Nike’s Air Works program officially kicks off this week, giving eight designers across the globe the opportunity to create their own Air Max sneaker that will be released to the public later down the road. Just moments ago, the Swoosh pulled back the curtain on the inaugural design program, revealing more details about the eight designers and the teams at Nike they will be working with to bring their creations to life.
The brand announced the Air Works program in March, coinciding with its annual Air Max Day (March 26) celebrations. The announcement confirmed that the selected individuals will work closely with Nike designers at its Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, OR.
With Nike Air Works kicking off today, here’s everything you need to know about the design program.
Who are the designers in the inaugural 2026 Nike Air Works program?
There are eight creatives selected for the first Air Works program. This includes Marc Su from Beijing, OMI from New York, Diya Joukani from Mumbai, Hatsuki Motoi from Tokyo, Masyn from Los Angeles, YAMS from Paris, and Tasnim Chowdhury from London. Shanghai-based Jose Wong is working remotely for the program.
Who will the Air Works creatives work with at Nike?
The eight Air Works designers will work with Nike mentors to create 3D-printed Air Max sneakers throughout the program. The creatives will also have opportunities to chat with notable collaborators and individuals at the brand, including Kids of Immigrants’ Daniel Buezo, Nike’s Chief Innovation Officer Andy Caine, Nike’s 3D printer design expert Jake Scannapieceo, the department of Nike Archives Air Max expert John Hall, among others.
What sneakers are the Air Works program focusing on?
The aforementioned Air Works Class of ‘26 are developing their own original 3D-printed Air Max sneakers made in partnership with Zellerfeld, who has produced models like the Air Max 95000 and the Air Max 1000.
When are the Nike Air Works sneakers releasing to the public?
Nike confirmed that each designer will release a friends-and-family exclusive version of their Air Max sneaker in the coming year, which will lead into Air Max Day in 2027.
