The fully 3D printed Nike shoe is here, a 3D printed evolution of the iconic Air Max 1.
In 1987, Nike released the Air Max 1, showing the world the visible Air cushioning system for the first time. In 2024, the Air Max 1000 will be officially unveiled as the new chapter of the Air series. This shoe is a 3D printed version of the Air Max 1 created by Nike in collaboration with 3D printed shoe company Zellerfeld.
The Air Max 1000 uses an all-red color scheme and the vibrant colors highlight the unique sculptural feel of the upper. Using 3D printing technology, the upper features a laceless design, creating a fluid visual effect. The smooth print on the upper contrasts with the textured print, which covers the toe and midfoot, while the textured print features a carbon fiber-like effect and is spread across the throat, heel and part of the tip.
The brand identity has also been simplified, retaining only a recessed brand logo, further emphasizing the minimalist style of the design. The transparent design of the air chamber in the heel shows the internal structure of the shoe, paying homage to the “inside-out” design concept of the Center Pompidou in Paris, the inspiration for the Air Max 1 designed by Tinker Hatfield .
This 3D printed sneaker represents a significant step forward and demonstrates Nike’s commitment to revolutionizing traditional sneaker manufacturing. John Hoke, Nike’s chief innovation officer, said of the shoe: “As an innovation, what excites me most about the Air Max 1000 are the new design solutions that we obtained using next-generation manufacturing technology. His control, his precision of timing and his expressiveness. key elements of motion design. When these variables are improved at the same time, our imagination for future products is almost limitless.
Nike will debut the Nike Air Max 1000 at ComplexCon 2024 in Las Vegas on November 16-17, 2024. Attendees will experience the shoe live in the Air Max 1000 Experience Zone and have a chance to win a pair. At the moment, the official has not announced a specific release date online.
In fact, fully 3D printed shoes have gradually become a trend. Not long ago, Adidas launched a new all-in-one 3D printed shoe “ClimaMog”, ASICS launched ACTIBREEZE 3D printed slippers, Puma launched Mostro 3D printed shoes inspired by monsters and domestic fashion brand STARAY launched a 3D printed shoe “Cells”. The shoes in pieces have sold more than 100,000 pairs.
According to the resource library, the current 3D printing suppliers behind these shoe brands mainly include Suzhou Poly Technology, Beijing Qingfeng Technology, Carbon in the United States, Zellerfeld in Germany, etc. On the path to fully 3D printed shoes, smaller brands have taken the lead, while larger brands seem to slowly follow suit.
The next generation of shoes is coming and 3D printing will be an indispensable tool.
