In 1945, American sci-fi author Murray Leinster wrote a short story that eerily predicted the concept of 3D printing, which would not become a reality for another 40 years. In the story, the protagonist uses a robotic arm to construct a spaceship layer by layer, a process that takes over 24 hours. Today, 3D printing technology has advanced to the point where highly complex objects, such as sneakers, can be printed in just a few hours.
One company at the forefront of this technology is Zellerfeld, which produces futuristic 3D-printed sneakers using hundreds of bespoke printers. These sneakers feature a combination of materials and designs, including a stretchy, breathable upper and a midsole with an internal lattice mesh for optimal support and bounce. Zellerfeld has received significant funding from billionaire Peter Thiel, who was also an early investor in SpaceX.
While big sneaker brands like Nike have been vocal about the potential of 3D printing, they have yet to deliver on their promises. Despite filing patents and promoting various 3D-printed sneaker ranges, none have been made commercially available. Adidas, on the other hand, has released a one-piece lattice-work 3D-printed slip-on recovery shoe, which can only be ordered through their Confirmed app.
As 3D printing technology continues to advance, it is clear that it has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing process for sneakers and other products. However, it remains to be seen which companies will successfully bring this technology to the mainstream market.
