

The technique also does away with the traditional mold-driven process, which is expensive and time-consuming, and allows for localized production. This allows for a tighter fit, and it’s pretty cool-looking, too. And in 2016, Reebok introduced the Liquid Speed shoe, which uses liquid developed by BASF to draw a frame directly onto the shoe. Earlier this year, Nike introduced the first shoe with a 3D printed upper, while New Balance has led the way with the first partially 3D printed shoe to be made commercially available.

Now we’re in the age of the small series of exclusive 3D printing shoe. While 3D printed shoes aren’t filling shoe stores just yet, companies are being attracted to the technology for its design potential and customization possibilities.

Multiple major shoe manufacturing corporations have been turning to 3D printing over the last couple of years.
