Case Study: Brooks Running achieves faster design validation and cost savings with Stratasys Connex3 3D printing

Brooks Running Steps Up Design Validation with 3D Printing

Brooks Running, a performance footwear company based in Seattle, faced tight seasonal design cycles, long waits and missed deadlines when relying on external prototyping services. To speed design validation and avoid vendor queues and rush fees, Brooks invested in a Stratasys Connex3™ 3D Printer for in-house prototyping.

Using the Stratasys Connex3™, Brooks prints four to five outsole/midsole prototypes at once with about an eight-hour turnaround, allowing files, prototypes and reviews to be completed within a 10-hour span. The change cut design-validation time roughly in half, reduced project delays, saved $500–$800 per shoe design (and thousands per season), and eliminated dependence on external service bureaus.

Brooks Running

Kenny Krotzer

Associate Footwear Developer