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The second annual Nike Future Sole Design Competition was a huge success, making leaps and bounds compared to last year. The amount of design submissions almost doubled, wile the hits on the Future Sole website quadrupled! Another change from last year’s competition is the breakdown of the tournament, splitting the designs into two categories: Jordan Brand and Nike Basketball. After an exhausting process, Austin Jermacans and Daniel Gold were announced the finalists for the Jordan Brand category.
The finals took place at the renowned Nike campus in Beaverton, Orgeon. The challenge was to deisgn and present their unique take for the upcoming Jordan Melo M6. Both contestants were given the exact set of information and briefs of Carmelo Anthony’s interestes, style preferences and personal views on his signature shoes. With the help of mentors, both of which product design emplyees of Nike, the finalist must present their final renders and design process to a panel of judges consisting of Nike execs and some other names with authority in the sneaker biz.
Austin Jermacans took on the theme of Melo’s evolution both on and off the court. Additional inspiration came from the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and the suits which the NBA star is now known to fashionably and professionally rock on an almost daily basis. Daniel Gold went for the ultimate basketball shoe to fit Melo’s ‘do-it-all’ playing style. Gold wanted the profile to fit more of a Flightposite inspired Hyperdunk / Green Goblin feel, featuring a minimal toebox and Flywire sockliner. In the end the judges thought Austin Jermacans had the edge with a better backstory, incorporating his points of Melo’s refinement in style. An immeasurable experience for both contestants in their strive to one day being a successful industrial designer, this is an inspiring story to all to go big venture to their dreams. via SC.
