Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown showcased an early prototype of a 3D-printed basketball shoe from his 741 brand ahead of the team's rivalry matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. The prototype, developed in collaboration with Zellerfeld, represents the initial stage of a research initiative focused on athlete-centered footwear innovation. Brown emphasized the need for performance shoes to adapt to modern athletic movements.
On Friday night at TD Garden, as attention focused on the Boston Celtics' game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jaylen Brown made a notable entrance through the tunnel. He carried a prototype of a 3D-printed basketball shoe tied to his performance brand, 741. This V1 model is an exploratory concept, not a finished product, aimed at rethinking footwear through rapid iteration and 3D printing technology.
The initiative, led by 741, explores how 3D-printed structures can better align with an athlete's biomechanics, evaluating factors like stability, traction, and responsiveness. "Performance footwear hasn't evolved fast enough for the way athletes move today," Brown said. "What we're exploring with 3D printing isn't about presenting a final product; it's about understanding what becomes possible when design can adapt directly to the athlete."
Creative development is guided by designers Geoff Deas and Sean O'Shea, who bring experience from brands including Nike, Adidas, and Anta, as well as Kyrie Irving's shift to Anta. 741 CEO Que Gaskins highlighted the project's potential: "With 3D printing, we want to push the boundaries of innovation at 741 and excel at the intersections of tech, performance, and culture. What we're developing with Jaylen and our design team represents a new frontier, one where athletes participate directly in the engineering process."
Launched by Brown in September 2024, 741 embodies themes of awakening (7), discipline (4), and new beginnings (1). Brown maintains full creative control over the brand's products. Further prototypes are expected as testing progresses, signaling 741's commitment to advanced manufacturing in basketball footwear.