Most commonly, 3D printed shoes feature a 3D printed midsole. The midsole is the part between the upper and the outsole, and is responsible for cushioning impacts \u2013 for example when running \u2013 to keep your feet in good condition. 3D printed midsoles, as we will see, can cut weight, cushion runners\u2019 feet better, and provide more strength in the shoe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost all 3D printed shoe projects involve resin 3D printers<\/a>, with companies like Carbon and Formlabs collaborating with major sneaker brands like Adidas and New Balance to bring these shoes to market. Either elastic polyurethane materials, or flexible TPU<\/a> materials are used. Occasionally, SLS 3D printers<\/a> are used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recently, materials and chemical experts have started collaborating with sneaker companies to create production-level materials for 3D printing, and now 3D printed shoe parts are as high quality and durability as can be achieved in injection molding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adidas have partnered with innovative resin 3D printing firm Carbon 3D for the last few years to use their DLS (Digital Light Synthesis) technology in innovative new sneaker releases. Back in 2018 Adidas used Carbon\u2019s technology to create an initial run of 100,000 pairs of their first 3D printed sneakers, the Futurecraft 4D. The shoes sold out quickly and were a hit with resellers. The Futurecraft 4D featured a 3D printed lattice midsole, designed to optimize running by smoothing impacts as each step is taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then in December 2018, Adidas collaborated again with Carbon to release their latest 3D printed sneakers, the Alphaedge 4D. In addition, Adidas\u2019 premium Y-3 brand used 3D printing in the midsoles of the Y-3 Runner 4D, and a year later, the Ultra Boost series was redesigned to accommodate the 3D printed Futurecraft midsoles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adidas noted that 3D printing helped reduce the lead time in bringing the new sneaker models to market, with the Futurecraft 4D taking 11 months to go from first meetings to release. This is noticeably shorter than the typical 15-18-month lead time for sneakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then in August 2020, Adidas launched their newest 4D shoe, the Ultra4D, featuring another lattice 3D printed midsole. These higher priced 3D printed running shoes seemed to hit a chord in design for fashion fans, and are highly in demand for non-sporting, but fashion, reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before Eliud Kipchoge broke the spectacular 2 hour marathon record, the struggle to beat this record went virtually unknown. In fact, 3D printing the right shoes were a large part of the battle to break the record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nike had been designing and optimizing a 3D printed upper made from TPU<\/a> \u2013 the part of the shoe below the laces but above the midsole \u2013 and combined it with their existing Vaporfly Elite sneaker, to create what was known as the Nike Flyprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having tested thousands of iterations of the 3D printed shoes based on Kipchoge\u2019s running data, they gave him their initial prototype to get his feedback on. 3D printing allowed Nike to iterate far faster than with traditional manufacturing, and do so precisely. Kipchoge loved them, they were lighter and were designed to not absorb water that could affect his speed and flow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kipchoge\u2019s shoe was the AlphaFly, but runners can now buy the final 3D printed running shoe, called the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly. They are said to improve metabolic performance by an astonishing 4% due to added cushioning, saving energy, and some runners sponsored by other brands are said to stitch those brands over Vaporflys so they can also get access to the benefits they offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2016, Reebok first used 3D printing in their Liquid Speed shoe outsoles. These 3D printed sneakers emerged from a collaboration with chemical giant BASF, and were 3D printed with liquid polyurethane, allowing for an innovative and futuristic design, and better performance. The shoes were developed in their Liquid Factory, with the aim of replacing traditional molds previously used in shoe production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BASF claim that 3D printing with their material allows them to reduce sneakers\u2019 weight by 20%, as well as allowing the use of \u201cliquid laces\u201d. These liquid laces replace standard laces as they are directly 3D printed on to the shoe and do not need to be tied up. They are designed to have pressure points in certain parts of the 3D printed sneaker to make it as easy as possible for the wearer to slip the shoe on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shoe also features a ‘liquid grip’, the 3D printed stripes at the bottom of the shoe that improves grip and traction. The company are calling the shoe the first ‘high-rebound outsole’. In describing the importance of the high-rebound outsole, Chau Nguyen, BASF North America Market Segment Manager for Footwear, said: \u201cWhen you\u2019re running, a certain amount of energy is going to the ground. So, when you hit the ground, in this case, it absorbs the energy and then it returns it\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then in 2018, Reebok released the Liquid Floatride Run, a newer model using the same technology and also with 3D printed lace replacements, enabling the shoe to be slipped on rather than tied up. These 3D printed running shoes again feature the liquid laces, meaning the shoes can be slipped on, and weigh just 170 grams each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2015, New Balance collaborated with 3D printing company<\/a> 3D Systems to develop midsoles for their Duraform Flex soles. Using SLS technology<\/a>, and a thermoplastic elastomer material, SLS and 3D printing opened up opportunities to create midsoles that were more flexible than those made using traditional methods, and could be made with new geometries designed for maximum shock absorbance and weight saving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Balance has also partnered with SLA 3D printer<\/a> manufacturer Formlabs to create their \u201cRebound Resin\u201d, a new resin designed to create springy yet durable lattice structures in midsoles. Formlabs collaborated with New Balance on their TripleCell platform to launch the 990 Sport trainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The New Balance 990 Sport sneakers also feature a 3D printed heel, which saves around 10% weight and better cushions the wearer\u2019s heel. More recently in September 2019, New Balance announced the Fuel Cell Echo Triple, which also uses Rebound Resin 3D printed parts, with a lattice structure at the front of the shoe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike the previous companies mentioned, FUSED is an indie 3D printed shoe company using 3D printing to bypass the typical barriers to entry in the shoe industry: large factories and mass production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A one-man company created by designer Phillipe Holthuizen, FUSED offer two 3D printed sneaker variations of their FUSED Kodo shoe, in either white or translucent. The shoes are completely 3D printed, not just the midsole but the entire sneaker, and are printed from flexible TPE filament<\/a>. The FUSED Kodo retails at $285, and once you\u2019ve worn them out, if you send them back to be recycled, you get 20% off your next purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Danish company ECCO announced in 2018 that they were going to start offering custom 3D printed shoes, with custom silicone midsoles based on 3D scans of the wearer\u2019s feet, at a specialist store in Amsterdam. Named the Quant-U project, scans of each person\u2019s feet are recorded within 30 seconds as the customer steps on to a walk-in scanner, and the shoes are then created based on these measurements to ensure they fit perfectly and comfortably. This is perfect for people with oddly shaped feet that are unusually thin or wide, as custom 3D printed shoes can be made for your exact measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ECCO partnered with Dow \u2013 a material supplier \u2013 and 3D modeling software<\/a> company Dassault Systemes to create the Quant-U custom shoe project. The entire process is done in-store, and takes less than an hour. You can choose your type of shoe, with ECCO offering a low top, high-hop, and activity boot silhouette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian company Wiivv have also taken advantage of the customizability offered by 3D printing and 3D scanners<\/a>, offering custom 3D printed sandals based on 3D scans of your feet, as well as insoles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using their specially designed 3D app, customers scan their feet and send the scan to Wiivv\u2019s headquarters, who then create the custom sandals that fit them perfectly. You can customize the strap based on your aesthetic preference, and all sandals are printed at their San Diego-based headquarters using selective laser sintering. Wiivv deliver your custom 3D printed sandals within 14 days from you sending in your scan via their app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wiivv claim that their insoles are proven to improve comfort, reduce fatigue, and make your shoes fit better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exquisite 3D printed shoe designs created for the runway and showing 3D printing can also with work high fashion. In 2013, following on from her successful 3D printed dress, Iris showcased a set of incredible 3D printed shoes designed to look like tree branches, with elaborate details flowing throughout and complementing the dress also designed to mimic the flow of tree branches. She has since designed more shoes, such as the shoes shown below with diamond-looking features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shoes were created in collaboration with Stratasys, using their PolyJet 3D printers<\/a> to create both white and black versions of these 3D printed shoes, which look completely at place in the world of high fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n American studio Continuum have used 3D printing to design stunning, high fashion 3D printed shoes made from Nylon<\/a>. These intricately designed and delicate-looking shoes almost look like they shouldn\u2019t be able to support a person\u2019s body weight, but are cleverly designed to offer strength at a fraction of the weight of a normal shoe. The shoes are created from 3D CAD tools<\/a>, and so the designs themselves are completely customizable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more:<\/strong> the best CAD software for designing shoes (including specialist shoe design software)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The shoes \u2013 part of the Strvct collection by Continuum \u2013 released at $900 per pair, with every pair being completely customized. They sold them by custom orders and printed them using online 3D printing service<\/a> Shapeways, and with a leather insole they should also be comfortable. Continuum have used 3D design to create other 3D printed shoe designs also, shown below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silvia Fad\u00f3 is the founder of her Spanish show brand (also named Silvia Fad\u00f3), having studied architecture<\/a> and fashion in Barcelona before becoming inspired by the shoemaking process. Always searching for a digital advantage, Silvia turned to 3D printing to create parts of 3D printed shoes mixed with traditionally created leather upper parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silvia Fad\u00f3 shoes feature 3D printed heels, shoe structures, soles, and wedges. As these shoes are produced in very limited quantities and are all exclusive launches, 3D printing allows the brand to create these small numbers in-house, without relying on outsourcing manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She mentions in interviews that 3D printing makes prototyping much quicker, allowing her to bring new and innovative designs out faster. 3D printing also gives her more freedom with design and the complex geometries that can be created, though she notes that it can take an entire day to print a single 3D printed shoe wedge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Silvia Fad\u00f3 brand has been showcased across the world, in New York, London, Paris, Russia and across Spain, showing that partially 3D printed shoes have a place in high fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alex Reed is a traditionally trained shoemaker who, in searching for a way to elevate his craft, found 3D design and felt this could enhance his shoe designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having spent time in Autodesk\u2019s Pier 9 technology centre in San Francisco and mastering 3D CAD modeling software such as Fusion 360, Alex Reed began creating 3D printed shoes using FDM 3D printers<\/a> to print mesh uppers and using materials such as TPE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the design advantages, Alex is bullish on the environmental impact of 3D printing. He envisions additive manufacturing making it far easier and less costly to repair shoes, meaning they will have longer shelf lives and will be less likely to end up on landfill sites, harming the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other articles you may be interested in:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Shoe-midsole-parts.jpg\")
Advantages of 3D printing in shoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"advantages](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Advantages-of-3D-printed-shoes.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPart 1: 3D Printed Sneakers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Adidas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"adidas](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nike-Alphaedge-4D-3D-printed-shoe.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"adidas](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Adidas-Futurecraft-4D-3D-printed-shoes-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNike<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"nike](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nike-Alphafly-3D-printed-shoe.jpg\")
Reebok<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"reebok](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Reebok-Liquid-Speed-3D-printed-shoe.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNew Balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"new](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/New-Balance-3D-printed-running-shoe.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFused Footwear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"fused](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Fused-Footwear-Kodo-3D-printed-sneakers.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPart 2: Custom 3D printed shoes using 3D scanning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
ECCO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wiivv — 3D printed sandals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"wiivv](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Wiivv-3D-printed-sandals.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPart 3: 3D Printed Shoes in High Fashion and beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iris Van Herpen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"iris](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Iris-Van-Herpen-3D-printed-shoes.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nContinuum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"continuum](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Continuum-3D-printed-shoes.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"continuum](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Continuum-3D-printed-shoes-2-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSilvia Fad\u00f3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"silvia](\"https:\/\/www.3dsourced.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Silvia-Fado-3D-printed-shoes.jpg\")
Alex Reed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n