At Nike, innovation is a process of creating new spaces in which to address athletes’ needs and improve their performance. When considering how Nike Sportswear could enhance the post-match experience for athletes, the footwear design team adopted a cut-the-weight, lose-the-bulk mindset gleaned from performance football boot design to arrive at a new technical innovation—Torch. Torch is a lightweight, moisture-managing, supremely comfortable three-layer textile. The outer layer features a visually stunning, protective diamond pattern that holds its shape and won’t crease at stress points like traditional materials. The middle layer offers a lightweight structural element that stands up to a post-match cool-down or an active day around town. The inner layer provides moisture-managing breathability to keep the foot cool and allow for a period of rest after a game.

Detail shots after the jump…

(more…)