Reusch, a company specialising in winter sports equipment and goalkeeper gloves, has unveiled the Attrakt Fusion Carbon® 3D, the world’s first soccer goalkeeper glove featuring a 3D printed punch zone. This ground-breaking product, developed in collaboration with US-based 3D printing specialist Carbon®, represents a significant advancement in goalkeeper equipment technology by replacing traditional rubber or latex applications with a high-performance, three-dimensional lattice structure.
The limited-edition glove introduces a revolutionary approach to punch zone design, creating a product that addresses the evolving demands of modern goalkeeping. Available worldwide from April 30, 2025, the Attrakt Fusion Carbon® 3D combines cutting-edge manufacturing techniques with Reusch’s established expertise in goalkeeper equipment.
3D Printed Punch Zone Enhances Performance
The 3D printed punch zone at the heart of the Attrakt Fusion Carbon® 3D offers several performance advantages over conventional materials.
“The heart of the glove is clearly the 3D printed punching zone. The high-tech mesh structure not only looks futuristic, but is also highly elastic, tear-resistant and energy-absorbing.”
– Christian Hilber, Product Manager at Reusch Goalkeeping
Unlike traditional punch zone materials, the 3D printed structure provides improved functionality through its unique properties. “The clear advantage over conventional rubber or latex applications lies in the three-dimensional grid structure, which offers unparalleled rebound and energy return while being very light and extremely flexible,” Hilber added.
The manufacturing process for the 3D printed punch zone utilises Carbon®’s patented Digital Light Synthesis™ technology, which creates parts through a light-activated chemical process rather than traditional layer-by-layer printing. This approach produces smoother, stronger components without visible layers, enabling more complex structural designs while maintaining high production quality.
Design Innovation
Developing a 3D printed punch zone that could withstand the rigours of professional play presented significant technical challenges.
“Within a limited thickness, we used Carbon® Design Engine to provide multiple lattice combinations to fine-tune performance. This punch zone component needs to endure continuous flexing throughout the game, so we conducted extensive tests on bonding strength to ensure it meets professional standards.”
– Jiaqi Ren, Application Development Engineer at Carbon®
The transition from conventional materials to a 3D printed structure required close collaboration between Reusch and Carbon® to ensure the component would maintain its integrity during use while delivering the desired performance characteristics. The successful implementation represents a significant advancement in applying digital manufacturing techniques to sporting equipment.
The 3D printed punch zone also enabled a fresh approach to goalkeeper glove aesthetics. “The backhand panel has traditionally been made with drop plastic latex for decades,” noted Ren. “3D printed lattice gave the glove a completely new design language—without sacrificing performance. It offers improved energy damping to help protect the back of the hand.”
Comprehensive Performance Features
Reusch has complemented the 3D printed punch zone with several advanced features designed to maximise overall glove performance. The Attrakt Fusion Carbon® 3D incorporates Fusion Grip Latex for enhanced grip in varying weather conditions, Evolution Negative Cut for improved fit and ball control, and the AdaptiveFlex Closure System for optimised wrist stability and movement.
“Engineered for peak performance, we combined the 3D printed backhand application with exclusive Reusch technologies like the AdaptiveFlex Closure and Fusion Grip Latex,” explained Hilber. “All this is wrapped in a futuristic design, delivering both cutting-edge functionality and standout style.”
The combination of these features with the 3D printed punch zone creates a goalkeeper glove specifically designed for the requirements of modern play, where keepers must perform effectively in both traditional shot-stopping scenarios and as active participants in build-up play.
Future Potential for 3D Printed Sporting Equipment
The development of the 3D printed punch zone represents not only an innovation for goalkeeper gloves but also demonstrates the broader potential for digital manufacturing in sporting equipment. Carbon®’s Ren believes this application is just the beginning: “I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what this technology can bring to goalkeeper gloves.”
The ability to precisely control structural properties through 3D printed lattice designs opens possibilities for highly customised sporting equipment that can be tailored to specific performance requirements. This approach could potentially extend beyond goalkeeper gloves to other sports equipment where impact absorption, weight, and flexibility are critical considerations.
As the first commercial application of a 3D printed punch zone in goalkeeper gloves, the Attrakt Fusion Carbon® 3D serves as both a functional product and a demonstration of how digital manufacturing technologies can transform traditional sporting goods categories.
About Reusch: Founded in 1934 in Metzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Reusch International S.p.A. is now based in Bolzano, South Tyrol. The company specialises in winter sports equipment and goalkeeper gloves, with distribution partners in approximately 60 countries worldwide. Reusch produces both summer collections (goalkeeper gloves and clothing, protectors, bags and accessories) and winter collections (racing, ski, freeride, mountaineering, board, Nordic gloves and headwear) for children and adults.
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