Nike has unveiled the Air Max 1000, the company’s first sneaker made almost entirely using 3D printing. The new product was created in partnership with Zellerfeld, which already has experience in the field of 3D printing of shoes. The sneakers were shown to visitors at ComplexCon last weekend in Las Vegas.
Image source: Nike
Design-wise, the new Air Max 1000 is an updated version of the Air Max 1, which debuted in 1987 and was Nike’s first sneaker with an air cushion in the heel. This feature is retained in the Air Max 1000, although the air cushion itself was not 3D printed. The rest of the sneaker is made using 3D printing.
By mixing layers of different densities and textures, the Air Max 1000’s lower midsole remains firm and supportive, while the upper is more flexible and comfortable. This allows you to put on and take off your shoes without using laces. The use of 3D printing also allowed Nike to realize unique contoured designs that, according to the company, would not have been possible using traditional shoe manufacturing technologies.
Nike initially announced the Air Max 1000 in a bright red colorway, but later at the event they also released versions in different colors, including white, blue and black-green. The initial batch consists of 1,000 pairs of new sneakers, which visitors to the exhibition could pre-order. Nike has not yet revealed plans for larger-scale production of the Air Max 1000 and has not announced the retail price of the new sneakers.