Customized Footwear for Competitive Training with Peel 3D

Peel 3D scanners have been instrumental in customizing the Rebound Blast training shoes used by Josef Auernigg, an athlete from the Red Bull HSV Salzburg skydiving team in Salzburg, Austria. Peel 3D technology has enhanced the shoes' athletic performance while ensuring a perfect, comfortable fit.

Competing at an elite level in any sport demands meticulous attention to detail, Auernigg, understands this well. To prepare for the para-ski championships—a sport that combines skydiving and alpine skiing—he relies on a specialized pair of blast shoes customized with Peel 3D scanners.

Advanced Technology for Athletes

The integration of blast shoes and Peel 3D scanners has led to a groundbreaking customization project. This initiative aims to create footwear tailored specifically to the needs of extreme sports athletes while ensuring a precise anatomical fit. Utilizing rebound effects and isometric principles in a unique and progressive manner, their innovative geometry makes them not only enjoyable to use but also beneficial for optimizing specific exercises while protecting joints. As a result, more athletes are integrating them into their regimens, particularly through the Blast 4 Training Program, and further personalizing them based on performance goals.

The Role of Peel 3D Scanners

Peel 3D scanners are portable devices capable of capturing the shape of objects and converting them into 3D files for modification using specialized design software. For Auernigg's custom blast shoes, the Peel 3D scanner was used to capture fine details with an impressive accuracy of 0.1 mm. Thanks to structured light technology, the scanner can also detect textures and colors. Weighing less than 1 kg, it is extremely lightweight and convenient for prolonged use.

“The high quality of data captured by Peel 3D, combined with the software provided, allows users to clean up scans with just a few simple clicks, resulting in a final 3D model suitable for multiple applications,” explains Andrea De Luca, Application Engineer at SolidWorld, a company specializing in the distribution and support of Peel 3D scanning solutions in Italy.

Maximum Customization for Optimal Results

Achieving both functionality and comfort in competitive sports footwear requires extreme precision. The first step in the customization process involves scanning the shoe's structure. Although produced through plastic molding, slight variations in geometry may still exist. Peel 3D scanners enable the capture of exact dimensions, facilitating modifications based on precise data.

Subsequent modifications to the Blast shoes involved manual adjustments, such as heating and bending the plastics, as well as developing a customized insole based on the athlete’s feedback. After these adjustments, the shoe’s geometry was scanned again and saved for future reference.

“The Peel 3D scanner proved ideal for this application: it is easy to use, highly accurate, and simplifies file finalization,” added De Luca. “Our extensive range of solutions allows us to meet diverse needs, positioning ourselves not just as product suppliers, but as solution providers who understand customer requirements and deliver the best possible results.”

3D Scanning: Enhancing Performance and Protecting Joints

While direct scanning of the athlete’s foot was an option, it would not have provided the same precision. Because the foot's shape varies under different loads and movements, scanning it inside the customized shoe was the optimal solution. This approach ensured a perfect fit and superior comfort while reducing joint impact.

Thanks to this customization, Auernigg can now train effectively using his Blast shoes for a range of exercises—including isometric, plyometric, coordination, and balance drills—all of which are crucial for para-skiing. Most importantly, the impact with the ground is absorbed by the customized blast shoes rather than his joints, significantly reducing strain and injury risk.

“The level of customization in these shoes is outstanding. The precision of the 3D scan of my footbed and ankle made the rebound boots exceptionally comfortable and perfect for various training techniques. Given that my ligaments were weakened due to a severe injury, the accuracy of the scanned shape allowed me to continue training without overloading my joints. This has improved my balance and agility—both essential for competing in extreme sports challenges.” — Josef Auernigg, Red Bull skydiver and accuracy competitor.

Peel 3D scanners are revolutionizing the customization of athletic footwear, providing elite athletes with personalized solutions for enhanced performance and injury prevention. By combining cutting-edge 3D scanning technology with innovative training gear like Blast shoes, Peel 3D ensures that athletes can train harder, safer, and more efficiently than ever before.