Jeff Staple and Zellerfeld Shake Up the Sneaker World With 3D-Printed Sapienz Shoe and Kung-Shu Presentation

Jeff Staple and Zellerfeld want to inject excitement and innovation into the sneaker market with the new 3D-printed Sapienz sneaker and Kung-Shu footwear presentation strategy.

The Staple founder, who just opened the Staple 21 Mercer store in New York City this month, partnered with the 3D-printing footwear company to create a modern laceless sneaker crafted without molds, stitching or glue joints. The shoe features a bone-like design resembling laces, in reference to the once-necessary element of a sneaker. The Sapienz sneaker is marked at a price of $229 and available exclusively on zellerfeld.com in a cream color called Oat. Zellerfeld shoes, which are recyclable, are custom made to fit customers based on a scan of their feet.

Staple also wants to challenge the status quo when it comes to footwear presentation, aiming to make the reveal of a sneaker more creative and fun. Inspired by kung fu cinema, storytelling and the art of movement, Staple created Kung-Shu, which has involved the release of entertaining cinematic snippets on social media revealing his latest shoe. Sapienz and Kung-Shu are slated for a global debut at ComplexCon Hong Kong.

Staple said, “Partnering with Zellerfeld is about more than just making another sneaker, it’s about redefining what’s possible in footwear. With 3D printing, we’re eliminating waste, rethinking production, and giving creativity a whole new community platform. I have been saying for decades that this is the future. Zellerfeld is making it a reality today!”

Cornelius Schmitt, chief executive officer and co-founder of Zellerfeld said, “I started Zellerfeld out of frustration for what footwear had become. The Sapienz launch is a moment in time where you can feel we’re getting the original spirit back. Naturally, I’m excited to play a side-gig role as Cornshoe’cius!”

Zellerfeld, which fully launched in 2024 after a beta program, has previously partnered with Mallet London, Nike’s RTFKT, Nike, and German rapper and artist CRO, to name some examples. Staple, meanwhile, in addition to opening his new store, recently collaborated with Brooks to help the brand revitalize its lifestyle sneaker line.