Berlin, Germany
Nike has partnered with Zellerfeld, a Berlin-based 3D printing footwear specialist, to create the Air Max 1000, an innovative shoe inspired by the classic Air Max 1 from 1987, reflecting a broader trend in the footwear industry towards 3D-printed designs, offering potential benefits in customization, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.
While companies like Adidas have also explored 3D-printed footwear, startups such as Zellerfeld are at the forefront of pushing these innovations into mainstream fashion.
Nike’s Chief Innovation Officer, John Hoke, emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating that the Air Max 1000 allows for new solutions in manufacturing, enhancing control, precision, and expression in both sport and design.
This oeuvre marks Nike’s first sneaker primarily manufactured through 3D printing, emphasizing customization and sustainability.
Zellerfeld’s technology enables the use of a single flexible material that varies in density to provide support and comfort, eliminating the need for traditional assembly methods like stitching and adhesives.
The design features the iconic visible air cushion in the heel and a slip-on structure, moving away from laces.
Customization plays a central role, with the ability to 3D scan wearers’ feet for a perfect fit.
These shoes are crafted from a single flexible material, with varying densities and textures achieved through advanced 3D printing techniques. This design provides a firm outsole for support and a more flexible upper for comfort, allowing the shoe to be easily slipped on and off without laces.
Project: Air Max 1000
Designers: NIKE Inc.
Manufacturer: Zellerfeld R&D GmbH.