Nike Air Yeezy 2 Designer Nathan VanHook Reportedly Joins adidas

Former Nike designer Nathan VanHook is the new vice president of basketball footwear at adidas, according to reports. As revealed by sources close to Complex, the announcement is yet to be made by either VanHook or adidas, who declined the outlet’s request for comment. Moncler did not respond to the request at all.

VanHook’s most recent work was for Moncler, who hired him as head of footwear design in June 2021. Preceding that was a brief stint consulting for brands including Yeezy and Cactus Jack, but the biggest chunk of his CV is a 12-year career at Nike between 2008 and 2020.

The Air Yeezy 2 from 2012, Kanye West’s second and final signature Swoosh shoe before the partnership ended, is VanHook’s most recognised work. Working across Nike Sportswear, Training and ACG, his final position was senior creative director for footwear in the latter category.

VanHook’s apparent move to adidas comes at a tumultuous time for the brand. Dropping Ye, Jerry Lorenzo’s ‘evolved’ partnership with the brand, and Ivy Park causing a $200 million deficit are just some of the setbacks they’ve faced. With the arrival of new CEO Bjørn Gulden and now the apparent hiring of VanHook, the Three Stripes may still find good fortune in the near future.