When 3D printing burst onto the scene a decade ago, it promised a revolution, a future where personalized products were instantly created at home. While that domestic dream hasn’t fully materialized, the 3D printing industry has been quietly advancing, particularly in manufacturing. Now, this innovation is making significant strides in footwear and apparel, offering exciting possibilities for athletes and everyday consumers alike.
Adidas pioneered 3D-printed footwear with its Futurecraft line and the subsequent 4D FWD shoe, featuring a distinctive lattice midsole. While the aesthetic was unique, the performance didn’t fully resonate with everyone. Other brands experimented with similar approaches, but the concept of 3D printing hadn’t yet fully conquered the comfort footwear sector – especially in slides, the go-to for relaxation and recovery. Enter Asics, who have boldly stepped into this space with the Actibreeze 3D sandal, their first venture into 3D-printed footwear.
At the World Athletics Championships, Asics presented the Actibreeze 3D to employees and guests, highlighting its potential for sustainable production and manufacturing innovation within the company. We were present at this event, a somewhat theatrical unveiling, and managed to obtain samples of the Actibreeze 3D for in-depth testing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sandals, based on our experiences wearing them extensively during the World Championships and in the days following.
asics actibreeze 3d sandal – light
Our initial reaction to the sandal was a blend of intrigue and skepticism. As advocates for recovery footwear, we are always eager to explore new options. We’ve been impressed by Deckers X Lab and rely on Oofos for poolside comfort. Comfort is king, and we’re always searching for the next level of relaxation.
However, the 3D-printed aspect raised questions. Was this technology truly ready for prime time in a slide? Could it be cost-effective, comfortable, and genuinely practical? Despite our reservations, we were keen to put the Actibreeze 3D to the test. We’re open to innovation, even if it comes in a synthetic form.
Comfort and Sustainable Design of the Actibreeze 3D Sandal
Before diving into our performance review, it’s crucial to understand what distinguishes the Actibreeze 3D sandal. The defining feature is, undoubtedly, its 3D-printed construction. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the foundation of the sandal’s unique properties, particularly its comfort and sustainability aspects, which were central to Asics’ development process.
Asics collaborated with LuxCreo, a California-based company specializing in 3D printing solutions for diverse industries, including medical, dental, and eyewear. The collaboration wasn’t without its challenges. Asics’ Japanese designers leveraged their extensive knowledge of shoe design to create the Actibreeze concept – a single-piece sandal with a contoured footbed engineered for maximum comfort. However, translating these design goals into a 3D-printed reality proved complex. LuxCreo overcame these hurdles, ultimately delivering a final design that stands apart.
The comfort of the Actibreeze 3D is rooted in its layered lattice structure. Imagine a network of interconnected, honeycomb-like webbing, forming a thick yet breathable platform. This structure compresses and rebounds, creating a trampoline-like effect that feels distinctly different from traditional slide cushioning. The open lattice design also provides exceptional breathability, surpassing conventional competitors in lab tests. The footbed itself is subtly contoured, cradling the foot’s natural shape for enhanced support and security.
asics actibreeze 3d sandal – both
Sustainability is another pillar of the Actibreeze 3D project. Asics envisions minimizing long-distance shipping and storage through localized production. Yasuhito Hirota, Asics CEO, articulated this vision of “smart factories” – kiosk-like stations within retail stores capable of producing customized footwear on demand. Imagine a future where you can walk into a running store, have your foot scanned, and receive custom-printed footwear made right there. Adding to the sustainability loop, the Actibreeze 3D materials are designed for deconstruction and recycling, allowing them to be reused in future 3D printing processes.
This vision, while compelling, faces practical limitations. 3D printing isn’t instantaneous; the curing process for the Actibreeze 3D can take up to two weeks. In today’s instant-gratification culture, this lead time might be a barrier for some consumers accustomed to next-day delivery. Furthermore, the single-piece 3D design currently limits features like a robust outsole or complex structural elements.
Real-World Performance and Our Verdict on the Actibreeze 3D
With the background and technology established, let’s delve into our hands-on experience with the Actibreeze 3D sandal. We received our test samples in Eugene, Oregon, during the World Athletics Championships and immediately put them to use. After days of running and walking over ten miles daily, our feet were yearning for relief, and the Actibreeze 3D slides were thrown right into the mix.
The initial step-in comfort is striking. It evokes that “wow” sensation reminiscent of first experiencing Nike ZoomX cushioning. Your foot settles into the contoured bed, and the multi-layered lattice construction delivers noticeable energy return. The design genuinely works, providing a level of comfort and responsiveness that exceeded our initial expectations.
I personally logged several miles in the Actibreeze 3D right out of the box, navigating Eugene’s streets to Hayward Field and beyond. The breathability is truly exceptional. Even on sweltering 90°F days, my feet remained cool and dry, without the slippage often experienced in other slides. The open mesh design performs remarkably well in hot conditions.
asics actibreeze 3d sandal – transparent
However, as with any innovative footwear, there are drawbacks. The initial few wears weren’t entirely seamless. The lattice structure pressing against the foot initially felt a bit like stepping on LEGO bricks – not painfully sharp, but a noticeable and slightly irritating sensation. However, this sensation subsided quickly as the sandal conformed to the foot, a break-in period experienced by our entire testing team.
Another minor issue was a tendency to catch the toe of the sandal, particularly when tired or after a few drinks. This required a bit more conscious foot lifting to avoid tripping.
The open lattice “outsole” also acts as a magnet for small debris. Similar to the fictional Bluth family stair car’s unintended passenger pick-up, the Actibreeze 3D collects pebbles and small objects within its hexagonal openings. While initially a minor annoyance, I confess to finding a strange satisfaction in extracting these collected pebbles, akin to the oddly satisfying feeling of popping bubble wrap.
A common question we received when wearing the Actibreeze 3D was, “What happens if you step in dog poop?” While not something directly tested, the open structure might indeed present a cleaning challenge in such a scenario. However, a simple hose rinse should likely suffice. And perhaps, it serves as an added incentive to pay attention to your walking path.
Surprisingly, wet surface performance was better than anticipated. Walking on sprinkler-soaked sidewalks didn’t result in any noticeable slippage. This suggests the Actibreeze 3D should perform adequately around pools and other wet environments.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Actibreeze 3D has become a favorite over the past week. Beyond comfort, these slides have quickly gained “hype” status. Wearing them in public has prompted numerous inquiries – “What are those?!” – a level of attention usually reserved for standout footwear like the Brandblack Kaiju or Deckers X Lab SPSK. The unique 3D-printed design and novelty of the Actibreeze 3D undoubtedly contribute to this attention.
So, to answer the initial question: Are the Asics Actibreeze 3D slides worth the hype? The answer is a qualified yes. They deliver a genuinely unique and comfortable experience. They are conversation starters. However, the open mesh design comes with minor inconveniences. But, in return, you gain exceptional breathability not found in conventional slides. Ultimately, the value proposition depends on individual priorities.
At $80, the price is on the higher end for slides, but arguably justified by the unique technology and limited availability, especially for those seeking innovative footwear.
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the initial limited release in July sold out rapidly. The next stock is expected in October – perfect timing for warmer climates, but perhaps less ideal for those entering colder seasons. They might just become the most comfortable house slippers you own for the winter.
The Asics Actibreeze 3D sandal will be available again in October for $80 through the link below.
Shop Asics Actibreeze 3D
asics actibreeze 3d sandal – red
For more details, you can watch the full Asics press conference for the Actibreeze 3D.
Interested in our review process? Learn more in our guide.
