# Printed Shoe Footwear industries adopt 3D-printing production processes. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 15, 2017 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/printed-shoe ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Printed Shoe trend? **Printed Shoe:** The tangible benefits of 3D-printing has led to the footwear industry adopting this production process. This shift offers a two-way benefit – for brands, it allows them to streamline production and positions them as innovative in their field, while for consumers it provides them with items that are suited to their exact needs – enhancing quality even further by adding an element of personalization. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 25, 2015 to Sep 2, 2017 - Published: Nov 15, 2017 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Printed Shoe trend ### 3D Printing The use of 3D printing in footwear manufacturing allows for increased personalization and improved design. ### Customization The ability to create custom-fit shoes allows for increased comfort and a unique consumer experience. ### Eco-friendly Manufacturing The use of 3D printing creates less waste and reduces the environmental impact of footwear manufacturing. ## What the Printed Shoe trend means for industry ### For Fashion The fashion industry can embrace 3D printing technology to create unique and customized products. ### For Sportswear The sportswear industry can use 3D printing to create high-performance shoes that are tailored to specific athletes or sports. ### For Medical The medical industry can use 3D printing to create custom-fit shoes that accommodate specific foot conditions and improve comfort for patients. ## Workshop question How can your brand add an element of personalization to its products/services? ## Trend signals for Printed Shoe Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 69%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 69% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Printed Shoe trend 8 featured examples from Nov 25, 2015 to Sep 2, 2017. - [Printed Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-sport-sneakers): PEAK's Basketball Sport Sneakers Were Made with Additive Manufacturing (Category: Fashion) Implication: Sportswear companies can utilize 3D printing technology to create innovative and performance-enhancing footwear. - [Minimalist 3D-Printed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-shoes): These Printed Shoes are Part of Adidas' Futurecraft Technology (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry has an opportunity for disruptive innovation through the integration of technology and minimalist design. - [3D-Printed Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zante-generate): The Zante Generate from New Balance is Made from 3D-Printed Materials (Category: Fashion) Implication: The sportswear industry can leverage 3D printing technology to create customizable, high-performance athletic footwear. - [Knitted 3D-Printed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-collaboration): This New Balance Collaboration with Concepts is Sleek and Comfortable (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity to transform traditional manufacturing processes and create high-performance, customized sneakers. - [Custom-Fit Printed Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-sandals): OLT Footcare is Launching 3D-Printed Shoes for Optimal Fit and Comfort (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive opportunity in the footwear manufacturing industry by incorporating 3D printing technology to produce custom-fit printed sandals, catering to individual needs and prefe… - [Customized 3D-Printed Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feetz-shoes): Feetz Shoes Uses and App 3D Printing to Make Custom Shoes (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from the use of 3D printing and mobile apps to offer customized clothing and accessories. - [3D-Printed Footwear Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feetz-on-the-streetz): 'Feetz on the Streetz' is Sharing Printed Footwear on a Pop-Up Shop Tour (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate 3D printing technology into the production process to offer custom-fit and sustainable shoes. - [3D-Printed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-sneakers): New Balance's 3D-Printed Sneakers Add More Cushioning To Your Step (Category: Fashion) Implication: The introduction of 3D-printed sneaker technology presents innovative opportunities to streamline manufacturing processes and improve product customization. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)