Nike's first 3D printed model, the Nike Air Max 1000

Nike has unveiled its first 3D-printed sneaker, the Air Max 1000. The new shoe is a modern reinterpretation of the Air Max 1 that was released in 1987, and was recently unveiled at ComplexCon in Las Vegas. Nike collaborated with 3D printing specialist Zellerfeld to create the shoe.

The Air Max 1000 is made entirely from a single material using 3D printing technology, except for the Air cushioning. The outer sole of the shoe is firm yet supportive, while the upper is flexible enough to allow easy wearing without laces. Nike says, “3D printing allowed us to achieve unique shapes and structures that would not have been possible with traditional manufacturing methods.”

Like the original Air Max 1, this model features a transparent Air cushioning window in the midsole. The model was first unveiled in a bright red design, with additional colors to follow in orange, white, blue, and black. Some event attendees also reported seeing a variety of color options, including a green Air cushioning.

The Air Max 1000 was distributed in limited quantities at Complexcon, with a total of 1,000 pairs available for pre-order. Nike has yet to reveal a general release date or pricing information for the shoes. The 3D-printed shoes currently on sale on Zellerfeld’s website are priced between $159 and $400, so we expect the Air Max 1000 to be priced similarly.

General availability and additional information on the Air Max 1000 will be announced at a later date.

More and Sources

• https://www.nike.com/kr/launch/t/behind-the-design-air-max-1000-kr