Andreas Harlow, a prominent figure in sneaker design, takes on a new role as Senior Vice President of Product Design at Kizik after two decades at Nike, where he played a key role in launching iconic footwear.
Andreas Harlow is recognized as a notable figure in the footwear industry, often referred to as a “shoe dog” due to his extensive career in sneaker design and marketing. Harlow began his journey in New Zealand during the 1990s, eventually relocating to Portland in 2002 after encouragement from friends to explore job opportunities at Nike. Over the span of more than two decades, Harlow made significant contributions to several facets of Nike’s operations, playing pivotal roles in launching iconic products and brands.
His career trajectory included key assignments that showcased his versatility. Harlow was instrumental in the establishment of Nike Sportswear, designed footwear like the Nike Benassi slide, participated in the development of Nike Considered, Nike Presto, and contributed to the creation of the Nike Air Yeezy 2. He also held the position of global product leader for the NikeID customization program and oversaw designs across various segments, including basketball, performance footwear, and running. Most notably, he advanced to the role of Vice President of Footwear Design at Jordan Brand, collaborating closely with basketball legend Michael Jordan.
“I think still there’s a nervousness every time [you meet with him], but a good one, one that just makes sure you’re sharp and on your game,” Harlow remarked about his interactions with Jordan during an interview with Complex.
After departing Nike in 2024, Harlow accepted a new role as Senior Vice President of Product Design at Kizik, a company specializing in hands-free slip-on footwear. This transition came after he fulfilled a non-compete agreement following his exit from Nike. Kizik is particularly noted for its innovative technology, which has been integrated into Nike’s FlyEase line of sneakers through a licensing agreement.
At Kizik, Harlow faces the challenge of positioning the brand within a competitive market while emphasizing creative freedom that comes with building a brand from the ground up. Harlow expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities this new role presents, stating, “It feels like there are more creative opportunities because, yeah, you’re doing a lot of stuff from a blank sheet of paper.”
Harlow’s extensive experience lends itself to the growth initiatives at Kizik. “I recognized at that point was the Kizik Enhanced Free Labs team had solved a very real problem,” he explained, underscoring his familiarity with the brand and its potential from his time at Nike. He aims to leverage his insights and industry expertise to expand Kizik’s product line and reach a broader audience.
Looking forward, Harlow anticipates rolling out exciting new products that blend innovation with consumer needs. He noted that simplifying the process of putting on and taking off shoes delivers practical benefits that could positively impact the everyday lives of many consumers. “I really believe it’s a benefit to people that maybe a lot of people haven’t considered,” he said, emphasizing the potential for practical performance gains that exceed traditional athletic footwear in certain aspects.
As Harlow embarks on this new chapter with Kizik, he projects an optimistic outlook for the brand and its developments in performance and lifestyle footwear, hinting at upcoming releases without revealing specific details. The industry will be watching closely to see how Harlow’s vision unfolds as he integrates his design philosophy into Kizik’s offerings.
Source: Noah Wire Services
