# 3D-Printed Shin Guards Zweikampf's Shock-Absorbing Structure was Inspired by Japanese Samurai By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-04-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shin-guards References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1749428467/zweikampf-shin-guard) & [3dprint](https://3dprint.com/130326/3d-printed-shin-guards/) Zweikampf Shin Guards are being launched on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soccer-socks) as the first-ever premium [3D-printed shin guards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customfit-3d-printed-shoes) for both professional and recreational sports players. At its core, one of the most innovative details about these [protective shin guards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crep-protect-3) is a Y-shaped structure that helps to absorb and distribute shock across the surface of the accessory, rather than concentrating impact on a certain point. This unique structure was developed with inspiration from a similar honeycomb structure once used by the samurai thousands of years ago. 3D printing allows the next-generation shin guard to be created in an extremely lightweight material and sized in three types to fit any sports enthusiast. Another thoughtful design detail is a textured grip on the exterior of the guard, which is useful for keeping socks in place. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Premium 3d-printed Shin Guards:** The use of 3D printing technology to create advanced shin guards with a shock-absorbing structure. - **Y-shaped Shock-absorbing Structure:** The innovation of a Y-shaped structure to distribute shock across the surface of shin guards. - **Inspiration From Samurai Honeycomb Structure:** Drawing inspiration from the honeycomb structure utilized by samurais, leading to the development of innovative shin guards. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sports Equipment:** The sports equipment industry can explore the use of 3D printing technology to create innovative and lightweight shin guards with improved shock-absorbing capabilities. - **Manufacturing:** The manufacturing industry can embrace the use of 3D printing technology to produce advanced protective equipment such as shin guards with unique shock-absorbing structures. - **Athletic Apparel:** The athletic apparel industry can collaborate with 3D printing companies to design and produce shin guards with a textured grip on the exterior for enhanced performance and comfort. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Athlete-Approved Innovative Ankle Braces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-ankle-brace.md) - [3D-Printed Skeletal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoskyn.md) - [Customized 3D-Printed Bike Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kav-bike-helmets.md) - [3D-Printed Sports Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-1000.md) - [3D-Printed Winter Sport Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bobsled-footwear.md) - [3D-Printed Cycling Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kask.md) - [Ergonomic 3D-Printed Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flip-flops.md) - [Personalized Footwear Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-personalization-studio.md) - [Brain-Protecting Wearable Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brainprotecting-wearable-device.md)