'Nike: Better Is Temporary' Is a Behind-the-Scenes Deep Dive Into Its Design Philosophy

Nike‘s history is one of the most intricate and detailed stories in the sneaker kingdom, playing a pivotal role in sportswear and sport, as well as lifestyle categories, for decades. In honor of this, fine book publisher Phaidon has announced the launch of Sam Grawe‘s Nike: Better Is Temporary hardback book.

Nike: Better Is Temporary is an anthological landmark publication that offers a behind-the-scenes insight into the internal design philosophy of Nike. Within this, Grawe categorizes industry-defining innovations and globally recognized products alongside never-before-seen designs and prototypes, exclusive insider stories, and more, which come together to make the book a true Swoosh-head’s bible and a one-of-a-kind literary learning experience.

The book features five chapters spanning performance, brand expression, collaboration, inclusive design, and sustainability in much detail, however, before this, Grawe kicks off with an introduction titled “Breaking2.” This prelude examines Nike’s attempt to achieve a two-hour marathon in 2017 and talks about its effects on the sportswear and sporting industries.

Chapter 1, “The Voice of The Athlete,” looks into the companies collaborations with athletes that subsequently help further its development in research, innovation, and design. Chapter 2, “Design That Speaks,” examines Nike ad campaigns and brand designs to understand the way Nike talks to its customers to create a human experience, while chapter 3, “Dream With Us,” explores Nike’s commitment to collaboration.

In chapter 4, “Opening the Aperture,” Grawe explains the impacts and driving force behind Nike’s inclusive mission statement: “Bring Innovation and Inspiration to Every Athlete in the World.” Lastly in chapter 5, “Playground Earth,” Nike: Better Is Temporary offers a deeper insight into Nike’s sustainable efforts and initiatives that have produced Nike Air technology, Flyknit, Flyleather, Nike Grind, Space Hippie and Move to Zero products.

The book is bound in two exposed cardboard covers in a single-layer nonwoven jacket which leaves the spine exposed — a detail that showcases a series of colored tabs from the book’s bonus chapter, “Crafting Color.” On the exterior, you’ll find a combination of Nike designs such as overlapping silkscreened layers of Nike’s proprietary “Volt” yellow and “Hyperpunch” pink colors making up the title, while the world-champion marathoner Eliud Kipchoge is printed underneath on half-tone dot-patterned paper.

Nike: Better Is Temporary isn’t just celebrating the sportswear giant’s impact, it’s assessing it. Digging deep into how the brand transformed from a small name to a global changer, the book is for anyone who’s a fan of Nike, sports, design, or how to develop a leading company.

Phaidon will be releasing Nike: Better Is Temporary on January 25, 2021, for $89.95 USD on the Phaidon website. Take a look at the book and a selection of its 320 pages above.

In other news, Earl of East has opened the BookWorkShop in London, offering dozens of niche titles.