Now based in New York, Brenda Zullo’s background as a developer for Adidas (16 years) and YEEZY (two years) includes multiple legendary silhouettes, including the debut version of the game-changing Boost 700 . While designers garner all the attention, developers are critical to joining together the various teams’ visions and keeping the trains running. The role requires a lot of organization and ability to pivot, all while traveling the globe.
Making a big move to the East Coast, Zullo joined Tory Burch‘s design team as director of product development late last year. Absolutely we look forward to seeing what she and her team create!
Check out Zullo’s top three sneakers for 2021, starting with her No. 3. Ever the developer, Zullo blessed us with copious notes on why these three shoes landed on the top of her list. Zullo selected all new designs, meaningful because she knows exactly how much hard work is involving in birthing a successful new silhouettes.
Check out her selections below.
- Saysh One: “Not traditional sneaker culture sneaker. But when Nike decided they wouldn’t support Allyson Felix postpartum, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Designed by Natalie Candrian, developed by Tiffany Beers, made by and for women after Allyson wasn’t contractually guaranteed protection by Nike if she couldn’t perform postpartum. Allyson brought home a bronze and gold medal wearing the spiked version. Period.”
2. Adidas YEEZY Knit Runner Sulfur: “For personal and professional reasons, it’s not difficult to nominate this one. Yes, it’s a forward and challenging design, with patent pending manufacturing technology. Yes it’s a conversation piece. For me, it showcases the true talent behind the Adidas label; the designers, the developers and the factory that made this shoe happen. Team YEEZY are hands down some of the best in the industry.
3. Nike Go FlyEase: “I’m sure this one hits almost a lot of people’s top five or 10 list for various reasons. We know WHY this was made, marketed as the brand’s first hands-free shoe to help disabled athletes. But as a developer, I was excited to read the story of HOW this was made. Sneakers aren’t created overnight. It can take years of intense collaboration between many teams to make something that is seemingly simple into a reality. The FlyEase journey started in 2012. That’s nine years in the making! Imagine the amount of samples, prototypes, back to the drawing board moments. They never gave up.”
