Aaron Cooper on Designing Nikes for Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley | The Complex Sneakers Show

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  • Опубліковано 5 чер 2024
  • Aaron Cooper is a Nike design veteran who worked on genre-defining basketball sneakers for athletes like Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, and Scottie Pippen. Cooper started out as Nike’s first design intern in the 90s, ascending from there to influence classics like the Nike Free, Air More Uptempo, and Air Max Plus. Cooper talks about his long resume, his design philosophy, and what he believes is the future of the industry. He also gives updates on his current work with EQLZ and Better Guards. At the top of the episode, Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty anticipate next year’s “Bred” Air Jordan 1 and break their moratorium on the Air Max Dn.
    Chapters:
    0:00 - 1:55: Intros
    1:55 - 3:08: Joe’s High School Hall of Fame Induction
    3:08 - 8:09: Topics We’ll Cover
    8:10 - 10:15: Yachty’s Nod To Nigo
    12:04 - 15:53: Air Max DN Latest Updates
    15:53 - 18:09: Pringles x Crocs
    18:09 - 22:08: New Balance Loafers
    22:08 - 23:20: Introducing Our Guest, Aaron Cooper
    23:20 - 27:55: Sneaker Cam
    27:55 - 32:15: How Aaron Started At Nike
    32:15 - 37:30: Working With Nike’s Top Athletes
    37:30 - 43:35: Scottie Pippen And The More Uptempo
    43:35 - 51:11: Shoes Pivoting From One Athlete To Another
    51:11 - 57:12: Data Influencing Design
    57:12 - 1:03:40: Showing The EQLZ Sneaker And Innovation
    1:03:40 - 1:08:45: Better Guards Brace Demonstration
    1:08:45- 1:12:07: Instagram Discussion
    1:12:08 - 1:17:24: Thoughts On Anthony Edwards’ Signature Shoe
    1:17:24 - 1:20:45: Kevin Garnett Story And Outro
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    Check out more of Complex here:
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    COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 139

  • @Complex
    @Complex  Місяць тому +7

    What's the best sneaker Aaron Cooper ever designed?

    • @zanemontego8090
      @zanemontego8090 Місяць тому +2

      Could you list what he designed? Because I have no clue.

    • @rogermujica9400
      @rogermujica9400 Місяць тому +1

      Kobes and Pippens

    • @madterps
      @madterps Місяць тому +1

      Air Pippen of course.

    • @adamani08
      @adamani08 Місяць тому

      The Nike Air More Uptempo, and it's not even close. Iconic shoe. 96 bulls finals, MJ-Bred 11's, Rodman- Ndestrukt, and Pippen- Air More Uptempo Crazy Heat on court

  • @ryzer0881
    @ryzer0881 Місяць тому +23

    One of the best episodes yet. A true legend in sneaker design!

    • @brendandunnecomplex
      @brendandunnecomplex Місяць тому +1

      Crazy how deep the catalog goes and how much stuff we didn't even get to.

  • @paprikafinesser
    @paprikafinesser Місяць тому +20

    One of the best episodes of this show ! Mr Cooper got me so hooked, I didn't feel the time passing. So much gems and stories

  • @josea.9116
    @josea.9116 Місяць тому +13

    This was one of the best episodes so far this season

  • @kenkwan7792
    @kenkwan7792 Місяць тому +15

    KG & Coop on Sneaker Shopping has to happen!

  • @SaakshiJC
    @SaakshiJC Місяць тому +1

    What an insightful conversation, Complex!
    Architect turned designer from India here🇮🇳
    In a time where much of sneaker culture seems to find it’s epicentre in the untouchables of the world, it’s so refreshing to hear Aaron talk about how these people are in fact, one OF a million, who represent a much broader population. Love how he works with people from all walks of life the same way..
    In AC’s own words, thoughtful design doesn't have to be exclusive-it can and should be accessible to everyone!
    Would love a part 2!! 🙌

  • @rchrdp305
    @rchrdp305 Місяць тому +12

    So glad to have Aaron on the podcast finally. Thanks complex for making it happen.

  • @vikassharma629
    @vikassharma629 Місяць тому +71

    Welty listening to Joe rogan is the most Welty thing

    • @paulkersey724
      @paulkersey724 Місяць тому +14

      I still tune in if he has a guest on I want to hear from. Joe has become so repetitive the last couple of years he's fully devolved into set in his ways old man that gets his news from his right wing buddies.

    • @vikassharma629
      @vikassharma629 Місяць тому +6

      @paulkersey724 yeah I am not a fan but I've seen enough clips to see the show has been going downhill for a while now

    • @inalaboyy
      @inalaboyy Місяць тому +2

      @@vikassharma629the you can’t comment on the quality of the show if you don’t watch? Same as everyone hating on this show without even watching

    • @vikassharma629
      @vikassharma629 Місяць тому +4

      @inalaboyy you can get a decent idea from 10 to 15 minute clips. I have probably watch 2 episodes because it was ppl I liked but I don't think I have to sit down watch entire episodes to tell it's getting worse

    • @2g4u7y
      @2g4u7y Місяць тому +3

      As an MMA fan he is the only person who can get Max Holloway on right after his insane performance at UFC 300. No way you can’t watch that.

  • @Dadegriffey
    @Dadegriffey Місяць тому +4

    Those basketball shoes he brought out are actually fire af

  • @teeznuhtz
    @teeznuhtz Місяць тому +10

    What an inspiring guy thank you for bringing him on the show

  • @MaxMilly_85
    @MaxMilly_85 Місяць тому +6

    Aaron Cooper one of the goats. Love to see it

  • @shoedagarofficial
    @shoedagarofficial Місяць тому

    Hello guys, I’m from little town called Garut in Indonesia, I really enjoyed this episode. I am very excited to see the next episode featuring Aaron Cooper again. The man is a sneaker historian.

  • @CSA1005
    @CSA1005 Місяць тому +2

    Another great episode! And great stories from Aaron.

  • @Yesyou_
    @Yesyou_ Місяць тому +13

    How do you guys make a whole segment about the Jordan 1 black and red 2025 and don’t even mention it will be an 85 High cut

  • @daviddownes6402
    @daviddownes6402 Місяць тому +7

    Congrats Joe LP! Well deserved.

  • @CT37BN
    @CT37BN Місяць тому +1

    (57:53) Those EQLZ 247's look really amazing, some areas in the sneaker's design kind of reminded me of Adidas. A number of Chinese brands like Li Ning, Way of Wade, 361 Degrees etc. making great basketball sneakers. (1:19:41) "Trolls that are out there, they're not into sneakers for the right reason" Superb statementAnother totally enjoyable episode guys!

  • @Andrewpottvlog
    @Andrewpottvlog Місяць тому +1

    You guys always bring the fire interviews .I'm always so Locked in when I'm watching your shows .

  • @FRUT111
    @FRUT111 Місяць тому +3

    Usually better episodes when just the three of you, not this time, very nice person, very true

  • @madchesterstonerose
    @madchesterstonerose Місяць тому +7

    It was obvious the 3 guys don't have kids when Aaron asked that question. Seeing them inspect that shoe to gauge its cultural or technical significance 😂

  • @vinzenzbichler4631
    @vinzenzbichler4631 Місяць тому

    The Better Guards Ankle Brace is a real gamechanger!

  • @rayeski
    @rayeski Місяць тому

    As an industrial designer with 20 years of experience it was inspiring to hear Aaron’s stories and design philosophies. Hope you have him back again. Also please do that Sneaker Shopping with him and Kevin Garnett!

  • @simonmucchiut1469
    @simonmucchiut1469 Місяць тому +1

    This was one of the best episodes ever. Thank you Aaron Cooper. The AIR Napkin Story. The nice talk about all the athletes. That Chris Webber Kick. Now i know from where that inspiration for the Nike SB 2 Ishod Wair Upper comes from. I knew that existed a Sneaker from the Mid 90s Basketball ERA with this Upper but completely forgot about that CWebber. But its interesting that its not even mentioned in the Sole Provider Book. Keep doing good things! Thank you

  • @gabemarquez4634
    @gabemarquez4634 Місяць тому +3

    Another good one and I hope we do get to see him on another episode as well as reuniting with KG. Well done, guys!

  • @rockN
    @rockN Місяць тому +2

    good episode!

  • @mrgardner2461
    @mrgardner2461 Місяць тому +2

    This show is really good

  • @joshhutton9534
    @joshhutton9534 Місяць тому

    I’ve heard enough podcasts/interviews with AC to know that I will listen to every single one I come across. This guy is awesome.

  • @btmonster
    @btmonster Місяць тому +1

    great episode... the designer episodes in general are 🔥

  • @S14NORIMAKI
    @S14NORIMAKI Місяць тому

    Please have a part 2!!! This was definitely one of the best guests you guys have ever had!! So much knowledge and also so much passion from Aaron! 🙏🏽

  • @dunkkid23
    @dunkkid23 Місяць тому

    This is one of y'all best episodes, more of this. Thanks Aaron Cooper for your work and the continued pursuit of pushing the game forward.

  • @jahicoleman8874
    @jahicoleman8874 Місяць тому +2

    Great episode, pt. 2?

  • @stephenhans9200
    @stephenhans9200 Місяць тому +1

    Awesome episode, what an icon in the shoe game, so many of my fav shoes! Not only that but Aaron has responded to everyone of my messages on IG, he ain’t lying.

  • @on10toes
    @on10toes Місяць тому

    Finally a guy w some enthusiasm. Line up that sneaker shopping episode w KG asap!

  • @timedino
    @timedino Місяць тому

    Fantastic episode. Very insightful about the motivations and creative threads of sneaker design. I wish the barefoot/wide toe box shoe conversation happened as it was squeezed out but of course the conversation , on the whole was wrapping up. Definitely interested in a part 2. A lot of territory still to cover.

  • @ayekaloji
    @ayekaloji Місяць тому

    great episode!! as an aspiring footwear designer, it’s always a treat to see seasoned designers on this show!! 😎🤞

  • @Sukisosuper
    @Sukisosuper Місяць тому

    Def need part 2. This ep is a Gem

  • @rohitnishantsingh2116
    @rohitnishantsingh2116 14 днів тому

    listening to him is a treat, part 2 pls

  • @londonsnkrz9265
    @londonsnkrz9265 Місяць тому +1

    Love this show man, these guests are just simply inspiring 👊

  • @Taimok09
    @Taimok09 Місяць тому +1

    I was thinking about wearing my same Scotti Pippens tomorrow. Maybe ill wait til next weekend to when im actually going somewhere.

  • @Nadares006
    @Nadares006 Місяць тому

    Pretty recent listener, but this is probably my favorite episode yet! 🔥

  • @BigFootMty
    @BigFootMty Місяць тому

    Best guest in the show this year so far. Hands down 🙌🏽

  • @mazdef2001
    @mazdef2001 Місяць тому

    Loafers/deckshoes pop their heads up every 10-15 years or so. That scene in 'How to make it in America' from 2010 where the guy goes to Flight club and was told 'everyone is wearing boat shoes now' when people were in their Sperry topsider era

  • @iMoha46
    @iMoha46 Місяць тому +4

    So this is the goat

  • @ronaldhernandez1221
    @ronaldhernandez1221 Місяць тому +2

    Brendan with the Michael Jackson rock with me sweater

  • @gfeast4518
    @gfeast4518 Місяць тому +1

    I’m sure you guys could do a completely separate list for original silhouettes from the year

  • @Govereverythin
    @Govereverythin Місяць тому +2

    Am I tripping or it’s been a slow 4 months for bangers top shelf sneakers

  • @pushajc1
    @pushajc1 Місяць тому +1

    Another great episode

  • @cmny87
    @cmny87 Місяць тому +2

    That basketball shoe is tough

  • @francisfarley2231
    @francisfarley2231 Місяць тому +1

    Keep it up with the true shoe dog guests! Would love to hear from Chris Echevarria especially with his new shop opening on Mulberry

  • @MrSirDame
    @MrSirDame Місяць тому

    What a refreshing episode.

  • @dubtinez9378
    @dubtinez9378 Місяць тому +1

    I own a pair of the Pippen so this episode hit different!

  • @City-iD
    @City-iD Місяць тому +1

    Sick episode👏 Merlin is a legend 👍

  • @Jeffreynelius
    @Jeffreynelius Місяць тому

    Love CE and their AM95 getting some shine on the show. I prefer the black and white pair but they’re both awesome. CE awesome brand too. Both colorways are sitting a good prices right now.

  • @albertviquez7476
    @albertviquez7476 Місяць тому

    Great episode 👏🏽 full of knowledge

  • @bball3048mm
    @bball3048mm 19 днів тому +1

    The Adidas AE is already sold out in most major retailers. AE is the future of the NBA.

  • @gfeast4518
    @gfeast4518 Місяць тому +1

    I work for Kelloggs and I sell Pringles all day every day, and I thought that whole collaboration was pretty weak 😂

  • @WilliamQuilesJr
    @WilliamQuilesJr Місяць тому

    Welty with the dope NBs🔥🔥

  • @seyiige53
    @seyiige53 Місяць тому

    I love Those cav empt 95s got them at a outlet,one of favourite shoes

  • @306sisco
    @306sisco Місяць тому +1

    Just here for the Sisco mention. 😎

  • @Phamousillday
    @Phamousillday Місяць тому

    Awesome episode.

  • @shamramachandran
    @shamramachandran Місяць тому

    Aaron has to be brought back for this. And JLP, you need to bring in the designers on sneaker shopping so that we get a good take from them regarding the current sneakers like Aaron on AE1s.

  • @williamsmith9315
    @williamsmith9315 Місяць тому

    Huge Jordan fan, but the black Chuck Taylor high is the most iconic sneaker of all time.

  • @TheMancunianCandidate
    @TheMancunianCandidate 2 дні тому

    I got the 95 Cav Empts but the White cw, need those blue big JLP shoe for sure

  • @armeemanbigger6998
    @armeemanbigger6998 Місяць тому

    Love these shoe innovators good work guys

  • @theicemankk
    @theicemankk Місяць тому +2

    Complex on a roll…amazing guests one after another.

  • @peterrossini6345
    @peterrossini6345 Місяць тому

    Welty always asks great questions

  • @brucebanner3635
    @brucebanner3635 29 днів тому

    Part 2!!!

  • @Flee78723
    @Flee78723 Місяць тому +2

    Who is excited for the chrome box?

  • @adamani08
    @adamani08 Місяць тому

    Nice video. I enjoyed it.
    Peace to all, and stay safe

  • @moab774
    @moab774 Місяць тому

    does anyone know where to get the shoe display stands in the background?

  • @shodbaker
    @shodbaker Місяць тому

    14:30 Brendan looks like he’s legit missing one arm!!😱🤣🤣🤣

  • @AttsRealm
    @AttsRealm Місяць тому +1

    Someone plz explain the 'khakis with no underwear' thing that joe and welty jokes about at 19:33

  • @zackamania6534
    @zackamania6534 Місяць тому

    1:14:53 there were only a few adidas schools that were around for more than one game in the NCAA - NC State was the only one in the sweet 16 and on. So you weren’t going to see many Harden’s or AE’s

  • @alwayslatenate4345
    @alwayslatenate4345 Місяць тому

    I could listen to Mr. Copper talk shop all day. Appreciate the insightful conversation. 🤌

  • @dspock
    @dspock Місяць тому +2

    The jadakiss laugh always gets me

  • @shoeengine1161
    @shoeengine1161 Місяць тому +1

    its really unfortunate that the guests mic is so far away from his mouth. kindly and respectfully... get a guy to make sure the mic's are placed properly on everyone.

  • @DuaneBerg
    @DuaneBerg Місяць тому

    Question for Welty, how close are we to just selling Panda Dunks at Costco???🤦‍♂

  • @teakytaylor8293
    @teakytaylor8293 Місяць тому +1

    (Whispering) 🗣️ “Yooo JFG. If U Could sir, Sell JLP & Me a pair of your recent NB release?! Please & Thank U” - a Collector who’s been Supporting You 🫡

  • @jaiazandapher
    @jaiazandapher Місяць тому

    With the AE 1s, he should have tried a ½ to a whole size up and he would have had a better experience.

  • @1andonlyhoncho
    @1andonlyhoncho Місяць тому

    Oh, hey a non-click-bait title? I’m in! 😮

  • @frankchan5547
    @frankchan5547 Місяць тому

    Bred AJ1 is in the Soty discussion because Nike has killed grails by spitting out reimagined etc versions and refusing to reissue grails except every few years and in limited numbers and selling too many versions that no one wanted Hopefully big numbers and if at premium, that's ok to stop resellers coming back

  • @marcvsalexandrvs
    @marcvsalexandrvs Місяць тому

    Air Pippen 2, 3, Air Zoom Ultraflight!!!

  • @JarrodStone-fp7qo
    @JarrodStone-fp7qo Місяць тому

    Bring back the Nike Air Force Max. Worn by Charles Barkley and the Fab 5

  • @winnyjchung
    @winnyjchung Місяць тому +1

    Just me or the EQLZ 247 looks a lot like AE 1 🧐

    • @noellopez5079
      @noellopez5079 Місяць тому

      I was thinking the same thing

    • @DOOMile
      @DOOMile Місяць тому

      I don't see it. The shoe takes inspiration from the Pippen 2 midsole and Kobe 9 traction. The Curry 4 probably had some influence on the design as well.

  • @canberkdemirel
    @canberkdemirel Місяць тому

    he need to come back with KG!

  • @sneakerdad8324
    @sneakerdad8324 Місяць тому

    Aaron Cooper giving off Elon Musk interview vibes

  • @Bellingham-kimmich
    @Bellingham-kimmich Місяць тому

    cool

  • @kasperpetersen6856
    @kasperpetersen6856 Місяць тому

    Loafers is universal NO Socks! From Bally to NB

  • @gfeast4518
    @gfeast4518 Місяць тому

    Dang I’m 2-3 people removed from Barkley, my moms friends daughter works on the nba on tnt show and is friends with him. Just told her about getting him on the show… 😂

  • @vincenttyler4667
    @vincenttyler4667 Місяць тому

    NB LOAFERS IS NASTY WORK 😮

  • @vincenttyler4667
    @vincenttyler4667 Місяць тому

    Guy's you have 2 realize is that the black and red Aj1 is possibly the best jordan ever but it's not the point. The fact that it's coming back in the 85 cut is like having a time machine because 99%of the population would never have a chance to own this shoe this close to the original. This is why it's SOTY for 2025 because it's 40 years in the making and nike recognition of this fact.

  • @sagarg.-lg1yn
    @sagarg.-lg1yn Місяць тому

    Dru Hill : in my bed so so def remix.. fr JD n D’Brat….say less.

  • @TheHilltopperNation
    @TheHilltopperNation Місяць тому

    Some of Cooper’s commentary about data and profits seems sooo targeted at John Donahoe

  • @Phamousillday
    @Phamousillday Місяць тому

    It feels like JLP can get Seinfeld easily because Ronnie had him in a lookbook.

  • @mariorodriguez9924
    @mariorodriguez9924 Місяць тому

    Great shows miss FSR 2025 will be crazy

  • @bloodshot6
    @bloodshot6 Місяць тому

    The Barkley story 😂

  • @Khebel2311
    @Khebel2311 Місяць тому

    Welt's hairline goes all the way back to vine days. Time to let it go bro

  • @vellebechillin
    @vellebechillin Місяць тому

    goats

  • @qu3nt
    @qu3nt Місяць тому +1

    34:01 he’s soo right, that’s why high fashion sneakers are trash

  • @gorav1234567890
    @gorav1234567890 Місяць тому

    They got sneaker cons….wait till they get a Loafer Cons😂

  • @sw1ck
    @sw1ck Місяць тому

    AC rules