Explosive Success! This 3D-Printed Shoe Earns 4 to 6 Million CNY Monthly on Douyin – The STARAY Lightweight Outdoor Running Shoe

Panda3dp.com's Guide: In recent years, renowned footwear giants and emerging brands alike have joined the race in developing and producing 3D-printed shoes. This technological shift has not only dramatically enhanced production efficiency but also fundamentally transformed consumer perception of footwear. Shoes are no longer monotonous products churned out on traditional assembly lines—they have evolved into trendsetting fashion pieces that blend cutting-edge technology with personalized design, officially ushering the footwear industry into an era of intelligent and customized manufacturing.

△A pair of 3D-printed outdoor running shoes priced at 1,599 CNY has already sold 2,493 units.

On April 2, 2025, Panda3dp.com reported that in the newly released March list of top-selling athletic shoes on Douyin E-commerce, STARAY’s integrated 3D-printed lightweight outdoor running shoes—part of the “Fanliang” series—achieved a staggering monthly sales volume of 4 to 6 million CNY, ranking third in the casual footwear category. This marks a groundbreaking achievement, as 3D-printed shoes have successfully broken into the mainstream footwear sales rankings.

A glance at customer reviews reveals widespread acclaim:

- "Stylish appearance, excellent breathability, and great underfoot comfort."

- "Extremely comfortable and lightweight—can walk all day without fatigue. Feels like wearing air-conditioned shoes."

- "Fashion-forward and avant-garde in design. Soft and pleasant to wear—ideal for summer."

- "Trendy style, comfortable fit, true-to-size recommendation, affordable price. A must-buy."

- "First time trying such futuristic footwear—curious to see 3D printing in action. On close inspection, you can tell there’s no human labor involved. The shoe seems to emerge as a single mold—no stitching, no glue, no odor. The sole features breathable mesh, and the entire shoe looks like a piece of art. Though it appears large, it fits snugly. The material’s firmness is just right. No need to worry about dirt—these shoes are made for fashion. Fresh trends are worth experiencing. In northeast China, they’re only suitable for summer, but perfect for water-based activities."

- "Light on the feet with a bold design—an essential for any trendy wardrobe."

The recent momentum in both the sneaker industry and the 3D printing sector gives Panda3dp.com reason to believe that 2025 may be the year 3D-printed footwear achieves broader market acceptance. Annual shipments may reach into the millions, with more brands and designers launching their own 3D-printed offerings.

Founded in Hangzhou in 2020, STARAY has, since its inception, placed “comfort” at the heart of its product development philosophy. At the outset, STARAY partnered with Suzhou Boly New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as BolyTech), heavily investing in design and R&D. By leveraging next-generation HALS high-speed printing technology, they iteratively refined over 5,000 data sets and more than 200 prototypes, culminating in the 2022 launch of their first 3D-printed shoe, *CELLS*.

△STARAY’s 3D-printed footwear, displayed at the 2024 TCT exhibition

Relying on an extensive global database of foot morphology, STARAY utilizes advanced modeling and analytical techniques, along with sophisticated lattice density algorithms, to precisely adjust mechanical performance across key zones of the shoe: arch support, forefoot rebound, and heel cushioning. The shoe body, crafted from a high-performance polymer elastomer, offers superior tensile and flexural resistance. Its high-rebound quality delivers a light and comfortable walking experience. Professional tests have shown that its wear resistance, flexibility, and anti-slip properties significantly exceed national standards.

Each pair features over 100,000 algorithm-generated porous structures that ensure 360-degree air circulation. The seamless, one-piece construction eliminates friction-prone seams found in traditional footwear. The 45mm elevated sole balances lightweight design with sound-dampening and shock absorption, ensuring stable and comfortable wear in diverse environments.

With up to 96% hollow structure paired with a proprietary polymer elastic material, STARAY shoes are a game-changer for those prone to sweaty feet. The uniquely designed sole offers durability that surpasses conventional outsoles, providing consistent arch support and exceptional rebound. The fully hollow structure achieves unmatched breathability.

In December 2024, the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Grand Finals concluded in Shenzhen’s Bao’an Happy Harbour and Qianhai Bay. British sailing legend Ian Williams clinched his seventh title, but it was the footwear of the athletes—from nine different nations—that caught the spotlight. Many wore STARAY’s dopamine-toned 3D-printed shoes, a testament to the brand’s growing global appeal.

As a startup nearing its third anniversary, STARAY is already being mentioned in the same breath as established giants, positioning itself as a true dark horse in the 3D-printed footwear space. We look forward to this brand injecting fresh energy into a sector that has seen little innovation for decades. Perhaps the next industrial transformation in the footwear world will be spearheaded by a Chinese enterprise.