Reebok is releasing its first application of the Liquid Factory technique on the Floatride Run shoe. The brand first introduced the technology in 2016 with the Liquid Speed, a running shoe focusing on energy return. The manufacturing technique is based on 3-D drawing, where a proprietary liquid material – created especially for Reebok by Basf – is used to draw the shoe components in three-dimensional layers. This technique, which was developed by the Reebok Future team, enables creating footwear without the use of traditional molds. Reebok is now expanding the use of its mold-breaking Liquid Factory technology to the Floatride Run. The modified Liquid Floatride Run features the same proprietary Floatride cushioning midsole for long-distance running but is said to be 20 percent lighter than the original version. The Liquid Floatride Run also introduces liquid lace and liquid grip. Liquid lace replaces conventional laces, as the Liquid Factory process stretches a thin liquid web across the top of the shoe in place of laces. The liquid lace is said to turn the shoe into an easy-on, easy-off shoe while still holding the foot in place. The liquid grip replaces the rubber outsole seen in conventional footwear, with a liquid version drawn in stripes across the bottom of the shoe. A rubber outsole is typically the heaviest component of a shoe. This is why replacing it with liquid significantly reduces the weight of the shoe, says Reebok. The brand also says that liquid grip provides increased traction as compared to a conventional shoe.

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