Nike: Air Max 2090 Neymar Jr.

Product Design

The objective was design a signature version of the Air Max 2090 for Neymar Jr. The inspiration came from his origins. I created a custom tip overlay and perforated the mudguards. The heel tab features an interchangeable yellow/red card in reference to the sport.

"The two-pack of Nike Sportswear styles offer vastly divergent looks — one offers a playful mix of lively hues while the other is more stark and serious — a potential nod to the different facets of the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s personality. Dressed in tan, the more vibrant pair uses flourishes of blue, red, green and more for its accents.

Meanwhile, the black pair keeps things uniform, equipping championship-ready golds and a strip of hi-vis reflective material that runs around the eyestays. Each design uses special text to lock in its inspiration, with “Sao Vincente” and “Praia Grande,” on the lateral side, an acknowledgement of Neymar Jr.’s adopted home. Meanwhile, medial text is split between “Jardim Gloria” and “Nautica III” for nods to his Brazilian football school and childhood neighborhood.

Look closely and you’ll spot a hidden detail on the heel: a small slit behind the ridged, Air Max 90-inspired badges holds interchangeable guitar picks with co-branded Neymar/Nike logos. This clever addition nods to one of the footballer’s favorite off-pitch pastimes, and adds a customizable element as well. Down below, both midsoles serve up a shape similar to the Air Max 200 and Air Max Exosense plus a jet black heel Air Max unit."

direction from Erick Goto / color design by Celeste Rhoads / material design by Caroline Fullerton / product photos by Nike.com