How does a Nike sneaker come about As told by Sam Grawe in the book 'Nike: Better Is Temporary' and in this exclusive interview

For all sneaker culture enthusiasts, but also for those who have been wearing the same Nike kicks for the last ten years, the Beaverton brand is much more than just a fashion label, it's a way of life. A mindset that ranges from the purest design to innovation, from the visceral relationship with the most successful athletes in the world to fashion collaborations, passing through unforgettable ad campaigns and commercials that have shaped pop culture. 

In five chapters dividing into as many thematic areas, the book written by Sam Grawe, Nike: Better Is Temporary, published by Phaidon, tells the story of the Swoosh from behind the scenes, from the laboratories where the brand's new ideas and sneakers come to life. Secrets, innovations and brilliant ideas that have led Nike to dominate the sportswear market, and beyond. 

nss magazine got in touch with Sam Grawe who told in this exclusive interview about his book and what he learned at Nike. 

Nike: Better is Temporary, Sam Grawe, Phaidon. Photography by Sean Davidson
Nike: Better is Temporary, Sam Grawe, Phaidon. Photography by Sean Davidson
Nike: Better is Temporary, Sam Grawe, Phaidon. Photography by Sean Davidson
Nike: Better is Temporary, Sam Grawe, Phaidon. Photography by Sean Davidson
Breaking2 racer analysis and biometric mapping at the NSRL, Nike World Headquarters, Beaverton, Oregon, c. 2016. Picture credit: Clayton Cotterell
Pace car at Breaking2 project by Nike to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon, May 6, 2017, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, near Milan, Italy. Picture credit: Christopher Anderson
Janett Nichol, VP Apparel Innovation, Nike. Picture credit: © Nike, Inc. / book design: Maximage
Air Max 1: White/Light Neutral Grey/Light Royal Blue, 1987. Picture credit: © Nike, Inc.
Air units. Picture credit: © Nike, Inc.
Air Max 1 and Air unit, 1987. Picture credit: © Nike, Inc.
Flyprint 3-D-printed textile uppers, 2018. Picture credit: © Nike, Inc.
Space Hippie Collection, 2020. Picture credit: © Nike, Inc.
Victory Swim Collection exploration sketches, 2019. Picture credit: © Nike, Inc.

#7 Can you tell us a fun fact that nobody knows about Nike? 

This maybe is more of a public service announcement than a fun fact, but if you have non-collectable old sneakers (of any brand, not just Nikes) taking up space in your closet, you can take them to any of the 292 Reuse-A-Shoe bins at Nike Stores in North America and Europe and they will eventually get turned into Nike Grind—a composite material that’s used in everything from field surfaces to yoga mats to carpet padding. 

 

Nike: Better is Temporary by Sam Grawe is published by Phaidon, $89.95 (phaidon.com)