Nike FlowStep
The Nike FlowStep is a footwear design project created to bring comfort, style, and ease to individuals living with arthritis. This concept blends a sleek, modern aesthetic with functional features like a reinforced heel counter, spacious toe box, and a hassle-free slip-on design. The project deliverables included a detailed design brief, a color/material/finish (CMF) rendering, and a tech pack developed in Adobe Illustrator. The FlowStep showcases how thoughtful design can empower movement without compromising style or support.
Project Type
Footwear Design
Date
4/23/2025
Project Brief
Identify a gap in the footwear industry in general or in a specific brand. Create a design brief to guide your design before developing a solution.
Project Deliverables
Design Brief
Color/Material/Finish Rendering
Tech Pack in Adobe Illustrator
Meet Maggie
Name: Maggie Lewis, 62
Lifestyle: Retired, moderately active, values independence
Health Considerations: Arthritis in hands and feet
Maggie relies on daily walking to stay healthy and mobile, but arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in her feet, while reduced hand strength makes traditional shoe closures difficult. She wants a walking shoe that eases joint pain, is easy to put on, and looks like a normal, everyday shoe—not a medical device.
Goals
Reduce foot and joint pain during and after walking
Maintain independence and an active routine
Wear shoes that feel supportive but look stylish
Key Needs
Cushioned, shock-absorbing sole
Wide, flexible toe box
Easy-to-use adjustable closures (e.g., Velcro or stretch systems)
Soft interior materials to reduce pressure and friction
Market Research
Unmet Needs
Joint-Friendly Cushioning: Few Nike models are explicitly engineered to reduce joint impact or incorporate orthopedic design principles tailored for arthritic feet.
Support + Stability: Nike lacks a range of models with structured support, wide toe boxes, and rocker soles—all of which are beneficial for arthritis sufferers.
Strategic Opportunity:
Nike has the brand power and design innovation to pioneer a line that elevates comfort footwear without compromising style or performance. By designing a shoe for people with arthritis—whether they are aging athletes, active older adults, or younger individuals with early onset arthritis—you’re tapping into:
A growing demographic (aging populations + chronic health management)
An underserved segment within a high-demand category
A chance to redefine “accessible performance” under a brand known for empowerment and movement
