3D printed footwear, a market in full growth?

The research firm SmarTech Analysis, specialised in additive manufacturing, recently published its latest report on the role of 3D technologies in the footwear sector. The use of additive manufacturing in this industry is expected to generate more than $6.5 billion by 2029, an expected annual growth of 19.5%. The report states that the various 3D printed components for footwear (soles, vamp and midsole) could generate more than $1 billion by 2023. So, can 3D printed footwear become the future of this industry?

3D printing offers real opportunities in terms of personalisation | credits: Feetz

3D technologies are of increasing interest to the shoe industry because of the opportunities offered in terms of personalisation: consumers are looking for a unique final product, adapted first and foremost to their morphology but also to their needs and style. Additive manufacturing is proving to be an efficient new means of production to meet this trend. Thanks to 3D scanning, some market players can scan the consumer’s foot, model it, understand its specificities and 3D print a fully personalised product (whether a sole or the upper part of the shoe), all in record time. It is therefore not surprising to note that the industry is expected to grow by 19.5% annually.

Among the biggest players on the market, SmarTech Analysis cites 3D machine manufacturers such as 3ntr, 3D Systems or Carbon; major brands in the sports sector such as Adidas or Nike; and start-ups that have specialised in the shoe and 3D printing industry such as Scientifeet or Wiivv.