Nike's Zvezdochka: 20 Years of a Revolutionary Sneaker

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December 30, 2025 Applications 10308

Nike's 2004 Zvezdochka, designed by Marc Newson, was revolutionary for being entirely computer-modeled.

Released in 2004, the Zvezdochka was an innovative footwear style developed by Marc Newson for Nike, modelled entirely on a computer. At the time, this was considered novel and a contributing factor to the Zvezdochka’s legacy of groundbreaking engineering.

The Zvezdochka was designed by Marc Newson, one of a generation’s most critically acclaimed and influential industrial designers whose back catalogue knew no limits, from furniture to aeroplane interiors.

Inspired by the early space race, even borrowing its name from the Russian space dog that boarded Sputnik 10 in 1961, the Zvezdochka was released at the turn of fashion’s own ‘space race’ of sorts. This was a period in design where brands and designers were intent on venturing beyond what was previously thought possible. Naturally, Nike’s Zvezdochka resulted from this relentless desire to go further.

It consisted of four interlocking, interchangeable parts that could be worn together as a complete unit or separately, depending on their purpose/context: an outer cage, an interlocking outsole, an inner sleeve, and an insole.

A testament to the legacy of the Zvezdochka, Mark Parker, the former CEO of Nike, is quoted in an interview by Dezeen saying, “The journey of creating the Zvezdochka has been highly influential with our design and innovation teams, particularly in how products are made,”.

It is said to be one of Parker’s favourite silhouettes for several likely reasons, including its futuristic aesthetic and the potential manufacturing opportunities it afforded Nike. With the luxury of hindsight, the Zvezdochka ran so that breakthrough styles like the Nike Flyknit could run free.

It was re-released in the five original colourways a decade later, in 2014, to honour its tenth anniversary. It faced a changed footwear landscape in which many may not have appreciated the gravitas of its design and concept.