# Blade-Shaped Footwear The ACRONYM x ALIVEFORM THE BLADE Uses an Open 3d-Printed Lattice Structure By Amy Duong | Published 2026-05-24 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acronym-x-aliveform-the-blade References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2026/5/acronym-aliveform-3d-printed-shoe-the-blade-release-info)  ACRONYM and [ALIVEFORM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-systems) released THE BLADE as a [fully 3D-printed shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoskyn) constructed around an exposed lattice framework and elongated blade-like silhouette. The design references Tsui Hark’s 1995 wuxia film The Blade while using a porous open structure intended to circulate air across the foot during wear. ALIVEFORM manufactures each pair through a [single-pass 3D printing process](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customfit-3d-printed-shoes) that eliminates stitching, gluing, and conventional molding techniques, allowing the shoe to maintain a continuous geometric shell across the upper and sole. The shoe launches in four colorways including Charcoal, Ghost Glass, Nickel, and fluorescent green Wasp Tech. Pricing ranges from ¥44,000 JPY to ¥52,800 JPY depending on the finish and material treatment. The lattice geometry integrates cushioning and flexibility directly into the printed structure while maintaining a barefoot-style fit and exaggerated aerodynamic profile. Image Credit: ALIVEFORM, [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2026/5/acronym-aliveform-3d-printed-shoe-the-blade-release-info) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 77% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3d-printed Continuous Lattice Footwear:** A seamless single-pass 3D printing method that removes stitching and gluing creates potential for radically simplified production lines and bespoke fit at scale. - **Integrated Lattice Cushioning:** Porous geometric structures that combine cushioning, flexibility, and ventilation into one printed element open avenues for multifunctional component consolidation and weight reduction. - **Aerodynamic Blade-shaped Silhouettes:** Elongated, sculptural profiles that emphasize airflow and a barefoot fit suggest new stylistic categories that blend performance engineering with high-fashion design. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Production paradigms that shift from sewing and molding to single-pass additive processes could upend supply chains and lower barrier to customized, on-demand runs. - **Additive Manufacturing Materials:** Demand for durable, flexible, and breathable printable polymers and composite treatments is likely to accelerate innovation in material formulations and post-processing techniques. - **Athletic Performance Gear:** Equipment that integrates structural, cushioning, and ventilation properties directly into one printed component points to new product classes that prioritize integrated biomechanical performance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Summer Fragrance-Inspired Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-caf-in-amsterdam.md) - [Seasonal Collab Spring Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apc-and-fragment.md) - [Fashion-Branded Café Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fashionbranded-caf-experiences.md) - [Paris Fashion Week Cafés](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/style-not-com.md) - [Martial Arts Menswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lu-n-and-bruce-lee.md) - [Flagship Value Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Flagship-value-fashion.md) - [Rewarding Sports Jerseys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topo-chico-hard-x-charly.md) - [Spatial Commerce Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curie-shop.md) - [Shoppable Swimsuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoppable-swimsuit.md)