Eric Avar

Creative Director at Nike

Eric Avar is a prominent figure in the world of athletic footwear design, currently serving as the Creative Director at Nike. He has been instrumental in shaping Nike Basketball's innovative designs since he joined the company in 1991.

Early Life and Education

Avar's passion for design was influenced by his family background—his father was a mechanical engineer, and his mother was an artist. This blend of creativity and technical skill led him to pursue a degree in industrial design from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Career at Nike

Avar began his career at Nike as a junior designer, where he contributed to the Air Flight Huarache, one of the brand's iconic silhouettes. His breakthrough came with the design of the Air Max Penny in 1995, which revitalized Nike's basketball line during a period of transition after Michael Jordan's retirement. Over the years, he has designed several groundbreaking models, including:

Air Hyperflight (2001)
Zoom Ultraflight (2003)
Kobe Bryant's signature line, starting with the Zoom Kobe 3 and leading to innovations like the Kobe 9 and the HyperAdapt BB, which features an app-controlled lacing system.1 2 3

Design Philosophy

Avar is known for his collaborative approach, often working closely with athletes like Kobe Bryant to create footwear that enhances performance. His designs focus on integrating art and science, aiming to produce shoes that not only look good but also improve athletic performance through advanced technology.1 2

Recognition

Throughout his career, Avar has received accolades for his contributions to sneaker design and innovation. He continues to push boundaries within Nike's Innovation Kitchen, where he leads teams in creating high-performance products that meet athletes' needs while considering sustainability.2 4 5

Avar's work exemplifies a commitment to excellence in both aesthetics and functionality, making him a key player in the evolution of modern athletic footwear.