Peter Moore: The Visionary Behind the Sneakers Revolution
Peter Moore, born on February 21, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, revolutionized the athletic footwear industry with a career that spanned over five decades. As a Creative Director at Nike and Adidas from the 1970s to the late 1990s, Moore left an indelible mark on the world of sports shoes.
Moore’s journey into design began with an art and graphic design education at Chouinard, now known as the California Institute of the Arts, where he graduated in 1969. Moving to Portland in 1972, Moore’s path would soon intersect with Nike, picking up the brand as a client for his design agency in 1977 and formally joining as their first brand Creative Director in 1983.
At Nike, Moore’s creative genius shone brightly. He is credited with creating the Air Jordan 1 silhouette, a sneaker that has since become an iconic symbol in the industry and beyond. Moore’s design prowess didn’t stop at sneakers; he also crafted the Air Jordan ball-and-wings logo and the Jumpman logo, visuals synonymous with the brand worldwide.
In 1987, Moore’s career took a turn when he left Nike to join Adidas. Here, alongside his business partner Rob Strasser, Moore played a crucial role in establishing Adidas America in 1992 and briefly served as the company’s chief executive officer following Strasser’s unexpected death in 1993.
Moore’s impact at Adidas was no less significant than at Nike. He launched Adidas Equipment and designed the iconic “mountain” logo, which is now the corporate logo identity for Adidas. His vision continued to influence the industry well into the late 1990s and beyond.
Peter Moore’s legacy extends beyond traditional sports footwear. In a notable collaboration with Tom Cooke, Moore ventured into sustainable footwear, designing the BLUEVIEW brand logo and icon. He embraced biodegradable foam midsole technology, which he referred to as “the last piece of the puzzle in sustainable footwear…it’s the holy grail.”
Peter Moore passed away on April 29, 2022, in Portland, Oregon, but his influence in the athletic footwear industry remains unparalleled. From the streets to the basketball courts, his designs have not only shaped the aesthetics of athletic footwear but have also become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the realms of sport and fashion.
In memoriam, Peter Moore is remembered not just as a designer but as a visionary who redefined the boundaries of athletic footwear, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire designers and sneaker enthusiasts around the world
All Images – Instagram @complexsneakers and @sideshoe_bob