With Air Works, Nike is entrusting eight international designers with the mission of reinventing the Nike Air Max through a program that blends innovation and 3D printing.
Nike is opening a new chapter in its creative history with the launch of Air Works 2026, an international program that puts eight emerging designers at the heart of the future of the Air Max line. The goal? To imagine and design never-before-seen silhouettes destined to eventually become commercial models. Officially unveiled during Air Max Day last March, this initiative clearly demonstrates the sportswear brand's desire to further open its creative process and accelerate product innovation by leveraging talent from around the globe.
For this first edition, Nike has selected eight creators from very different design scenes. The program brings together Marc Su (Beijing), OMI (New York), Diya Joukani (Mumbai), Hatsuki Motoi (Tokyo), Masyn (Los Angeles), YAMS (Paris), Tasnim Chowdhury (London), and Jose Wong, based in Shanghai and participating remotely. Beyond their geographical diversity, these profiles were chosen for their unique approach to design. Through Air Works, the Swoosh aims to refresh its aesthetic language while exploring new manufacturing methods, particularly by focusing on 3D printing technologies and a more collaborative design approach.
"Air Works is an opportunity to dive into the history, innovation, and inspiration of Air Max, uniting external perspectives with the tools, talents, and capabilities unique to Nike to redefine what Air Max represents for this generation."
Andy Caine
VP Creative Director at Nike Sportswear
An Immersion into Nike's Innovation
The Air Max range serves as the foundation for a new generation of experiments. More than just a line, it becomes an open laboratory where digital design and technical innovation meet. Each participant is encouraged to develop a unique vision of the Air Max, while respecting the franchise's DNA.
Participants will work directly with Nike teams on the Philip H. Knight campus in Beaverton, Oregon, a central hub for the brand's research and development. Each designer will be supported by internal mentors and high-level specialists, such as Andy Caine, head of innovation at Nike, and Jake Scannapieceo, an expert in 3D printing applied to footwear.
External creative figures like Daniel Buezo (Kids of Immigrants) will also enrich the discussions. One of the major focuses of the program is the design of 3D-printed Air Max sneakers, created in collaboration with Zellerfeld, already involved in experimental projects like the Air Max 1000 and the Air Max 9500. This technology allows for faster production of models while offering greater freedom in shapes and textures.
A gradual rollout until 2027
While the models from Air Works won't be immediately available in large quantities, each designer will have the opportunity to launch an exclusive version of their creation, distributed within a limited circle. Nike is planning a gradual commercialization, aiming for a broader exposure of the projects from the program around Air Max Day 2027.