from Spain International: "The fit of this digital football boot is so unique that I don't think about it  when I'm wearing it. It allows me to move the way I need to instinctively and with more confidence. This boot is different from everything we've seen before."

According to Phil McCartney, Nike's vice president  of sports performance footwear: "We've designed a shoe that feels like an extension of the player's body. This isn't a boot that  just goes on your foot, it's a boot that works with your foot."

Conclusion

Nike and Adidas have opened the door for other manufacturers of sports related products and particularly footwear. The digital knitted football boot may well be just the beginning of cutting edge sports apparel and accesories that enhance player performance. Their success seems imminent,  but only time will tell.

Final thoughts about football:

If a man watches three football games in a row, he should be declared legally dead. ~ Erma Bombeck