Gucci Chooses 3D Printing for Luxury Sneaker Gucci Cub3d

3D printing is taking over the fashion world, revolutionizing the production of clothing, bags and, most importantly, footwear. In recent years, brands such as adidas, ASICS, and Reebok have launched their own 3D printed shoes on the market. Using additive manufacturing has thus become a way to diversify from other competitors in the fashion industry. Could a fashion house like Gucci then let this opportunity pass them by?

If there is one brand that knows how to get people talking, it is undoubtedly Gucci. The iconic fashion house, famous for its distinctive style and its ability to constantly renew itself, is back to amaze its fans by presenting its first shoe made by integrating 3D printed parts: the Gucci Cub3d. This exclusive limited edition, composed of only 20 pieces, will be previewed at Gucci’s Via Montenapoleone boutique in Milan from April 16 to 21.

Gucci’s boutique on Milan’s Via Montenapoleone decorated with “Ancora” red (photo credits: Gucci)

The brand chose 3D printing to create the midsole of the iconic, all-new Gucci Cub3d. Selective laser sintering (SLS) was used to create the intricate latticework. The midsole is composed of several layers elegantly woven together to create a sinuous geometric shape.

Fotwear 3D Designer Matteo Burzio reveals that the distinctive geometry of the Gucci Cub3d was designed in Rhino and Grasshopper and then printed to create the midsole of the luxury sneaker. However, 3D printing was used for more than just an aesthetic factor. SLS technology made it possible to create a midsole that was not only lighter, but also cushioning. The brand’s iconic Red “Ancora” was chosen to decorate the shoe, with which the store on Milan’s Via Montenapoleone was also adorned.

Another positive note about this shoe is that it combines technological innovation with sustainability. In fact, the upper of the Gucci Cub3d was made using the new Demetra material, created by the brand itself. The upper is the upper part of the shoe whose goal is not only to wrap the foot to give it a feeling of security and comfort, but also to give character and style to the shoe.

In the Gucci Cub3d sneaker, it was made using the animal-free Demetra material, which is composed of 77 percent plant-based raw materials and responsibly managed sources, according to the manufacturer. The upper has been is cut into wave-shaped panels and placed on the toe, undersole and heel tab to go to reinforce the outside of the Gucci Cub3d. Gucci’s innovative fabric, composed of viscose, cellulose, bio-based polyurethane, and whose sources have not been treated with GMOs, made its first entry into the fashion industry in June 2021-the material was used for both a selection of sneakers and the Horsebit 1955 bag.

Frames from the unboxing of the Gucci Cub3d (photo credits: HYPEBEAST)

Although Gucci used 3D printing solely to make the midsole of this limited series, we do not rule out that in the future the brand may surprise us by creating entire series produced with this technology and intended for mass distribution. So we just have to wait for the launch of the new Gucci Cub3d this April to find out if, once again, the brand has managed to surprise its fans. To take a closer look at this project, click HERE.

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*Cover Photo Credits: Gucci.