Bauer Partners with Aetrex to Launch Bauer 3D Fitlabs

TEANECK, NEW JERSEY (March 19, 2024) — Aetrex, Inc., which produces foot-scanning technology and data-driven orthotics and comfort footwear, and Bauer Hockey LTD announced their partnership and launch of Bauer FitLabs to roll out to retailers June 2024.

Bauer FitLabs, progressive in-store 3D foot scanning stations equipped with Aetrex’s Albert 2 Pro scanners, will identify an athlete’s unique foot type and provide personalized orthotic and skate recommendations for ideal fit and performance. Aimed to revolutionize the hockey skate and orthotic fitting process, the 20-second scanning experience will provide athletes with complete data about their unique feet and gait. The comprehensive data collection includes fundamental 3D measurements of each foot (i.e. length, width, girth, instep height, arch height, etc.), a detailed 3D rendering of the feet, and a pressure distribution analysis underfoot, both static pressure (standing) and dynamic pressure (moving). Athletes will gain a deeper understanding of their unique foot characteristics and will receive product solutions tailored to their individual needs for ideal fit and performance.

“The partnership is a perfect marriage. Bauer has an unwavering pursuit to invent, experiment and push limits in the hockey industry,” said Larry Schwartz, CEO of Aetrex. “At Aetrex, technology is at the core of everything we do. We are thrilled Bauer has decided to partner with us to upgrade their 3D fit technology solutions to better serve their customers and athletes at all levels.”

As a trusted skate provider of key NHL athletes, an inventive brand focused on driving performance with introductions like the Tuuk holder, and the first hockey company to adopt a digital solution for ice skate fittings in 2017, Bauer’s pursuit to pave the way for game-changing innovation led to its partnership with Aetrex. It is during the scanning process within the FitLab where the Albert 2 Pro will recommend a premier Bauer skate based on the athlete’s individual 3D foot scan.

“Innovation lies at the heart of Bauer Hockey, and the FitLab is another example of our commitment to pushing the game forward,” said John Davidson, director of brand management at Bauer Hockey. “The trend towards a more personal and customized skate-fitting process continues to grow in importance for players at all levels. Through our partnership with Aetrex, we can elevate the standards of skate fitting, while bringing the overall experience to a new level.

“Utilizing Aetrex foot-scanning technology, we can view a digital 3D model of an individual’s foot, underfoot pressure and dynamic movement and precise measurements. This data enables us to customize the process for each individual — setting the bar for premium skate-fitting experiences. The FitLab and Aetrex will not only be a game changer for individuals shopping for skates; it will be a game-changer across the entire industry.”

The program is scheduled to launch at 420 retail locations across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Additional information on the partnership and Bauer FitLabs will be released later this spring. To learn more about Aetrex’s technology, visit www.aetrex.com/technology.