Zellerfeld 3D Printed Footwear: Ready for Mainstream Adoption?

With Nike and Havaianas embracing the Zellerfeld online platform, is the Zellerfeld revolution in 3D printed footwear ready to hit the mainstream? That’s what we aim to discover in this VoxelMatters Review.

After extensively testing the Zellerfeld platform with two models over the past year – the TREX from Footsoldier and the CUPRA Parametric – we can confidently say that while mass-market adoption may take some time, the business already stands firmly on its own and shows enormous growth potential. Fully 3D printed, monolithic footwear may not be for everyone yet, but thousands—and potentially millions—of people worldwide are ready to walk this way.

The fact that many others (especially in China) are now entering the 3D-printed footwear space further reinforces Zellerfeld Founder Cornelius Schmitt’s vision. He may not have invented the concept from scratch, but he was the one who truly set it in motion when VoxelMatters first covered Zellerfeld 3D printing platform launch in New York in 2019.

Since then, Zellerfeld has gone from milestone to milestone: major brands have adopted this new method of footwear design, celebrities have worn the shoes, and designers have flocked to the Zellerfeld online shop to sell their creations. Continuous software and hardware upgrades led to today’s third hardware generation (developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IAPT), which enables mass production. Alongside this, the newly redesigned online portal has been reimagined as “a marketplace where every shoe has a story and every creator has a platform.”

From dinosaurs to design

That’s where our own experience begins. Our first test was at the end of 2024: we placed an order on October 25 and received the shoes on December 3. For the second test, less than a year later, we ordered on September 15 and received the shoes just 11 days later, on September 26. This was a significant productivity improvement, coinciding with the launch of the GEN3 production system.

The selection process was straightforward even before the website redesign, but the dedicated designer sections now make it even easier. The ordering process is also fun and concise, with the system confirming receipt of the order and notifying you when printing begins. Delivery was also effort-free. Like many other top-quality products, the packaging is nice. The shoes come in a double box and the internal one comes with a personalized letter that describes the product’s features. I am not sure if it’s a feature that has been added as a standard but the second order also included a nice pair of Zellerfeld socks.

For our first test, our choice was somewhat random—we picked the TREX from Footsoldier, which looked very cool online but turned out to be a bit different from what we expected.

Modeled from authentic paleontological data, the TREX design emphasizes anatomical fidelity and instant recognition. Its textures replicate natural bone grain and fossilized wear, while the silhouette reflects the proportions of a Tyrannosaurus skull. Inside, a lattice structure balances strength with material efficiency. The result is more than just a shoe: it’s a piece of speculative design that bridges ancient history with cutting-edge technology.

That said, while undeniably impressive, it felt a little odd to wear as everyday footwear—especially in Milan. TREX is a brilliant showcase of Zellerfeld’s originality and creativity, but for our second test, we wanted something more style-oriented. We chose the CUPRA Parametric, inspired by the CUPRA brand’s expansion into 3D printed accessories and clothing. Having visited the CUPRA Design House during Milan Design Week and seen the shoes firsthand, the decision was easy once we found them available on Zellerfeld’s platform.

Trying it on for size

The second experience was improved not only by faster delivery but also by better use of Zellerfeld’s custom sizing system. For our first order, we used the Custom Size scanning tool but weren’t precise enough, so the shoes turned out slightly too large. We didn’t return them—since it seemed wasteful to produce another pair—but it did raise questions about the sustainability of remakes. How many incorrect sizes can Zellerfeld afford to remake, both economically and environmentally? Could returned shoes be recycled? These are important questions the company will need to address.

For the second test, we measured more carefully, and the fit was much more accurate. Still slightly roomy, but acceptable. Another consideration is color. Loud shades like bright orange or pink work if you want to make a bold statement, but softer tones make the shoes more versatile. Our first pair, the TREX in white, fit the “paleontological” theme but wasn’t ideal for city wear. The second pair, the CUPRA Parametric in black, looked almost “normal” and could be worn anywhere. For Zellerfeld shoes to truly reach the mainstream, at least some designs need to cater to people who want footwear suitable for the office or casual wear without always making a futuristic fashion statement.

When it comes to quality, we’re not talking about leather, glue, or stitching—it’s a monolithic TPU product. So, quality here means print quality. And it’s impressive. Considering the complexity of footwear design—internal lattices, varying hardness across the sole, and the challenges of extruding elastomeric materials—the precision is remarkable. Both pairs we tested had flawless textures with no extrusion errors, and the logos, especially the CUPRA emblem, were crisp and perfectly defined.

Comfort foot

Wearing a Zellerfeld 3D printed shoe is an experience in itself. The closest comparison would be resin-printed midsoles, but this is entirely different. With fully TPU extrusion, the feel is bouncy and soft. Some people love it, others prefer a firmer base. Personally, I’m undecided, but it’s clear that comfort depends on the model. For instance, the CUPRA Parametric is more reinforced at the heel and less bouncy than the TREX.

Another factor is the visual bulk. The shoes are thick with padding to ensure comfort and durability, which makes them look oversized. That’s fine for statement pieces—or even trendy “chunky sneakers”—but less appealing if you want discreet, everyday wear. Many designers on the platform are already addressing this with more minimalist and stylish options, but it’s still a work in progress. While the printers are at GEN3, many of the designs still look GEN0. At the same time, if you really want everyone to notice you, there are plenty of totally out-of-this-world options, and many more are continually being introduced.

So, what’s the verdict? Whether 3D printed shoes are right for you depends on your personal taste and environment. Zellerfeld footwear is comfortable, futuristic, and fun—even elegant in the right context, like a club. But they’re still different from mainstream shoes. They don’t perform well in the rain (the upper lets water through) and aren’t ideal for very cold or hot climates.

Still, the pace of progress is astonishing—almost Moore’s Law fast. Production is streamlined, and multi-material, multicolor printing is on the horizon. Local production will likely become more common too.

Zellerfeld shoes may not yet be universal, but they are here to stay. The only real question is: are you ready to walk this way?