# 3D-Printed Performance Shoes The adidas 3D Runner Shoe is the First Design for Consumer Purchase By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-12-14 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runner-shoe References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/3d-printed-adidas-public/46929/) & [news.adidas](http://news.adidas.com/US/Latest-News/ALL/adidas-makes-first-3d-shoe-available-for-purchase-with-exclusive-drop/s/7004e8fa-324b-4b71-bc2f-aacf3d61b135) [adidas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/climamog) is a brand that has been experimenting with 3D printing technologies for a while when it comes to fashion manufacturing, but the adidas 3D Runner shoe is the first design from the brand to actually be available to purchase. Priced at $333, the adidas 3D Runner is available exclusively through the brand's retail locations in limited numbers in New York, London and Tokyo starting on December 15th. The adidas 3D Runner shoes feature an all-black color scheme and have been engineered with a [3D structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sean-wotherspoon-x-zellerfeld) that's denser in high-stress areas of the footwear design. The adidas 3D Runner features a [Primeknit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-ultraboost-5x) upper and an overall design that is intended to be balanced in terms of weight for the optimal level of performance. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3d-printed Shoes:** 3D printing technologies are disrupting the traditional shoe manufacturing industry by allowing for more flexible and customizable designs. - **Performance Footwear:** The market for high-performance footwear is expanding with the introduction of innovative materials and manufacturing techniques. - **Direct-to-consumer Sales:** Direct-to-consumer sales of 3D-printed shoes eliminate traditional retail markups, creating disruptive opportunities for increased accessibility and affordability. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Manufacturing:** The fashion manufacturing industry is being transformed by innovative manufacturing techniques and materials such as 3D printing. - **Athletic Footwear:** Athletic footwear industry players are adapting to the use of 3D printing to create high-performance shoes. - **Retail:** The retail industry can adopt direct-to-consumer sales of 3D-printed shoes to improve customer experience and offer customizable products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Lattice Futuristic Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/climamog.md) - [3D-Printed Sports Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-1000.md) - [Sustainable 3D-Printed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4dfwd-1.md) - [Digital-World-Based Shoe Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stepn-go-x-adidas-ultraboost.md) - [Futuristic Slip-On Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-unveils-climacool.md) - [3D-Printed Winter Sport Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bobsled-footwear.md) - [3D Printed Shoe Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customfit-3d-printed-shoes.md) - [Superior Ultramarathon Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-adizero-prime-x-evo.md) - [Retro-Futuristic Chunky Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonder-runner.md)