Project Bluefoot Air Jordan XXV Design Contest Honorable Mentions

Project Bluefoot recently held their Intelligent Design Contest that brought out designs from a number of footwear designers from all corners of the globe. Posted after the break is the long list of honorable mentions from the contest that brought out a ton of entries. For more information on the contest, visit ProjectBluefoot.com.

I am an aspiring footwear designer and wanted to showcase my talent to some people who can give me an honest opinion on my design. I do have an advantage, I do work for Nike, but I wanted to show my designs to the consumer of the product. So this is why I chose your site and blog to get an opinion from others outside the Nike campus.

My inspiration is the Jordan 1, I wanted to celebrate 25 years of the Jordan Shoes, by keeping some of the original design, but by also updating the shoe for today’s consumer and athlete.

I hope you enjoy my work and please give me feedback if needed.

Thanks again for having this Design Competition.

Lorin Welander II

This Air Jordan XX5 is like nothing ever seen before. Drawing inspiration from some of the worlds best architecture, the Sydney Opera House, and one of MJ’s current loves, motorcycle racing, it is a performance powerhouse that is also an instant eye catcher. It utilizes a foot hugging foamposite cage for strength and support, but is also lightweight from the large cutouts where perforated leather is used for ventilation. It features a full length zoom insole, double stacked in the heel, to provide the best comfort and cushioning on the market today. The sole and traction pattern are directly inspired by the world of motorcycle racing, and the carbon fiber shank plate adds some additional stability.

Looking at the shoe you may not see many logos, this was done on purpose. I wanted the design to carry the shoe and not the logos on it. There is a small Jumpman on the tongue and “Jordan” across the back, but that’s it.

Not only is this XX5 a top of the line basketball shoe, but it is also guaranteed to turn a few heads when your walking down the street. And that’s exactly what Jordan’s are about.

Cody Harris

The Air jordan,the most anticipated shoe every year celebrates it’s 25th anniversary with pure dominance.
In order to design that shoe I was looking for something naturel something pure.
I decided to take my favorite animal “The Great White shark” and comparing it to my favorite All time favorite player “the Great MJ”.
The pure dominance,the fact that everyone knowes you rule the place,and there’s nothing they can do about it!
“Be the best at what you do best”
The Air Jordan XXV Is the ultimate BBALL shoe,with a simple unique design,made for the greatest ballers.

Guy Perez

The Jordan XXV celebrates 25th anniversary of Jordan Brand. In virtue of that I chose to make the main colorway all silver, the traditional color of a 25th anniversary. My Air Jordan XXV design focuses on lightness, and quick speed. It was mostly inspired by Jordan’s love and affiliation with motorsports, many of the design cues were taken from sport bikes, such as the shape of the outsole on the heel, and the metallic piece that comes over it. The heel tab also gives it that racy feel, but it is also a nod to the previous Jordan VI. This XXV features an off-center, speed lacing system, which spells out “XXV”. This system was put in place to allow for a much larger space for the flywire technology on the medial side. the translucent sole is also a nod to previous Air Jordan models such as the V, VI, and XI. This Jordan remembers its roots, while looking towards the future. The next in line to continue Jordan Brand’s legacy of innovation and high-performance footwear.

Juan Pozo

First of all, designing a new Air Jordan is for sure the hardest task you can
get in term of designing a baskeball performance shoe. The Jordan brand has
been always on top of the game, refering to the technonlogical aspect and in
the same time to the visual one. Jordan?s shoes are icones and they always
came with big technological breakthrough, using new materials, developping new
ways of thinking the shoe for this sport.

As soon as i decided to take part to this contest i tried to keep all these
points in mind.
Its the first time i try to create a sneaker from scratch and as a big fan of
Jordan shoes i decided i will develop something totaly new but linked to the
roots and to the iconic aspect of what Jordan brand produced in the past.
Everybody is in love with the classics of Jordan so i decided to not avoid this
heritage and to use it in a way to keep the line and codes of the brand and to
please the fans.
I refered to some Jordan?s models and other Nike?s models (Jordans IV, V,
XI, XXII, Trainer SCII, Diamond Turff, Huarache, LeBron and the Free sole) all
those ref are here to give the best to this new AJ25 but its not an hybrid its
a real new model, using the best of Nike?s dev and techno (from my point of
view).

On the other side i thought about what will bring the real modern and
tehcnological assets to this new shoe.
I made research to know what was the last and more efficient technologies that
nike is dealing at the moment and i mixed it with edgy high technologies.
Without putting any boundaries to my thinking, i came up with 2 ideas of
material and technology that could be really interesting for this shoe and for
Nike.

The first is a new material (not really new in the absolut..) its the Spider
Silk.
The spider silk is one of the strongest, lightest and the more flexible material
available on this planet at the moment. Its way stronger and flexible than
carbon or even kevlar for example.
A Canadian laboratory have found a way to produce it in an industrial quantity
(it wasnt possible before due to the nature of the spiders…) this laboratory
work on the developpment of new bulletproof jackets and weapon shields for the
US army. (Nexia Biotechnologies / ?BioSteel? trademark).
(more infos and details on my dev)

The other technology is the Solid Liquid or Non-Newtonian Fluid.
This substance is a liquid that changes its strength and hardness in relation to
the force and impact you will exercise on it. So this substance can be used as a
new cushioning system, replacing the air bag by a liquid bag that will react
proportionaly to the forces exercise on the foot and so protecting it with a
better and more precise cushioning system than the air could do. It will fit to
the player situations during the game and protect as much as possible his feet
and body.
(we loose on lightness but gain on efficiency)
(more details and infos about this technology on my boards)

The other technical solutions are the Nike?s ones
The Nike flywire technology because of its efficiency, lightness and strength,
its obvious that it has to play a role in this new shoe, it just needs to look
at the Nike Hypermax and Hyper Dunk…
The Free sole system on the front sides of the shoe because its a reallly good
cushioning system ofcourse but its also a perfect grip, thats why i put it on
front sides to help the feet to stick on the floor when the player put all his
wheight on it for changing his trajectory or to stop his run as fast as
possible. I also put an inner shoe (like in the Huarache) for ergonomic
reasons, i think its one of the best solution for the protection and comfort of
the feet.
The laces system is a side lacing one, its more efficient for a good restrain on
the foot and i add a flywire strap to increase it.
(I realised too late in the process that the foot?s arc on my shoe is way too
in the middle, it should be nearer to the knee, and so the knee should be
thiner…)

The virtual result of my development is a super higthec performance shoe with a
dynamic and an aesthetic sticking to the Jordan?s traditions. This shoe push
the boundaries of Nike?s technologies or at least open new doors and new
directions and in the same time should visualy please all the Jordan?s
classics aficionados.
I also worked on the visual identity aspect, i designed a logo that match my
concept. I refered to the spider web and based the construction of the font on
the basketball net. At the end it creates an interesting logo refering to the
chimical/ scientific world and representing the A linked to the J of Air
Jordan.

Philippe Cuendet

1.Cushioning
High-density phylon + Double stack zoom air
Repulsive force and shock absorbance in one

2. Traction
Maximum traction through a combination of a sticky clear material and solid rubber for the outsole
Sole based on a harringbone pattern and a design inspired by the letter X
Different material for the inside and outside based on analysis of movement during penetraion.

3. Ankle support
Supports the ankle of players who penetrate fast and fierce with phyposite on the heel, which is lighter than foamposite.

4. Patent toe box protects the toes and reinforces durability for the front area that meets the floor during penetration.

5. mesh tongue that provides air circulation and fits the foot well.

6. speed lacing that encompasses the top of the foot that fits the foot well and enables fast lacing

7. carbon fiber spring plate prevents twisting, and converts the shock in the heel to elasticity in the toes while running

Joo Hyung Kim

For me, Air Jordans are the standard for good kicks and should always have the following attributes: performance fit, comfort, durability, protection and style. The 25th model I’m submitting is also a high performance basketball shoe. The basic shape is a fusion of the major features of the Torosaurus and spat shoes. It is also subconsciously inspired by some of the previous Air Jordans. This mostly applies to the velcro flap that covers the laces and the double-lasted side panel. Without any connection, whatsoever, each of the inspiration models are interesting and unique in its own way. Torosaurus, which lived on Earth about 1000000 years ago, was an inspiration for many alien characters in Sci-Fi movies because of its futuristic look. The spats were also the most modern looking shoes at the end of the XIX century and Michael Jackson wore them in the 1980’s. The dressy look is achieved in the patent-leather toecap decorated with a thin-line print. The front side panels feature fly wire. A single, thin plastic piece is wrapped around the hill to the top for extra support. The weight is reduced in the shox-like hill.

Ilija Nikolic

To design this shoe, i started focusing on the “Considered thinking”. I wanted to make something clean, simple, ecofriendly with a very strong story behind.
So i took a look on the “american-indians” clothes and i decided to keep this kind of spirit by some big stitches and some simple symbols.
Moreover, to stay in this “natural” way of thinking, i though that could be interesting to focus on an element, and more precisely : the water. So i analysed the waves, these little ondulations and i decided to bring them into the design of the shoe. In this way, when you see it, you really feel the shoe hitting the ground. So this is how i wanted to design the XXV.

Aurelien Longo

The Air Jordan XXV (25) is the ultimate performance hoops shoe inspired by the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan. It combines ultra-modern technology with unsurpassed style, resulting in a very light, comfortable and highly responsive shoe. The overall design was inspired by MJ?s off-court sophistication, the 2010 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, as well as the Air Jordan XI and the Air Jordan 2K9. The upper is comprised of patent leather and breathable mesh, providing excellent support and comfort. It also features a heel pull tab with MJ?s signature, as well as a TPU midfoot shank plate for torsional stability. The midsole is a combination of full-length Phylon? foam with Independent Podular Suspension (IPS) cushioning, providing a natural feel underfoot while achieving maximum responsiveness. The outsole is solid rubber, featuring a prominent forefoot outrigger for lateral stability while making fast cuts. In addition, the outsole features a deep forefoot flex groove and modified tread pattern for multi-directional traction.

Ian Gale

The design is caused by the tradition of Japan.

The entire image of shoes caused the design the motif of the sun and the crow.

The design was caused in the shoe sole the motif of a traditional rope of Japan.

* upper design
2WAY is designed off with on can detach the Velcro of upper.
It imaged it from running on of the sun.

The graphic design of upper was designed from light of the sun and crow’s wings.

Yohey Yokokura

The Ballroom Wingtips is not only a play on words, It’s also a play on style and materials. Taking the classic and recognizable looks from the wingtip dancing shoes and mixes it up with the sleek and modern siloutte that is the Air Jordan heritage.

A tribute to the greatest (b-)ballroom dancer, His Airness, Michael Jordan.

Bj?rn Bengtsson

What I wanted to do with this design was to improve upon the XX3 and 2009. I wanted it to be lighter yet just as strong as those previous models. The two newest materials in the Nike arsenal that have shown to be quite effective have been flywire and lunar foam, both of white are extremely light yet still durable to handle the rigors of sport. I chose Lunarlite for the heel and flywire for lateral forefoot support. The Teijin leather was chosen because of it’s weight and durability. Aesthetically the sharp edges of the heel are inspired by the popular Gundam mecha from Japan. The shape of the chassis takes cues from the flow of quicksilver. I made the chassis flow up by the forefoot to add some lateral support so the wearer wouldn’t slip over the side of the chassis. I wanted the paneling of the upper to be simple and elegant like the XX and 2009 so kept it cut up into two main parts, the toe and the mid to upper foot. The support strap and heel counter are a nod to a pair of the most iconic Jordans, the III and IV.

Richard Saguin

I wanted to go back to the origins of the Jordan Brand where functions dictates style, where performance overcomes all other parts of the design process, I used for inspiration MJ’s nickname and did some research on the black cat and designed on some of those facts which are 1.Keen sense of hearing and sight
2.Solitary animals
3.Extremely agile
4.can leap up to 20 feet 5.Sharp Claws
6.Strong Jaws
my design features 6 new distinguishing ways that the shoe can be tied through the upper XXV of the shoe the laces can be pulled up between the two upper v points in the “X’s” or the top two parts of the “V” it also features to flywire straps for secure lockdown and molded achillies ankle brace and three stack zoom and also a specialized patent leather on the side to prevent rollovers on sharp cuts or stops it also includes PPTT tractions system (Paw/Pod/Traction/Technology for supreme boost and shock abosorbment this shoe is built for funtion and syle is just a beautiful part of its swagger, The Air Jordan XXV Black Cat Origins.

Luvell Stepter

For my design of the Air Jordan XXV, I really wanted to grab those ground breaking elements used for previous Jordan?s; Inspiration, Design, Progression, and Functionality. I started from scratch by researching Modern Architecture which provided the “Main Attraction.? Modeled after David Fishers’ Rotating Structure, a solid rubber heel mold for a secure, protective, lockdown fit that dominates the appearance of the shoe. By providing support around the heel and ankle, the rubber mold keeps the foot from moving laterally, offering a superior fit for an excellent pivoting motion. Secondly, I wanted to incorporate a natural form for the upper part of the shoe which takes inspiration from living organisms, more specifically the earth worm. A consistent ribbing support that wraps around the foot naturally with the help of 2 thick layered elastic straps on the inner of the shoe; dismissing any kind of lace system and keeping with the organic form of shoe. Along the top of the foot, is an elastic strip, holding the uppers together while still offering a snug but comfortable fit. On top of this elastic is luxurious velvet to maintain the majestic aspect of the Air Jordan Line.
Finally I went with a soft rubber wrapped in a hard plastic similar to the Air Jordan 23 for the midsole. Simple lines along the midsole tie the upper to the lower part of the shoe, but also provide a strong, durable cushioning system. For the outsole I kept it simple tying the architectural aspect of the shoe into the clear and solid rubber sole. Clear, clean lines are inspired by those found in construction documents for building structures.
Lastly I’d just like to say I really had fun putting my heart onto paper and having the honor of designing the Air Jordan XXV for those who are really a part of the dynasty that is Jordan Brand. I hope those that see my design can feel what I felt when creating this shoe; Keeping the tradition of the Jordan line alive, picturing Michael Jordan himself wearing this shoe on the court, and providing a highly functioning sneaker for the B-Ballers and an instant classic for the Jordan collectors.

Thanks…

Luke Jordan Guerrero

For my Jordan 2010 concept I tried to bring a futuristic approach to the shoe while maintaining the legacy. I ended up with a design without laces. The foot is locked down by an ankle strap and a large mid-foot strap. There is a tpu plate that go up the heel for stability.

Matt DeAlmeida

My Design is “Dangerous yet Dandy”.

I constructed this shoe to be Dangerous – meaning using the latest technology in athletic footwear to make this shoe perform to the highest level. Using top of the line materials – Kevlar, very light support and impeccable inner cushioning, this shoe is conceived to meet the expectations of professional basketball players all over. Dandy would refer to the esthetic value of this shoe. Aside from wanting this shoe to function, I would also like this shoe to be chic and fashionable ? a pair that the modern dandy would wear. I borrowed the lines from the timeless eyewear accessory Persol 649. I was also inspired by the swiss watchmaker Hublot’s flair for fusion of different materials.

In constructing this shoe, I am simply continuing Jordan brand?s tradition of Excellence, Performance and Innovation.

Dino De Castro

The XXV features 6 eyelets representing the 6 rings MJ won in his career. The upper is made of high quality patent leather atop the Phylon midsole. The lateral midpanel is full grain leather with geometric stitching which represents Michael’s well calculated moves and lifestyle while the medial midpanel draws inspiration from the AJ VII’s upper. The outsole is constructed of several variations of translucent rubber.

Inspiration from Sharks
Fins of Sharks help lift them out of the water, stabilize them while gliding and help them move forward. MJ had lift, stability and would glide on the court. Mike was always moving forward and bettering himself, his career and others around him.

Sharks are not cruel; they are obeying their instincts when they attack.
MJ attacked his opponents on and off the court. Sharks are the most feared animal in the water like MJ was most feared on the basketball court. Like sharks, MJ was dangerous, fierce and intense.

Inspiration from the Puzzle Concept.
MJ put the pieces of his life together including his passion, style, success, team, work ethic, winning and career. Also, the members of Team Jordan are all pieces to the Jordan Brand Puzzle.

Inspired by the Heritage of the Air Jordan Series and the 2 iconic shoes:

Air Jordan I ? The shoe that started it all in 1985.

Air Jordan XI – Classy / Stylish shoe functional on the court as well as off the court.

Jordan Hagedorn

Since athletic shoes are taking a step towards being more scientific, this is exactly what the Jordan XX5 is based on. The inspiration comes from the periodic table. The chemical element Manganese (Mn) which has the atomic number 25 has a grey white metallic look and is put into different metals such as steel to make them stronger. This goes hand and hand with inspiration from MJ’s playing days giving todays players the motivation to play stronger, smarter and ultimately be better than Mike. With the 25th anniversary upon us it is also known as the “Silver Anniversary” giving inspiration to the 3M metallic material on the shoe. Jordan was also 25 yrs old when he first wore the Jordan 3’s which had a cement print which had never before been seen or used on a athletic shoes. Which brings the touch of an upgraded cement print which takes the appearance of boiling metal. Finally the XX5 is closed out with flywire complimenting to the shoe’s light weight and durability.

Eric Sandy

Air Jordan 25 is inspired by the universe of the sport and by its impact on the players. The logo Jumpman which shines of its 5 beams, each represents 5 years it’s 25 years of service for the athletes.Good Suede and leather quality from Italia, a strong finish on the lineage of the Air jordan. Four qualities of his Airness is represented on the shoe what allows to make of this most successful possible and the lightest shoe thanks to its worked materials extralight. The support of ankles and heel with the air to decrease the impacts on the movement. The shoe also offers the possibility of customization on the patent leather according to the models.

Joseph Dumary

My Air Jordan 25 design incorporates the APT sole of Air Jordan 2009 with a Foamposite upper and Velcro straps to lock your foot sown. My original thought process was to have a shoe with the comfort and support of the Air Jordan 2009 with a light weight material such as Foamposite. I also wanted the lock down feeling provided with Velcro straps. My concept is to have the forefoot strap come from the medial side to the lateral side and have the ankle strap come from the lateral side to the medial side creating the ultimate secure feeling. The Foamposite upper is held together with a strong mesh to allow the foot breath. All these components form a perfect union of performance and style. I believe this design follows in the Air Jordan tradition and successfully incorporates what Michael Jordan and his many fans expect from a basketball shoe. Thank your for taking the time to view my design.

Sincerely,
Konrad Calaustro

As a kid, I grew up idolizing the pop sensations, Michael Jordan and Michael Jackson. With this year we lost a musical genius and we gear up celebrate 25 years of Jordan Brand. I am reminded of the memorable collaboration between the two Mike’s in the 1992 music video for Michael Jackson’s “Jam”. In my process, I wanted to capture the energy of this clashing of styles. For my functionality improvements, I incorporated Boa Lacing Technology to allow for less focusing on tying shoes and more focus on play. As my form followed function, I began to play with styling cues from some of Jackson’s performance apparel. In the sole, I included a TEPEX Carbon Fibre Construction with a muti-directional traction pattern. My sole design features the famous silhouette of the two MJ’s squaring off on the court. Of course, the forefoot has Nike’s Zoom-Air Cushioning. My sockliner is inspired by Michael Jackson’s famous highwaters and socks. It features a Molded EVA Sock-Liner that provides cushioning on impact. Lastly, the upper is laced with Bycast leather that provides shine but also prevent scratching to keep your J’s clean for off the court wear. I hope you enjoy my ode to the ‘Number Ones’, Jordan and Jackson.

Garry Akeem Atkinson

This shoe design is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to design a Jordan sneaker and now having the opportunity at such an elite level is amazing.
I was raised in NC watching, wearing, and playing like MJ.

I have taken an element from each Jordan design and fit it inside JordanXXV. I designed something i felt Tinker would probably like. Using the XX as inspiration. I also was inspired by the XXII that Dewayne Edwards created for the heel of the Be Hungry package. I also was inspired by the indention in the XXII so i use that on the side of the XXV legendary. I took a piece off the XIV thanks to TInker and put it on the outside of the Be Legendary side view. I wanted air in the Air Jordan so i decided to go retro and put the air unit in the sole of the Legendary. In the Be Hungry I also put a never before seen air unit in the heel. I wanted it have the classic jordan likeness for the logo design as well. jordan XIII inspired me for the logo and panels. I wanted to be innovative and also be jordan brand/Nike. The jordan logo was inspired by jordan motorsports.

Christopher Dixon