Since introducing visible Air cushioning with the Air Max 1 in 1987, Nike has built a legacy of innovation and design excellence around its iconic Air technology. Now, in 2024, the brand is embarking on a new chapter with the unveiling of the Air Max 1000 - a 3D-printed reimagining of the beloved Air Max 1 silhouette.
Produced in collaboration with the additive manufacturing experts at Zellerfeld, the Air Max 1000 represents a bold step forward for Nike's iconic Air line. The shoe's dramatic, sculptural upper is entirely 3D-printed, showcasing the potential of this cutting-edge production method to push the boundaries of footwear design.
For its debut, the Air Max 1000 has been dressed in a vibrant, all-over red colorway that allows the shoe's structural details to take center stage. The 3D-printed upper features a mix of smooth and textured surfaces, with the toebox and midfoot panels rendered in a sleek, uniform finish while the throat, lower vamp, and toe cap sport a more pronounced, carbon fiber-esque pattern.
Branding is restrained, with a single debossed Swoosh providing subtle identification. But the true standout element is the crystal-clear Air unit at the heel, which offers a window into the shoe's innovative internal cushioning system. This design cue pays homage to the inspiration behind the original Air Max 1 - the "inside-out" architecture of the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
"What excites me most about the Air Max 1000 is the new realm of design solutions made possible by next-generation manufacturing", said John Hoke, Nike's Chief Innovation Officer. "With 3D printing, we can achieve unparalleled control, precision, and expression - factors that are crucial not just for sport, but for pushing the boundaries of footwear design as a whole".
The Air Max 1000 represents a bold leap forward for the iconic Air Max line, fusing Nike's legendary innovation with cutting-edge 3D-printing technology. As the brand continues to redefine the future of footwear, the Air Max 1000 stands as a captivating glimpse into what's possible.