Both Nike and Adidas Adopt 3D Printing (SSYS)

Scoopage from the Financial Times:

New stamping ground for Nike and Adidas as 3D shoes kick off

Nike and Adidas are embracing 3D printing to speed up the shoemaking process, using the technology to make multiple prototype versions at a previously impossible speed.

While 3D printing has generated hype over potential home use – including gun making – it is becoming an important complement to the multinationals’ labour-intensive Asian factories.

3D printers lay down particles of plastic, metal or even wood in thin layers that build up into solid objects. The footwear makers are using them to print and modify prototype plastic soles with studs, or cleats, for football and running shoes.

Shane Kohatsu, innovation director at Nike’s Oregon headquarters, told the Financial Times that 3D printing had accelerated development of its Vapor Laser Talon boot for professional American footballers....MUCH MORE

Stratasys seems to be addressing 3D prototyping in the shoe business more than DDD.
Going beyond 3D is laser sintering. Germany's EOS, mentioned in the FT story above provided backing for this little project.
From Luc Fusaro via Kottke:

 96 grams.
With these things I'm Mercury.