Nike Takes Air Max 1 Into the Future With This 3D-Printed Sneaker
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Nike has taken a big step forward in 3D printing in a riff on the original Air Max sneaker.
The Nike Air Max 1000 is a new 3D-printed silhouette that reimagines the Air Max 1 and was manufactured with Zellerfeld. Nike isn’t saying a tremendous amount about the sneaker in its press release, but the lifestyle sneaker appears to be a single piece printed around the Air Max unit in the heel — setting it apart in features from what we typically see in 3D-printed shoes.
“As an innovator, what’s most exciting to me about the Air Max 1000 are the new solutions we can achieve with next-level manufacturing,” John Hoke, Nike chief innovation officer, said in a press release. “It’s control, times precision, times expression — all of which are vital to sport and to design. When those variables of control, precision and expression are multiplied at once, the future of our product really does feel unlimited.”
Nike will show the Air Max 1000 the public this weekend at ComplexCon, and attendees will have a chance to win an exclusive pair of the sneakers. Further release information for the sneaker has yet to be divulged — but there’s a nontrivial chance the Air Max 1000 ends up being a part of Nike’s plans for its annual Air Max Day celebration in March.
“Nike Air has been at the heart of Nike innovation for decades,” Hoke added. “It’s been reinvented, reimagined and pushed to new heights, and yet, despite all the advancements we’ve made, we are constantly pushing ourselves to feel that emotion of awe again and again. More than a technology, Nike Air is a mindset. It’s about embracing the unknown with optimism, as we believe that Air will never reach its final form.”
Zellerfeld, founded in 2015, has become a go-to for 3D-printing in the footwear industry, having worked with Louis Vuitton, Heron Preston, Moncler and more. This year, the German Company launched a 3D-platform it’s calling the “YouTube of shoes,” in which users can upload their own designs for 3D printing.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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