Nike Sportswear brings together a new generation of designers from around the world. They will shape the future of the Air Max as part of the first ‘Air Works’ research, development and design program. The participating designers will meet at Nike’s Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, Oregon. There, they will work with Nike mentors to create new cultural expressions of Air Max that build on Air’s 40-year history of innovation.
“The ‘Air Works’ program is about celebrating the cultural influence of the Air Max. We invite a core group of global creatives to imagine what its future could look like,” said Andy Caine, vice president (VP) and creative director of Nike Sportswear. “It’s also an opportunity to delve deep into the history, innovation and inspiration of the Air Max. We want to combine outside perspectives with Nike’s unique tools, talent and capabilities to redefine what the Air Max means to this generation.”
The first ‘Air Works’ program will take place from May 11th to 14th. It brings individual designers from Beijing, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo to the headquarters of the US sporting goods manufacturer Nike. There they will work with Nike designers and engineers to develop distinctive, 3D printed Air Max models. These are created in partnership with Zellerfeld and are intended to reflect the designers’ individualism and celebrate their communities worldwide.
The creations of the participating ‘Air Works’ designers are shaped by practical collaboration with their Nike mentors and external collaboration partners. Additionally, visits are planned to Nike’s Air Manufacturing Innovation facility, the Department of Nike Archives, the Nike Sport Research Lab, the Blue Ribbon Studio and the Bowerman Footwear Lab.
Following the inaugural ‘Air Works’ program, each local designer will release a limited-edition ‘Friends and Family’ version of their shoe. This will be celebrated in their respective communities over the coming year and ushers in Air Max Day 2027.
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