Nike introduces another footwear design for the season and this time around, it celebrates M. Frank Rudy across the Air Max 97 sneaker silhouette. The NASA engineer is one that approached the sportswear brand first, with the concept of adding an air cushion to sneakers, which is now known to be the Air Unit.
He suggested that it be implemented into the midsoles of the shoe and has been a prominent feature in Nike sneakers for years to come since he first suggested it back in 1978. The new shoes have a white tonal mesh foundation with leather details before light grey suede wraps around the mudguard. It has a clear cutout detail by the lateral side and is rounded out with a blueprint-graphic midsole.
Space Engineer-Themed Lifestyle Footwear
Nike Delivers a M. Frank Rudy Design of the Air Max 97
Trend Themes
1. Space Engineer-inspired Footwear Design - The incorporation of engineering concepts into lifestyle footwear provides opportunities for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry.
2. Nod to Retro Futurism - Retro-futuristic design trends continue to influence product design in various industries.
3. Collaborative Product Development - Partnerships with industry professionals outside of traditional fashion design industries can lead to innovative product offerings.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - The incorporation of engineering concepts into Nike's Air Max 97 sneaker creates opportunities for disruption within the footwear industry.
2. Fashion - Incorporating concepts from outside the fashion design industry into products opens up opportunities for innovation within the fashion industry.
3. Engineering - Collaborations between engineers and fashion designers present opportunities for disruption within both industries.