Nike’s RTFKT Debuts Final 3D Printed Sneaker Collection Before Closure

RTFKT, Nike’s digital creation studio, is releasing its final project in partnership with 3D printed footwear manufacturer Zellerfeld. The collection, called MNLTH X Blade Drop, features six new sneaker designs including the RTFKT Dunk, CodeX Dunk, CYBR Stomper, Bladed Dragon, Undead Evo, and Reptile Evo.

The release utilizes a token-based system where customers can use MNLTH X tokens to access purchases of up to six pairs of sneakers. While most designs require tokens for purchase, the RTFKT Dunk will be available to the general public through Zellerfeld’s website.

This launch marks the end of RTFKT’s operations, following Nike’s announcement of the studio’s closure earlier this month. RTFKT, acquired by Nike in 2021, was founded in 2019 by Benoit Pagotto, Chris Le, and Steven Vasilev. The studio specialized in creating products that combined fashion and gaming using game engines, NFTs, blockchain authentication, and augmented reality.

The collaboration leverages Zellerfeld’s 3D printing technology, which was previously used to produce Nike’s Air Max 1000 in November. Zellerfeld, based in Hamburg, Germany, recently moved its platform out of beta, introducing what it calls the “YouTube of Shoes” – a platform where designers can upload and produce their shoe designs.

According to Zellerfeld CEO Cornelius Schmitt, the platform aims to “demolish traditional financial and logistical barriers” in footwear creation. The company’s new program allows designers and brands to bring concepts to market quickly while offering consumers access to a wider range of footwear options.

Source: footwearnews.com