Adidas Project R.A.P. Debuts 3D Printed Basketball Shoe Worn During March Madness

Adidas has unveiled its first 3D printed basketball shoe as part of Project R.A.P. (Radical Athlete Perception) — a new platform for making custom sports products through additive manufacturing.

The basketball shoe made its on-court debut during March Madness, worn by Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson. The 19-year-old guard reportedly wore the distinctive laced 3D printed footwear at a game earlier this week, marking one of the first times a professional athlete has worn 3D printed basketball shoes in a competitive game.

Project R.A.P.: Custom Performance Footwear

Project R.A.P. represents Adidas' vision for using 3D printing to create bespoke sports products tailored for individual athletes. According to the company, the technology allows for customization of fit, support, cushioning, and stiffness — factors critical for basketball performance.

"This is a new platform for making sports products," Adidas said in its announcement alongside the 2026 NFL Rookie Class.

Technology: Digital Light Synthesis

The basketball shoe uses the same Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology as Adidas' consumer 3D printed shoes, including the CLIMACOOL LACED. DLS enables the creation of complex lattice structures that provide targeted support and ventilation while maintaining a lightweight profile.

The distinctive gridded-lattice texture that characterizes Adidas' 3D printed shoes allows for 360° airflow — a feature particularly valuable for high-intensity sports like basketball where foot swelling and heat build-up are concerns.

More Than Basketball

Basketball is just the beginning. Adidas confirmed that an American Football cleat is also in development under Project R.A.P., expected to become available to athletes later this year. Reports also suggest the company may be working on soccer cleats, potentially timed for the 2026 World Cup.

What This Means for 3D Printing

The adoption of 3D printed performance footwear by major sports brands signals a maturation of the technology beyond prototyping and into real competitive sports. While consumer 3D printed shoes like the CLIMACOOL LACED have been available to the general public, this marks a step toward professional athlete adoption.

For the 3D printing industry, Adidas' continued investment validates the technology's potential for performance sports applications — where customization and lightweight performance are paramount.