Ukraine-based designer and illustrator Danya Shulipa has shared a new series featuring three Nike sneaker concepts inspired by noteworthy aircraft throughout history. Shulipa, who also recently designed a Nike coffin, brings his vision to life on the Air Force 1 Utility, SF Air Force 1, and Air Max 97.
Shulipa's Air Force 1 Utility draws from NASA transport spacecraft, Discovery (OV-103), which was one of the orbiters from NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Discovery is known for making 39 successful flights, more than any other spacecraft. With the overall shape of the sneaker somewhat mimicking the spacecraft, the Air Force 1 Utility also showcases a similar black and white color scheme. "Discovery" is branded on the side, as it is on the wing of the spacecraft, while a NASA patch then appears on the strap, in close proximity to a shiny metal Swoosh. The concept is completed with a red semi-ring on the heel to reference a parachute.
Next up, Shulipa's SF Air Force 1 is a nod to the full-metal four-engine bomber that is the Boeing B-17G, specifically inspired by the Thunderbird which carried out 112 missions during World War II. The designer notes that the "massive form of Nike SF AF1 makes them the bombers from the world of sneakers." Similar to the plane, the shoe features khaki up top and sky blue below. It is detailed with various markings on the side, while the number of the aircraft is on the strap. Furthermore, the US Air Force Symbol is depicted on the fastex, as the thunderbird and bombs appear towards the toe. The sneaker is also equipped with a red tag which reads "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT."
The final entry from Danya Shulipa's aircraft-inspired series is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird-inspired Air Max 97. The vehicle, serving as the US Air Force's long-range supersonic reconnaissance aircraft, boasts a thin trapezoidal wing. Because of the silhouette's longitudinal lines, Shulipa utilizes the Air Max 97 to fulfill the design. He added a nose detail from the Air Max 95, zipper tongue from the Air Max 270 Zip, and outsole from the VaporMax Plus. Finally, the lacing system closely mimics the Air Huarache City Low.
For more on Shulipa's Nike sneaker concepts, be sure to check out his Behance page and hit him with a follow on Instagram.
To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, follow @Highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, check our sneaker release date calendar, and subscribe to our sneaker chatbot on Facebook to receive lightning quick updates to your inbox.
