The Nike Air Works Program Adds a New 3D-Printed Prototype: the Air Max Link
PublishedQuick Facts
- The Nike Air Max Link is the third and most unique take on a 3D-printed Air Max silhouette yet, moving green Air bubbles to the forefoot and stacking a massive panel at the heel
- The upper of the triple-white slip-on features a woven texture, with support lines dividing the toebox and side panels, and a mini Swoosh at the lateral toe
- The Nike Air Works shoes won’t be available at retail, with a small batch of each silhouette made for the designers’ friends and family
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Nike’s Air Works program and the Jordan Design Studio have been major initiatives for Beaverton this year, searching the globe for young design talent that could one day lead the future of footwear. After announcing a winner of the Jordan Design Studio competition at the top of the month, Nike Air Works is ready to roll out another 3D-printed Air Max prototype, this time from Beijing-based creative Marc Su.
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The Nike Air Max Link is the third and most unique take on a 3D-printed Air Max silhouette yet, moving green Air bubbles to the forefoot and stacking a massive panel at the heel. The upper of the triple-white slip-on features a woven texture, with support lines dividing the toebox and side panels, and a mini Swoosh at the lateral toe.
“Air Max Link is a silhouette I designed for Beijing through Air Works. More than a new Air Max unlike anything seen before, it is also an open platform built for all creators,” Su said. “Across the shoe, I integrated multiple expandable connection nails inspired by 'sunmao,' Chinese ancient mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship. These Link Nails allow additional components to be attached and customized. By leveraging 3D printing, I hope to empower every sneaker enthusiast to evolve from a consumer into a creator, enabling them to shape and express their own vision of Air Max.”
Nike Air Works Details
The Nike Air Works shoes won’t be available at retail, with a small batch of each silhouette made for the designers’ friends and family. A complete look at all eight pairs is expected for Air Max Day 2027, with more previews expected to roll out before next March. To keep up with all the latest Nike AirWorks news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
