NIKE URBAN LEGEND

an everyday boot that’s always ready for a match

2015
SENIOR THESIS
FOOTWEAR DESIGN

COLLABORATION WITH NIKE FOOTBALL +
NATHAN VANHOOK

A NEW SIDE OF A
FAMILIAR GAME

After years of playing organized football, I missed the purity and creativity of the spontaneous game.

Street football can be more experiential than competitive, much like skateboarding. It is as much about community as competition.

This project was inspired by experiences in Milan, where football is integrated into everyday life.

DESIGNING A BOOT FOR
UNPREDICTABLE SURFACES

I brought some friends to an abandoned rooftop in Philadelphia to understand the implications of playing on unpredictable surfaces. This led to insights that influenced the outsole design, and underscored the importance of lateral motion in the small sided game.

JACQUARD WEAVING

I collaborated with textile designer Becky Flax to develop custom jacquard woven uppers. We tested different yarns and patterns for flexibility and stretch.

We explored breaking up the upper into performance driven zones with yarns that allowed flexibility, breathability, and durability where necessary.