A bobsled ride lasts only a few seconds in the heat, but one slip can ruin an entire team. Recognizing the need for high-performance ice sports shoes, his BMW began producing custom 3D-printed traction aids for the 2025 Winter Olympics.
In the world of bobsledding, success is determined by a delicate balance between athlete performance, equipment quality, and steering accuracy. While the focus is often on an athlete’s strength and technique, the importance of shoes cannot be underestimated, especially during the critical push-up phase of a race. Ice can be slippery, so grip and power transfer are important.
Unlike track and field, where there are a variety of spiked shoes available to suit individual tastes, ice sports have traditionally had limited options. That’s why BMW has teamed up with the German Bobsled, Luge and Skeleton Federation (BSD) to develop a new model using advanced 3D printing technology, with the aim of maximizing performance and comfort for athletes competing at the highest level. We provided an innovative solution: a customized spike plate.
Traditionally, bobsled shoes have a fixed row of nails that cannot be replaced and have a limited lifespan. BMW has designed an approach centered around interchangeable spike plates that can be tailored to individual sledder preferences and performance goals.
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The manufacturing process begins with a 3D scan of the individual’s shoe and the design of a spike plate that perfectly matches the terrain. BMW’s Additive Manufacturing Center then prints the plates and layers them with metal powder using laser welding for precision and durability. There is scope to test and experiment with different alloys to improve each design.
“For more than 30 years, we have been using 3D printing to create prototypes, customized one-off components and components for series production,” says Claudia, Head of BMW Group Additive Manufacturing Projects and Qualification. Ruckle said. “The main advantages of 3D printing are time and cost savings and high flexibility. This allows different variations to be quickly manufactured, tested and efficiently optimized.”
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The potential uses of this technology extend beyond personal preference. By automating the adaptation process, BMW is able to manufacture spike plates for different shoe sizes, attachment points and even weather conditions, offering athletes unprecedented versatility and performance optimization. To do.
Initial testing at the World Cup yielded promising results, with athletes praising the comfort and performance of the new spikes. Further adjustments are underway, but everyone is working to ensure he is fully equipped and taking full advantage of the technology in time for his 2026 Winter Olympics.
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“We tested the spike plates at the World Cup and got a lot of positive feedback from our players,” said Bobsled head coach Rene Spieth. “Still, we still need some tweaks here and there, but we hope to have a shoe that is perfect for competition by the 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the latest.”
Source: BMW Group