Traditional sneaker design has often limited designers’ creativity, with many concept shoes never making it to production due to technological constraints. However, with the rise of 3D printing, sneaker design is reaching new heights, pushing boundaries and sparking innovation.
Currently, 3D printing is most widely used in consumer goods, education, and the cultural/creative industries, holding 43%, 34%, and 10% of the market, respectively. Consumers now seek personalized, customized products, and 3D printing allows for unique, tailored creations rather than mass-produced, generic options. For example, 3D printing enables the creation of sneakers with varying levels of softness or hardness by adjusting the material’s density.
In 2023, several fashion brands have embraced 3D printing in footwear, showcasing sneakers that break free from traditional design limits. Let’s explore the groundbreaking footwear that’s reshaping the sneaker game.
RAINS x ZellerfeldPuffer Sneaker
In early 2023, Danish brand RAINS collaborated with German tech company Zellerfeld to unveil their first 3D-printed shoe, the Puffer Boot. Featuring a newly developed filling element in the instep, 90% of which is air, this innovative design marks a significant breakthrough for Zellerfeld in the realm of footwear technology.
PLEASURES x Zellerfeld 3D Tank Shoe
Known for its high-profile collaborations with brands like Reebok, Dr. Martens, Sperry, and PUMA, PLEASURES continues to be a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts. In 2023, the brand teamed up with 3D-printing pioneer Zellerfeld to launch the brand’s first-ever 3D-printed footwear, the 3D Tank Shoe, adding another innovative chapter to their footwear collaborations.
HOUSE OF ERRORS x ALIVEFORMTOPO-01
In early 2023, London-based emerging brand HOUSE OF ERRORS partnered with Japanese sustainable brand ALIVEFORM to unveil the TOPO-01, a groundbreaking 3D-printed shoe. This marked HOUSE OF ERRORS’ first venture into the footwear industry, generating buzz across various sectors.
NAMESAKE CLIPPERS3000 & 8000
In March 2023, the emerging fashion brand NAMESAKE launched its first 3D printed footwear collection, CLIPPERS. The series includes the CLIPPERS 3000 and CLIPPERS 8000, both inspired by the athletic performance of basketball shoes and the sleek, speed-driven shape of a non-cut clipper.
BOTTER x Reebok Murex Shell Slide
During the 2023 autumn/winter collection, French fashion brand BOTTER teamed up with Reebok to release their first 3D printed sneaker, the Venus Comb Murex Shell. With its avant-garde design, it captured the attention of sneaker enthusiasts.
Moncler x Zellerfeld Trailgrip 3D
Moncler, known for its iconic Trailgrip shoes designed by Air YEEZY’s Nathan VanHook, partnered with Zellerfeld to create a 3D printed version. This collaboration elevates outdoor footwear to new heights.
As 2023 progresses, more brands are embracing 3D printing to revolutionize the traditional footwear industry. While it requires significant investment and time to make 3D printed shoes mainstream, the future promises even more innovative developments in this space.
