How Carla Martinez styles the new Nike Air Max Dn8 sneaker

In partnership with Nike

One, two, three, four. It’s the pulse that drives movement – the rhythm that guides the body through space, whether on the dancefloor or the streets. For DJ and model Carla Martinez, rhythm is more than sound; it’s an instinct, a language, a way of being. Beat-driven, fluid, always in motion. The energy of the crowd, the seamless transitions between tracks, the quiet focus in the studio – it all flows through her, shaping how she moves through the world.

It’s also the foundation of 4 Counts of Air, a project capturing Martinez’s kinetic presence as she navigates the city and the club. From the bass drop that shifts the atmosphere to the weightlessness of a perfect transition, it’s a study in momentum. The way she moves is effortless, intuitive. It’s about the feeling – that suspended moment between control and release, between structure and spontaneity. And through every step, the Nike Air Max Dn8 moves with her – light, responsive, designed for those who never stand still.

“For me, DJing is about connection,” Martinez shares. “Rhythm is what binds me to the audience. It sets the energy in the room, guiding movement, emotions, the whole atmosphere.” The way she curates a set mirrors the way she navigates life – attuned to rhythm, to the ebb and flow of sound, thought, and conversation. “I think I subconsciously move to the rhythms around me – the pace of my routines, the shifts in energy from day to night.” The Nike Air Max Dn8 echoes this adaptability with its Dynamic Air technology, a dual-pressured air unit that propels each step forward, responding to movement like an instinct.

Martinez’s world is built on dualities. The balance between structure and improvisation, sound and silence, weight and weightlessness. “For me, that feeling of weightlessness happens when I’m deep in the flow of a project, whether that be a set or working on production. The pieces feel like they come together almost effortlessly.” The flow state – that moment when everything aligns. It’s the same energy that the Nike Air Max Dn8 channels in its construction, a seamless transition from heel to toe, a feeling of momentum that never breaks stride.

Her approach to style and fashion follows a similar lead, consciously curating her personal style in a way that integrates the multidisciplinary elements of her practice. “Fashion for me is all about creating a visual language that complements my sound and energy.
Whether it’s on stage, or day to day, what I wear is an extension of who I am and how I want to be perceived,” she shares.

My style will always reflect comfort, something that lets me move freely in any environment I’m in. During a set, I’m on my feet and moving around constantly, so I need something light and comfortable that allows for that. At the same time, I don’t want to compromise my outfit, so finding a sneaker that balances both style and comfort is key for me. The Nike Air Max DN8 gives me that perfect combo. Lightweight qualities let me stay active and agile on stage, while also representing my personal style.”

For Martinez, Nike has always represented pushing boundaries. Expanding possibilities. Innovating to create something that moves not just with the body, but with culture itself. The Nike Air Max Dn8 continues Nike’s legacy of innovation, channelling a performance-driven approach into an everyday silhouette that thrives on experimentation. “I’ve always believed that the best way to push the limits is by staying authentic to who I am,” Martinez reflects. “Especially as someone who is very new to the music industry, I think pushing my personal boundaries comes down to trusting my instincts.” It’s that self-assuredness – one that comes from hours spent refining her craft, absorbing the energy of the room, building a connection with an audience.

If rhythm is the foundation, then movement is the expression. 4 Counts of Air captures this dance through different environments – the street, the club, the quiet space where music is made. “I feel most in my element when I’m performing. There’s something about being on stage, connecting with the crowd, and feeding off that energy that really resonates with me.” It’s a process of endless experimentation, of freedom and control, of pushing and pulling between what’s planned and what’s felt in the moment.

And through it all, there’s one thing that keeps Martinez grounded. “What keeps me grounded is staying connected to the core of why I started doing this in the first place. I started this as a release from a law degree that I wasn’t passionate about, and it quickly turned into a way to distance myself from something that didn’t align with who I was.” Music is her escape. Her connection to something greater than herself. A reminder to move, to keep pushing forward, to break and rebuild the rhythm.

Nike has always been about movement – not just physical, but cultural. A commitment to trusting your instincts, refining your craft and stepping forward. Walking to the beat of your own drum – one, two, three, four – and never standing still.

You can shop the new Nike Air Max Dn8 online at nike.com and in store at your nearest Nike store.