R.I.P. Frank Rudy – Inventor of Nike Air
I actually got a e-mail about the passing of Frank Rudy sometime last week. The words below are from Mark Parker of Nike.
I am saddened to announce that Frank Rudy died last Saturday at his home. He was surrounded by family and close friends.
If you know something about the Nike story, you know that Frank was the man behind Nike Air technology. He took a process that was used for building protective helmets and applied it to the soles of athletic shoes to act as shock absorbers. We weren’t the first shoe company he approached with the idea, but we were the last.
In 1979 the Tailwind became the first Nike shoe to feature Nike Air cushioning. It is now the definitive cushioning system in all of sports.
As an aerospace engineer, Frank had a highly technical mind. But he was also blessed with tremendous creativity and a tenacious nature. In short, he was a perfect partner for Nike. On days like today, we are reminded of the many special people who have contributed so significantly to Nike over the years – few more than Frank Rudy.
In his passing we are diminished. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Frank Rudy passed on Sunday, December 13th. Rudy is a legend for his invention of the Nike Air Sole technology that was introduced in 1977.
Learn more about Frank Rudy here.
Category: News
R.I.P. Frank and GOD bless your family!
RIP Frank…the comfort of my feet salutes you…
RIP Frank God bless u and ur family! and thank u
His legacy will long live on for generations to come. RIP Frank Rudy
rip
RIP FOR THE BEST SHOE GAME INVERTOR…
NOBODY ELSE LIKE YOU MADE something LIKE this IN HISTORY…
Thanks Frank, way to leave a legacy. Well done
RIP Frank my prayers go to you and your family.
A true legend!
R.I.P. to Frank Aka MR. “NIKE AIR”!! a TRUE LEGEND IN THE GAME!!
He set a benchmark in comfort for athletic sneakers. Others tried replicate but all failed. RIP his invention is a milestone in the sneaker culture that will be here forever.
RIP
RIP
RIP
His legacy will live on till the end of man!
R.i.p frank, i thank u for the invention of nike air..u changed everythinq in the shoe business. God bless u nd ur family..
RIP frank rudy..and God bless
RIP