Sergio Lozano understandably receives the majority of his acclaim for the creation of the Air Max 95, but there's another model in his portfolio worthy of a lot more attention: the Nike Air Zoom Drive.
This top-of-the-line, lightweight runner arrived as part of Nike's Alpha Project line, which debuted at the turn of the millennium with a mission to create cutting-edge footwear that enhanced athletes' performance.
Before we discuss the Air Zoom Drive's intricacies any further, it's probably best to take a brief detour and explore the backstory of Nike's Alpha Project. On New Year's Day 1999, Nike launched the Alpha Project with a problem-solving ethos, collaborating with athletes to develop innovative footwear that would make them stronger and faster and improve their all-round performance.
Each silhouette released under Nike's Alpha Project banner contained five famous dots within its design – a hallmark certifying the model as one of the brand's best offerings and symbolising one of the five steps in the product development process: Enquire, Research, Create, Test, and Compete.
The groundwork for the Alpha Project can be traced back to 1996 when a focus group requested footwear that offered the comfort of slippers. Designer Tobie Hatfield developed a prototype that he'd later dub the "V-Notch": a deep, fit-improving carving at the ankle. The V-Notch ankle feature debuted on 1998's Nike Air Gauntlet – the next step in the evolution towards the Air Zoom Drive in '99 and, ultimately, the Air Presto in 2000 (we'll save the extensive Presto story for a later date).
When it came to the Air Zoom Drive's lightweight, responsive design, the Air Gauntlet's deep-lying V-Notch was exchanged for a more conventional collar and a ventilated arch bridge was added for increased support and breathability. However, like the Air Gauntlet, it still featured an almost seamless interior and a dynamic "Power Mesh" fabric for added stretch and comfort.
Below, the Air Zoom Drive's Phylon midsole housed Nike's relatively new Zoom Air cushioning to improve heel-toe transition when running. A lattice-webbed, BRS 1000 carbon rubber outsole enhanced wet road traction, flexibility, and improved stability on push-off. The underside also featured an intriguing, water-droplet-shaped window displaying the Zoom Air cushioning and the Alpha Project's signature five dots.
The Nike Air Zoom Drive is a hidden gem in Sergio Lozano's design portfolio and the Alpha Project lineup. Its innovative features and sleek design make it a head-turning running shoe that deserves more recognition.
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