Nike unveils 3D printed Air Max Link by Beijing designer Marc Su
The sneakers are the third drop from Nike's Air Works program
Back in March, sportswear giant Nike launched a new R&D program called Air Works, which invited eight designers from around the world to create new Air Max styles using 3D printing. Part of Nike’s 40th anniversary celebrations for its iconic Air Max sneaker, the Air Works project aims to combine the globally recognized look of the Air Max with the cultures and design sensibilities of each of the designers. The first 3D printed shoe designs to come out of the program have started to be unveiled, including the Air Max Link, designed by Beijing-based creator Marc Su.
Su’s take on the Air Max introduces new features alongside references to the original shoe. For example, Su chose to transform the iconic cushioning bubble, typically located at the heel of the Air Max, into two bubbles located under the ball of the foot. The heel is also distinctive, with a large panel that is almost evocative of a wedge heel. The sneaker itself is a slip on with an all-white body (except for the green bubbles). Other features of the 3D printed shoe include a weave-like texture on the upper portion of the shoe, three-dimensional triangles with different symbols, and a swoosh that looks embossed.
The protruding shapes at the rear of the shoe are particularly distinctive, and Su explained that they are inspired by “sunmao”, a type of Chinese joinery. In fact, these details are called “link nails”, which allow the wearer to attach other pieces to customize their shoe.
The Air Max Link shoes will not be manufactured for the consumer market, but will be made available in very limited quantities for the designer’s friends and family. Nike is also expected to showcase the 3D printed sneakers at Air Max Day 2027 on March 26, 2027 alongside all the other 3D printed Air Works designs.
So far, Marc Su’s Air Max Link is the third design from the Air Works project to be unveiled. In July, Nike drew the curtain on the first pair which were created by Tokyo-based designer Motoi Hatsuki. These 3D printed shoes, heavily inspired by the Air Max 1000, feature a black body, neon yellow air bubble, and a unique petal-like texture on the sides.
The second pair, designed by London-based Tasnim Chowdhury, were unveiled in August and feature a bright yellow and red palette and a wave-like geometry across the top of the shoe. If you hadn’t caught the pattern, Nike will be presenting a new Air Works shoe almost every month until March. The October drop will be from Los Angeles designer Masyn, followed by Shanghai-based Jose Wong in December.
All the 3D printed shoes from the Air Works program are being 3D printed in partnership with Zellerfeld, which also manufactures Nike’s official 3D printed products including the Air Max 1000.2, presented in May 2026.
