Here is a larger view with the correct heel. The first version has the upper fabric I wanted, but this is more correct with a cleaner fabric.
The outsole was where the Leonardo inspiration came in. He was the first man to study flight in depth, and more importantly HUMAN FLIGHT. I noticed that many of his works contained angels…the personification of human flight. I wanted the articulated forefoot to flex in all directions naturally, but also look like an angels wings when MJ flew over his defenders.
Also, Leo wrote backwards and was left-handed. His phrase “Volo strumentale” means human flight. If you look closely, the zipper cover tab on the left foot (page 1 butterfly details) says volo strumentale backwards. Here, on the right shoe it says Jordan. Just a few tidbits for you on how the inspiration played a part in the design.
-TH