Revisiting the Nike Air Zoom Drive

Sergio Lozano understandably receives the majority of his acclaim for the creation of the Air Max 95, but there's another model in his portfolio worthy of a lot more attention: the Nike Air Zoom Drive. 

This top-of-the-line, lightweight runner arrived as part of Nike's Alpha Project line, which debuted at the turn of the millennium with a mission to create cutting-edge footwear that enhanced athletes' performance. 

Before we discuss the Air Zoom Drive's intricacies any further, it's probably best to take a brief detour and explore the backstory of Nike's Alpha Project. On New Year's Day 1999, Nike launched the Alpha Project with a problem-solving ethos, collaborating with athletes to develop innovative footwear that would make them stronger and faster and improve their all-round performance. 

Each silhouette released under Nike's Alpha Project banner contained five famous dots within its design – a hallmark certifying the model as one of the brand's best offerings and symbolising one of the five steps in the product development process: Enquire, Research, Create, Test, and Compete. 

The groundwork for the Alpha Project can be traced back to 1996 when a focus group requested footwear that offered the comfort of slippers. Designer Tobie Hatfield developed a prototype that he'd later dub the "V-Notch": a deep, fit-improving carving at the ankle. The V-Notch ankle feature debuted on 1998's Nike Air Gauntlet – the next step in the evolution towards the Air Zoom Drive in '99 and, ultimately, the Air Presto in 2000 (we'll save the extensive Presto story for a later date). 

When it came to the Air Zoom Drive's lightweight, responsive design, the Air Gauntlet's deep-lying V-Notch was exchanged for a more conventional collar and a ventilated arch bridge was added for increased support and breathability. However, like the Air Gauntlet, it still featured an almost seamless interior and a dynamic "Power Mesh" fabric for added stretch and comfort. 

Below, the Air Zoom Drive's Phylon midsole housed Nike's relatively new Zoom Air cushioning to improve heel-toe transition when running. A lattice-webbed, BRS 1000 carbon rubber outsole enhanced wet road traction, flexibility, and improved stability on push-off. The underside also featured an intriguing, water-droplet-shaped window displaying the Zoom Air cushioning and the Alpha Project's signature five dots. 

The Nike Air Zoom Drive is a hidden gem in Sergio Lozano's design portfolio and the Alpha Project lineup. Its innovative features and sleek design make it a head-turning running shoe that deserves more recognition.


Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.