# CEO-Designed Sneakers The Nike Air Max Ultra M is Designed by the Brand's Very Own Mark Parker By Meghan Young | Published 2016-03-23 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-ultra-m References: [news.nike](http://news.nike.com/news/mark-parker-air-max-ultra-htm) It's hard not to appreciate the [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-on-ipad) Air Max Ultra M. Designed by Nike's Chief Executive Officer himself, Mark Parker, it embodies his contributions to the longstanding partnership between HTM and Air Max. Borrowing elements from the BW (Big Window), the shoe is bold and loud, making a statement instantly. In addition to that bit of inspiration, Mark Parker breaks down the thinking and emotion behind the Nike Air Max Ultra M even more. He was drawn to the past, specifically his own designs: the Vengeance, the [Vortex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vantoure-vera) and the [Vector](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vostra-vector). Parker also wanted to introduce a bit of softness to the hard lines of the BW, which he achieved thanks to new technology like jacquard. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Ceo-designed Products:** There is potential for CEOs to use their personal expertise to design disruptive products that reflect their experiences and values. - **Collaboration Breakthroughs:** By combining the strengths of different divisions, companies can create innovative products that speak to a wider range of customers. - **Technological Softening:** Advances in technology offer the opportunity to add softer elements to traditionally hard products, creating new possibilities for design and function. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** By incorporating CEO-designed products, footwear companies can appeal to consumers who want unique and innovative designs. - **Fashion:** Collaboration between fashion designers and executives can lead to the development of fashion lines that speak to a wide range of customers. - **Manufacturing:** Advances in technology can be used in manufacturing to produce more innovative, personalized products that incorporate both hard and soft elements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tablet-Made Exclusive Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-on-ipad.md) - [AI-Backed Sneaker Design Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airimagination.md) - [Heritage Dress Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-rk61.md) - [Men's Mesh Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flamelike-caging-design.md) - [Futuristic Layered Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-portal.md) - [Comfort-Inspired Men's Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-released-air-max-dns.md) - [Airy Collaborative Avant-Garde Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trd-run-6.md) - [3D-Printed Sports Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-1000.md) - [Retro-Inspired Sneaker Hybrids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-air-max.md)