Bulleit Uses Next-Gen Technology and a Dallas Artist to 3D Print Sneakers

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, based in Shelbyville, Kentucky, turned to local artist Kyle Steed for its limited-edition 3D printed sneakers announced last week at the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience held in Dallas.

The sneakers were created through a collaboration between Steed and industrial designers and manufacturers at Tangible Creative. The shoes, which took more than 200 hours to develop, were designed based on Steed’s interpretation of “the frontier of culture.”

Steed has a home studio in Oak Cliff, but is a nationally known artist. His work spans large and small scales, with each project challenging a person’s perspective.

Each limited-edition pair of sneakers he designed is being sold online through retailer Sneaker Politics for $250—but, you must be 21 years and older.

The 3D Printed Sneakers were displayed at the Dallas event. [Photo: Courtesy Bulleit]

“The sneaker and mural designs represent the community of artists, designers and leaders in tech and innovation who come together to push the boundaries of the cultural frontier,” Steed said in a statement. “When we talk about innovation, it’s just as much about human connection as it is technology. Where we are many parts ourselves as individuals, only by coming together as a community of creators and innovators can we make something bigger.”

Bulleit is all about edgy collaborations. The sneaker launch is the company’s latest iteration of its Bulleit Frontier Works project, a series of projects with cultural creators that’s aimed at celebrating those daring to push the frontier of their craft and who share the spirit of Bulleit.

Bulleit’s Frontier Works: 3D Printed Frontier Experience—featuring leaders in tech, art, and mixology—stopped in Dallas on its national tour to “reimagine the bar experience” with the sneaker exhibit and adjoining immersive 3D printed drinks.

Bulleit’s 3D printed bar that travels with the 3D Printed Frontier Experience. [Photo: Courtesy Bulleit]

The 3D Printed Frontier Experience previously visited Oakland, Austin, and New York City. It included a mix of fashion, art, cocktail mixology, technology, and design, with 3D printed cocktails, the Bulleit 3D printed bar, the debut of the 3D printed sneakers, and DJ Blake Ward. The Dallas event was held at the Ervay Theater in the Cedars neighborhood.

Bulleit’s special event also features a 3D Printed Bottle and Cocktail. [Photo: Courtesy Bulleit]

“As the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience moves across the country, we are seeking new collaborators and pioneers on the frontier of 3D printing who can enhance everything around our 3D printed bar experience,” said Sophie Kelly, SVP of Whiskey at Diageo North America. “It’s important to us to collaborate closely with people from the local communities we visit, and Kyle Steed and Tangible Creative are both pushing the boundaries of their craft in fresh and exciting ways.”