Nearly four decades after Tinker Hatfield revolutionized sneakers with visible Air, Nike is rewriting the playbook once again. The Air Max 1000, developed alongside German 3D-printing specialists Zellerfeld, is easily the brand’s most ambitious manufacturing leap yet. It’s a fully 3D-printed sneaker that honors the original Air Max 1’s DNA while pushing the sneaker into uncharted territory. After generating serious buzz at ComplexCon 2024, both the “Black” and “Oat” colorways are finally hitting the market on August 19, giving sneaker enthusiasts their first real taste of what additive manufacturing can bring to footwear.
Classic Yet Cutting-Edge
At 103g lighter than comparable models, the Air Max 1000 takes everything iconic about Hatfield’s 1987 masterpiece and runs it through a digital filter. The signature mudguard pattern is now sculpted directly into the zellerFOAM TPU construction, creating depth and texture completely different from traditional manufacturing.
With a laceless design, the sneakers take the Air Max 1’s visual language and completely reimagine its construction. Nike’s visible Air unit is still there, but is now rendered in “Total Orange” on the Oat version and an electric green in the Black. Everything else emerges from Zellerfeld’s proprietary printing process.
Technology That Actually Matters
Zellerfeld’s approach goes beyond novelty. Their variable-density printing creates distinct zones within a single piece: firmer support where you need it, flexibility where movement matters. The fused filament fabrication technique eliminates glue, stitching, and the traditional assembly line entirely. It’s not just different but fundamentally more efficient and potentially more sustainable.
The Black colorway showcases this tech most dramatically. Where the softer Oat tones might mask some details, the monochromatic black finish highlights every sculpted ridge and textured surface. The web-like structures wrapping the upper and the angular midsole geometry create an almost architectural feel that standard manufacturing couldn’t replicate without exponentially more complexity and cost.
Spec Sheet
Model: Nike Air Max 1000
Colorways: “Black” (Zellerfeld exclusive), “Oat” (SNKRS exclusive)
Construction: Fully 3D-printed zellerFOAM TPU
Design: Laceless slip-on with visible Air unit
Price: $179
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $179, the Air Max 1000 drops in both colorways on August 19, but through different channels. The Oat hits the SNKRS app at 10 AM PST through a 10-minute draw, while the Black version drops exclusively on Zellerfeld’s website. Both Air Max 1000s are limited to an unspecified amount. Also, Nike has explained that, due to 3D-printing’s limitations, these will only be available in whole sizes, so go up a half size.
Recap
Nike Air Max 1000 “Black” & “Oat”
Following a highly limited drop earlier this year, Nike is finally making its 3D-printed Air Max 1000 available to the public with its Black and Oat colorways. However, expect these to go fast.
