Design Notes:

With Ewing Athletics rooted in retro basketball footwear, this project required me to translate a basketball design language into a wrestling-specific performance environment. Max’s nickname, Platinum Max, gave me the starting point for the color story, but function and his in-ring safety were always my top priority.

Because Ewing is not a wrestling boot company, I spent months researching wrestling boot construction, fit, and in-ring performance requirements to ensure the design could meet—and exceed—the standards of traditional wrestling footwear.

After months of iterative modifications to dial in height, weight, and overall structure, the sneaker boots were finalized. Max debuted them on All Elite Wrestling television and went on to win the AEW Tag Team Championship while wearing them. As of this writing, he continues to wear them in the ring.