{"id":558646,"date":"2017-10-06T17:50:47","date_gmt":"2017-10-06T21:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=558646"},"modified":"2022-09-13T04:02:46","modified_gmt":"2022-09-13T09:02:46","slug":"designer-interview-andrew-winfield-air-jordan-1-flyknit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/designer-interview-andrew-winfield-air-jordan-1-flyknit\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview \/\/ Air Jordan 1 Flyknit Designer Talks Future Colorways & Creating the Coziest AJ1 to Date"},"content":{"rendered":"
words & interview \/\/ Darren Griffin<\/a><\/em> Jordan Brand, throughout much of its modern history, has been largely effective in its ability to blend genres to forge new, contemporary products. Utilizing the past as a tool to light a path through the dark and often times unpredictable future has proven savvy for the relatively youthful company. They’ve smartly leaned on their golden-era of design, joining that with what many believe to be a similar period for technological advancements.<\/p>\n The Air Jordan 1 Flyknit<\/strong> encompasses the best of their past happily married to the future of Nike footwear: Flyknit technology – a crowning innovation first introduced back in 2012. The shoe creates an experience both foundational to the Air Jordan 1 and Flyknit, representing an old meets new theme that’s proven effective time and time again.<\/p>\n So, on the heels of the highly regarded Air Jordan 1 Flyknit “Royal” release this weekend, we spoke with Andrew Winfield<\/strong>, Footwear Designer for the Jordan Sportswear Team, and one part of a larger team that designed the Air Jordan 1 Flyknit. Winfield, both a design pro and an Air Jordan 1 enthusiast that ranks the Air Jordan 1 Nouveau “BHM” from 2016 as his favorite of all time, spoke to the shoe’s long and detailed design process, why it was important to start with the “Bred” and “Royal” colorways and which Flyknit retros could be next.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> How long ago did the idea for an Air Jordan 1 Flyknit come about? Then, from that point, how long until the shoe was completed?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0The idea has been around for a while now. It was about a year and a half, two year process. The biggest thing we had to solve is what does Flyknit mean, aesthetically and functionally, for sportswear and for Jordan overall? How does that look and how does that function, and where do we want to take it? That was a big part of the process.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> Flyknit, in general, seems like an easier fabric to manipulate as opposed to leather, but maybe a little harder to form proper shaping and structure for a Jordan 1. Explain the process of molding the shoe to ensure it felt and wore like a Jordan 1.<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0Well, given the complexities of knit geometry, you might have more of an open knit structure or a tighter, more closed knit structure. Alternatively, you’re trying to turn a flat knitted pattern into three-dimensional foot form, a process that requires a lot of time and patience. So the propensity for the different knit structures to expand and to track when you’re trying to shape this two-dimensional flat into a three-dimensional sock, it\u2019s something that you have to monitor. Especially for the proportions of this knit to match the OG proportions. If you don’t, the shoe can come off looking kind of janky.<\/p>\n So for that process we had to work in tandem with our knit programmer. The Knit Programmer on this model was Erin Stevens. She did a great job. We worked with her to finalize the finished product and to make sure all the proportions matched, ensuring it looked and it felt like a classic OG Air Jordan 1.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> Were there any variations of the shoe that got left on the cutting room floor? Or was the process itself something that eliminated that possibility?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0So that whole process, when we were figuring out what type of knit geometry we wanted to use, that\u2019s a whole process in itself. Our knit programmer will come with different options. Of course, she\u2019ll take from the direction that we give her, but she\u2019ll also come with other options. But it\u2019s also about what makes sense for this product.<\/p>\n This was a very long and extensive process. It took some time. It\u2019s a lot of back and forth, back and forth; what makes sense. Then the knit programmer has to unify the all geometry to create this three-dimensional form, and that process will blow your mind.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> Leather is a big part of this shoe and, of course, Air Jordan 1 history. You guys implemented leather at the Swoosh, Wings logo, heel tab and liner. Why was that intersect important as opposed to an all-Flyknit Air Jordan 1?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0At the end of the day, while we\u2019re creating functional product, we need to tell stories that connect. Keeping the Swoosh and the Wings logo is our connection, our bringback to the OG AJ1. We though it was a good call back. The leather binding, the matte black base tips; these things speak to our focus on finishing the product the way we see fit. It\u2019s just that last 10 percent that consumers don\u2019t see until they have the product in hand.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> For many – myself included – this is the most comfortable Air Jordan 1 they’ve ever worn. Which says a lot considering a shoe with over three decades of history. Where did comfort weigh on what the design team was attempting to do with the shoe? Because, ultimately, you\u2019ve created the most comfortable Air Jordan 1 ever by many estimations.<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0We wanted to give the knit structure a very opulent, lofted feel. We wanted you to be able to close your eyes and still feel the original patterns of the AJ1. We also wanted to make sure the stitch had the proper stance and bulk. Lots of times knit can be very deconstructed, to the point where it can collapse. We wanted this shoe to have the proper stance of the original AJ1. With knit you\u2019re going to get a nice, breathable shoe. We wanted to ensure fans got that immediate glove-like comfort that comes with Flyknit.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> Thinking back to 2007 and the Beginning Moments Pack, which featured special insoles, it marked a critical turning point for the Air Jordan 1 where comfort is concerned. The same, of course, can be said now for the Flyknit AJ1. Given the level of comfort has been significantly raised, and will continue with the \u201cRoyal\u201d release this weekend, do you foresee a greater emphasis on comfort moving forward? Premium liners, insoles, etc. on traditional leather pairs?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0We try to stay true to our original models. Of course given the opportunity, if the consumer is asking for it, we\u2019ll try to pursue it. As far as the AJ1 Flyknit goes we plan on continuing to build the shoe like the first \u201cBred\u201d colorway. So all the shoes should be built that way. \u201cRoyals\u201d included.<\/p>\n But obviously if you think of the brand, and Nike in general, we always look to evolve. So if there\u2019s an opportunity to evolve and make things better we always look into that opportunity and pursue that direction.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> Right. And I think the community has felt that most recently with the \u201cBreds,\u201d \u201cRoyals\u201d and \u201cShattered Backboards\u201d before that. Which brings about another thought: Why Flyknit 1s? Why not just more traditional premium leather pairs?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0I would say that we\u2019re not really choosing Flyknit over leather. As a brand, we saw an opportunity to provide the consumer with a different experience. If you can diversify your lineup, why not?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> I agree. I think it’s one of those things that people didn\u2019t really know that they wanted until they got it.<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0A lot of times we\u2019re not really getting very specific direction from our consumers unless we\u2019re extremely lucky. We get ideas and we have to build that into something that’s tangible and relevant for them. Flyknit is relevant. Air Jordan 1s are relevant. Everybody wants a comfortable shoe. It\u2019s up to us to make sure that we maintain the right experience that will help our consumer in all their endeavors, whether that\u2019s style, function. We just want to create a fulfilling experience.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> You guys started with the \u201cBred\u201d and now the \u201cRoyal\u201d this weekend, arguably the two most sought after and historically rich Air Jordan 1 colorways. Do you think it was imperative to start this project with those two pairs? To both resonate with brand purists and youthful consumers alike?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0Well yeah, those are very iconic colorways. So we definitely wanted to ground the innovation of Flyknit with the heritage and legacy of MJ with those two iconic colorways first. What I can say is that there will be other OG colorways coming.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> So, that said, why didn\u2019t you guys start with the \u201cChicago\u201d in lieu of one of the other pairs? Was there a thought behind that or was it just the general consensus of the design team and others involved?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0I mean the \u201cBred\u201d colorway is obviously iconic just because its the \u201cBanned\u201d colorway. It\u2019s part of what sparked that resurgence of the retro market. They sort of built that initial allure outside of just people who were MJ fans. They became a fan of the shoe as well. So the \u201cBred\u201d colorway had a lot of impact from a larger scope. Given that this is Flyknit, and our first introduction as far as legacy goes, it made sense. This is off-court, this is more of a lifestyle thing – a cultural thing. So it made sense for us to start with the \u201cBred\u201d as opposed to the \u201cChicago.”<\/p>\n Snkrs Day:<\/strong> Considering Flyknit is now in play with Jordans, there\u2019s a wealth of possibilities. More OGs like you mentioned, Mids, Lows, Multicolor pairs, etc. Do you foresee any of those things happening?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0What I can say is that we\u2019ll work where it makes sense for our consumer. If we see an opportunity to improve the consumers experience, then it will only make sense for us to explore that route.<\/p>\n But, you know, you can kind of guess just based off of Nike\u2019s history and Jordan’s history that if it makes sense we\u2019ll pursue it.<\/p>\n Snkrs Day: I do think that it makes sense given the Air Jordan XXX2 is a throwback to the Air Jordan 2 but also a look to the future in its implementation of Flyknit. It looks to be a growing theme. What are your thoughts on how Flyknit can or will play a role with retros moving forward?<\/strong><\/p>\n Andrew Winfield:<\/strong>\u00a0Flyknit isn\u2019t going anywhere. There\u2019s a tremendous amount of opportunity with how we can apply it to different product, whether that\u2019s on or off court. Much of that is to be determined at this moment. But what I\u2019ll say is that Flyknit isn\u2019t going anywhere because people simply want a more comfortable shoe.<\/p>\n Grab an exclusive detailed look at the “Royal” Air Jordan 1 Flyknit ahead of its release slated for October 7th retailing for $180.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" words & interview \/\/ Darren Griffin photography \/\/ Ray P. Jordan Brand, throughout much of its modern history, has been…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137731,"featured_media":559037,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1232700,3,1225574],"tags":[1225519,1225452,1225575],"cultivate_rss":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n photography \/\/ Ray P<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
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