Nic Galway created the Adidas NMD, which debuted in 2015.
Galway designed the NMD for Adidas Originals as a modern lifestyle sneaker influenced by earlier Adidas running models. The name NMD is short for “Nomad,” reflecting the idea of a mobile, urban wearer. The shoe combined a Primeknit upper with a Boost midsole, two technologies that had become important in Adidas footwear during the 2010s.
Its design also included visual references to classic Adidas models, particularly the Micro Pacer, Rising Star, and Boston Super. The NMD quickly became a major streetwear release and appeared in numerous colorways and collaborations.
The model is sometimes attributed to Adidas collaborators such as Yohji Yamamoto or Nigo because both have designed influential Adidas footwear. They are associated with separate lines; Nic Galway is the designer credited with the original NMD concept.