How are 3D printed slides made?

Last updated: 2026-10-29

3D printed slides are built layer by layer from a flexible polymer instead of being cut or molded from foam. Most are printed as a single piece with an open lattice inside, so no glue is needed between a sole and an upper. The three common processes are resin printing, powder-bed printing and filament printing.

Step 1: Design the lattice

The designer starts from a foot shape and fills the volume with a repeating cell structure, called a lattice. Changing the size and thickness of the cells changes how soft or firm each zone feels. A heel can be made firmer than the arch, for example, without changing material.

Step 2: Print

Process	How it works	Typical material
Resin printing (DLP, LCD, DLS)	Light cures a liquid elastomer resin one thin layer at a time.	Elastomeric polyurethane resins
Powder-bed printing (SLS, MJF)	A laser or fusing agent melts thin layers of polymer powder.	TPU powder
Filament printing (FDM)	A nozzle extrudes melted plastic along a path.	TPU filament

Resin and powder-bed processes can produce finer lattices and smoother surfaces. Filament printing is the most accessible and is common in hobby and DIY slides.

Step 3: Clean and cure

Resin parts are washed to remove uncured liquid and then cured again with light or heat to reach their final strength. Powder-bed parts are de-powdered, usually with air or bead blasting. Filament parts mostly need support material removed.

Step 4: Finish and inspect

Parts are checked for missing struts, rough edges and size. Because each pair is printed individually, many makers produce to order rather than holding large stock.

What this means for the wearer

Ventilation: an open lattice lets air and water pass through.
Tunable feel: firmness can vary by zone within one part.
One piece: no glued seams that can separate.
Cost and time: printing a pair takes hours, so unit cost is usually higher than molded foam.