Justin Jefferson “After Burner” Cleat (2024)
Designed a player-exclusive cleat for Justin Jefferson as part of a four-concept PE series, building on his jet-inspired footwear.
Designed a player-exclusive cleat for Justin Jefferson as part of a four-concept PE series, building on his jet-inspired footwear.
Goal
Translate the energy and intensity of a jet afterburner into a performance cleat—creating a design that feels fast, technical, and visually explosive.
Translate the energy and intensity of a jet afterburner into a performance cleat—creating a design that feels fast, technical, and visually explosive.
Photography
Approach
Developed the concept around afterburner imagery, using the blue-to-pink flame as a visual anchor. Built the upper through a layered material system to create depth and motion.
Developed the concept around afterburner imagery, using the blue-to-pink flame as a visual anchor. Built the upper through a layered material system to create depth and motion.
Started with a digital print capturing a close-up of an afterburner flame. Overlaid this with a chrome TPU film featuring a carbon fiber RP, cut away to simulate material being torn away. Added a tonal screen print of tech-driven graphics to reinforce the engineered, high-performance aesthetic.
Extended the material story into the rear of the cleat by replacing the standard textile with a satin-like finish. Designed the plate with a purple-to-silver gradient and solar chrome finish, referencing the look of an oxidized exhaust.
Outcome
Delivered a layered, material-driven concept that captures speed and energy through construction—pushing the visual and technical boundaries of performance footwear.
Delivered a layered, material-driven concept that captures speed and energy through construction—pushing the visual and technical boundaries of performance footwear.