Development of the tooling unit began with the learnings of complex curvature induction of the carbon fiber plate, spearheaded by the NB Innovation Studio. Leveraging the convex profile for the plate with the decoupled midsole foam geometry allows even greater energy displacement, with amplified energy return to the runner. The challenge then became to put stability on the forefront in the ideation stage, to help promote a stable ride all the way through the gait cycle with this new explosive propulsion system.

With the active loading forces being engaged in the sole unit during running, the upper needed to be a "second skin" for the runner. Meaning, the secure fit of the upper was of paramount importance to achieve the maximum energy return able to be provided by the shoe, granting all the energy captured to return right back into the runner without the shoe "bucking" the foot. A secure fit would in two-fold measure provide the runner with a secure foundation for running, and also remove the perception of even wearing a shoe for an even heightened sense of confidence during training.