Cavan Sullivan, Adidas and Philadelphia Union
Thursday
United States prodigy Cavan Sullivan became the first footballer to wear Adidas’ 3D-printed boots in a top-level competitive match. The 16-year-old used the customised Project R.A.P. cleats against New York Red Bulls in MLS.
Adidas printed the lightweight boots to Sullivan’s foot specifications using athlete feedback, testing and data. The debut shows major sportswear brands moving towards bespoke performance products, with other elite footballers expected to use the technology.