Dezeen Magazine

RealFlex U-FORM shrink to fit running shoes by Reebok

RealFlex U-FORM+ shoes by Reebok

Sportswear brand Reebok has launched a range of running shoes that shrink to fit the wearer's foot when heated with a hairdryer.

RealFlex U-FORM shrink to fit running shoes by Reebok

Reebok's RealFlex U-FORM+ shoe is heated with a hairdryer for two minutes until the logo on the back turns from black to red. The hot shoe is then laced tightly around the foot and left to cool for two minutes while the wearer sits still.

RealFlex U-FORM shrink to fit running shoes by Reebok

A synthetic mesh layer inside the upper shrinks as it cools to mould exactly to the contours of the skin, starting in the middle of the foot and wrapping around the heel.

RealFlex U-FORM shrink to fit running shoes by Reebok

The material replaces normal lining in the shoe so it doesn't add any extra weight and perforations in the mesh mean it's breathable. Reebok says the shoes can be reheated and reformed many times over without losing effectiveness.

RealFlex U-FORM shrink to fit running shoes by Reebok

"For top athletes we make custom-formed shoes," says Bill McInnis, head of Reebok Advanced Concepts. "With U-FORM+ we're going to do that for everyone."

RealFlex U-FORM shrink to fit running shoes by Reebok

Other innovative sports shoes on Dezeen include trainers with criss-crossing bands inspired by Chinese finger traps, football boots with 3D-printed studs and shoes with cables round them that tighten on impact.

RealFlex U-FORM shrink to fit running shoes by Reebok

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