Creating the Perfect Balance, One Step at a Time: The Remarkable Steven Smith

Sneakers are a ubiquitous staple of modern fashion that combines comfort, functionality, and style. But amidst the countless styles and brands, there are a select few designers who have the power to transform the industry. One such designer is the visionary Steven Smith. With an uncanny ability to push boundaries and challenge conventions, Smith has become a leading force in the world of sneaker design. In his career spanning almost four decades, Smith has not only witnessed the evolution of sneaker culture but actively shaped it.

He has worked for everybody – New Balance, Adidas, Reebok, Fila, Nike, and Yeezy. If a brand is making waves, you can rest assured that Smith was associated with it at some point. 

Currently, he has taken a creative leap to join Kanye West’s Creative House, Donda, as its Head of Industrial Design.

Early Beginnings

Like many great designers, Steven Smith’s journey began with a passion for art and a desire to create. Smith’s artistic talent emerged early, drawing inspiration from the diverse subcultures that thrived in his hometown. Smith intended to be a car designer, but given that the colleges teaching it were far away, he chose to stay close to home and study industrial design, then take his talent to the nearby New Balance. The rest is history.

The Creative Process

What sets Steven Smith apart is his relentless pursuit of innovation. His creative process fuses imagination, experimentation, and meticulous attention to detail.

Smith starts by immersing himself in diverse sources of inspiration. Once an idea germinates, he takes to his sketchbook, bringing his concepts to life. These initial sketches are the blueprints for what will eventually become groundbreaking sneaker designs.

Once the design is final, Smith translates his sketches into three-dimensional renderings. This allows him to visualize the sneaker from all angles, ensuring that every intricate detail is accounted for. From there, the design springs to life through collaboration with manufacturers and artisans who share his commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Notable Collaborations

Smith’s creative genius has drawn the attention of industry heavyweights, leading to collaborations that have left an indelible mark on sneaker culture. 

Smith is known as the “Godfather of Dad Shoes”—the chunky, neutral-colored, and very comfortable pairs that transformed the fortunes of New Balance, which he designed at just 21 years old. His work with New Balance resulted in the creation of the 1500 model, which quickly gained a cult following. He then went on to create the New Balance 574, the New Balance 997, and the New Balance 550, and they continue to sell more today than when they were just released. 

His body of work at Reebok was diametrically opposite. The Reebok Instapump Fury was ahead of its time. Amping up the style quotient with this pair, Smith drew inspiration from the aerospace industry for the design of the shoe.

At Nike, he gave the Air series its much-needed rejig with the Air Max 2009, Zoom Air, and Shox Monster. Though he stayed at Adidas for just a year, his Adidas Artillery is an industry-defining, top-line product with an OG status among sneakerheads. 

He also collaborated with Kanye West’s Yeezy, introducing the world to the Yeezy Boost line, characterized by its distinct aesthetic and unmatched comfort.

In a world where trends come and go, Steven Smith’s designs have both set the standard, and even now, stand the test of time. They embody a unique blend of functionality, innovation, and style that sets his sneakers a cut above the rest. From partnerships with brands like Adidas and Converse to collaborations with artists like Kanye West, Smith has proven over time that he thrives in a collaborative environment. With his relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries, Smith certainly paves the way for the future of footwear.