VaporMax

2015-2017: Creative Direction. Co-design.

Over 3 years, I lead the design of  the Nike VaporMax running shoe. Click here for the interview I did with Esquire magazine to launch the VaporMax in 2017.

It took eight years, over a hundred iterations, 6 dedicated designers (including 1 CEO) to bring the Nike Air VaporMax to life.

In true Air Max tradition, the 2017 debut of the VaporMax represented a big innovation. This time, the breakthrough came in the form of a foam-free, underfoot Air cushioning unit, coupled with recycled polyester Flyknit upper.

For the first time, there was no midsole between the foot and the Air unit, and no outsole between the Air unit and the ground. The concept was for the shoe to feel an look like you're running on Air.
The engineered Flyknit upper was (and still is) the most ecologically sustainable way to make an upper. Its heat moldable, breathable, flexible yet supportive where needed.