Nike Launches Air Works — 8 Global Designers to Create 3D Printed Air Max Sneakers

Nike Embraces 3D Printed Footwear

Nike has launched an ambitious new R&D program called Air Works, inviting eight designers from cities around the globe to develop unique 3D printed Air Max sneaker styles. The program marks another significant step in Nike's journey with additive manufacturing.

The selected designers represent eight major cities: Beijing, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo. They'll travel to Nike's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon this May to work alongside Nike designers and engineers.

Zellerfeld Manufacturing Partnership

All 3D printed footwear will be manufactured by Zellerfeld, a specialist in 3D printed shoe manufacturing. The two companies have collaborated before on successful pilot products including the Air Max 1000 and most recently the Air Max 95000.

"Air Works is about celebrating the cultural impact of Air Max and inviting a core group of global creatives to imagine what its future could look like," said Andy Caine, VP Creative Director of Nike Sportswear.

Limited Friends and Family Launch

Each designer will release a limited-run, friends and family version of their shoe within their community, leading into Air Max Day 2027 (March 26th). The program aims to reflect each local community while drawing on the history of Nike's iconic Air Max franchise.

3D printing enables innovative design features that traditional manufacturing cannot achieve, plus rapid prototyping for small-batch production. This aligns with Nike's push toward on-demand, personalized footwear.