Hypsole, a brand at the intersection of sports, fashion, and technology, has introduced its first product: the Tidal 3D™ Elite cleat guards. Designed for athletes across all levels of competition, these 3D-printed guards offer a unique blend of functionality, convenience, protection, and comfort, all while maintaining a sleek, stylish appearance. Compatible with various cleat models from major sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, rugby, and ultimate frisbee, the Tidal 3D™ Elite is set to redefine how athletes manage their footwear off the field.
Innovative Design with Athlete Needs in Mind
Founded by former Division I track and field athlete Jes Christian, Hypsole’s Tidal 3D™ Elite cleat guards were born out of a desire to address the challenges athletes face when transitioning from the field to other activities. Christian’s vision was to create a product that not only met the functional demands of athletes but also appealed to their sense of style. “Once the functional requirements of the product were established, the aesthetic – from fit to finish – became a top priority,” Christian explained. She emphasized the importance of creating a product that athletes would want to wear, blending function with fashion to ensure widespread appeal.
The Tidal 3D™ Elite guards are designed to transform cleats into functional footwear that athletes can comfortably walk in anywhere, whether they are heading home or running post-practice errands. These guards follow the natural curve of common cleat silhouettes and feature a firm grip to keep cleats securely in place. The adjustable button-and-strap design allows for a customizable fit, accommodating different cleat heights and widths, while a heel notch enables quick and easy removal.
Lightweight Lattice Design
The Tidal 3D™ Elite cleat guards feature a lightweight lattice design with strategic support regions and durable tread, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Hypsole collaborated with Carbon®, a leading 3D printing technology company, to manufacture the cleat guards using Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis™ (Carbon DLS™). This cutting-edge 3D printing process cures liquid resin with digital light projection, producing products with superior functional and visual properties that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve.
Over a year of development, the original design of the Tidal 3D™ Elite was refined for production with Carbon DLS™, incorporating input from Carbon’s team. The final product is made entirely from Carbon’s Elastomeric Polyurethane (EPU), a 40% bio-based material that rivals the performance of standard thermoplastic polyurethanes used in sneaker outsoles. This material choice underscores Hypsole’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing performance.
Phil DeSimone, Co-Founder and Office of the CEO at Carbon, highlighted the collaboration’s success, stating, “Carbon’s technology was developed to bring about products that push the boundaries of what’s possible no matter the markets or industry — and Hypsole is no exception. We’re proud to partner to bring its revolutionary sports footwear concept to life, with Carbon’s DLS technology, enabling improved performance for athletes at all levels.”
Product Availability and Features
Tidal 3D™ Elite cleat guards are now available for purchase exclusively at hypsole.com, retailing for $75. They come in two color options, Calcite Hex and Onyx Hex, and are available in 10 unisex sizes, covering a range from US child’s size 1 to adult sizes for both men and women. The custom unisex sizing system ensures a comfortable and secure fit for a wide variety of cleat models.
Setting New Standards in Athletic Footwear
Hypsole’s introduction of the Tidal 3D™ Elite cleat guards represents a significant step forward in sports equipment design. By merging advanced 3D printing technology with a keen understanding of athletes’ needs, the product effectively addresses the practical challenges of moving off the field while maintaining high standards of style and performance. As the Tidal 3D™ Elite cleat guards gain traction, Hypsole is establishing itself as a leader in the sports industry, driving innovation at the intersection of functionality, fashion, and sustainability.