“So if Bill Bowerman was designing a basketball shoe, what would he do?”- Eric Avar
words // Brennan Hiro Williams
The Nike Air Hyperflight first debuted in 2001, bringing a unique, never-before-seen aesthetic to the basketball court. While the Hyperflight's futuristic look grabbed everyone's attention, the inspiration for the shoe was actually rooted in Nike tradition and the late Bill Bowerman's quest for lightweight performance footwear.
“Bill Bowerman had just passed away, it was a powerful time. Bill was a spiritual icon: a teacher, coach — and what he means to Nike is indescribable,” recalled Eric Avar, lead designer for the Hyperflight. Avar took to the process of conceptualizing the Hyperflight by asking himself what type of basketball shoe Bowerman would design, and the result was a minimalist track spike-inspired silhouette.
The Hyperflight eventually gained a cult following, especially after the bold shoe was worn by an equally unique basketball player, legendary point guard Jason Williams.
Check out some Eric Avar's early Nike Air Hyperflight sketches in the images below.
