Nike Sportswear debuts 3D-printed Air Max collection with global creators

Nike Sportswear has unveiled the latest footwear silhouette from its inaugural Air Works programme, a global initiative bringing together emerging designers to co-create the future of Air Max.

The newest design comes from Beijing-based creator Marc Su, who developed his silhouette in partnership with Nike mentors and 3D-printing pioneer Zellerfeld. Su is part of the first cohort of Air Works designers invited to Nike’s Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, Oregon, where participants explored the brand’s 40-year heritage of Air innovation to craft new expressions of the iconic line using advanced 3D-printing technology.

Su’s design represents the third installment in an eight-part rolling reveal of Air Works creations, each celebrating the local communities that shape global Air Max culture.

“Eight years ago, I was a high school student participating in Nike On Air. Today, becoming part of Air Works feels like a dream come full circle. The moment I saw the product, I knew my creative community would be excited by its potential as a canvas for collaboration and self-expression," said Su.

The release schedule kicked off in July with Tokyo’s Motoi Hatsuki, followed by London’s Tasnim in August and Su in September. The rollout will continue over the coming months with Los Angeles designer Masyn in October and Shanghai’s Jose Wong in December. The final series of reveals will extend into early 2027, featuring Paris-based Yams in January, New York City’s Omi in February, and Mumbai’s Diya Joukani in March.

By bringing together creative voices from eight major global fashion capitals, the research, development, and design programme blends individual artistic vision with Nike's supply chain and tech expertise. Together, the resulting eight 3D-printed silhouettes build on Nike’s legacy of Air innovation while expanding possibilities for how future generations will imagine, manufacture, and wear Air Max footwear.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Nike for more information. 

During their time at Nike headquarters, the visiting creators gained rare access to specialized facilities, including the Air Manufacturing Innovation hub, the Department of Nike Archives, the Nike Sport Research Lab, Blue Ribbon Studio, and the Bowerman Footwear Lab. Working closely alongside internal mentors and external collaborators, the cohort combined outside artistic vision with Nike's proprietary tools and technological expertise.

Following the main reveals, each designer will launch a limited-run, "friends and family" edition of their shoe to celebrate within their local creative communities over the coming year, building momentum ahead of Air Max Day 2027.

“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, Nike Sportswear. “It’s also a chance to deliver a deep dive in Air Max history, innovation and inspiration, and to unite outside perspectives with Nike-only tools, talent and capabilities to redefine what Air Max means to this generation.”

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