When it comes to redefining athletic footwear, few figures command as much respect as Manuele Bianchi, the creative force driving ena athletics. With a portfolio filled with celebrated collaborations, Bianchi’s mission is clear: to blend the timeless elegance of Greek heritage with high-performance innovation.

Manuele Bianchi

Co-founder and Design Director of the brand, Manuele Bianchi brings forty years of experience in footwear design. His career has been shaped by two distinct phases, each spanning two decades, with the first focused on luxury fashion, specializing in high-end women’s footwear, and the second on the technical and practical world of performance and sports footwear. Over the years, Manuele has collaborated with some of the most influential names in both fashion and sportswear, earning a reputation for blending aesthetics with functionality. Today, he leads a design studio dedicated to redefining sportswear by combining technology with creativity, utilizing cutting-edge 3D processes, generative design techniques, and rapid prototyping alongside traditional methods to create products that merge technical innovation with the artistic essence of fashion. This unique approach stems from Manuele’s uncommon blend of experiences, allowing him to bridge two worlds that often seem at odds. It’s this perspective that shaped the concept behind the new Proto Runner shoe: a balance between the timeless elegance of Greek heritage and the high performance of modern innovation. This fusion became the foundation for the design process, giving the product its distinctive identity.

Storytelling Through Design

Bianchi’s approach to design goes beyond aesthetics. He draws deeply from Greece’s landscapes, culture, and athletic legacy, crafting products that resonate emotionally and perform exceptionally. For Manuele, every design must tell a story. With ena, it’s about weaving Greek heritage into every product, celebrating the spirit of resilience, excellence, and innovation that defines Greece’s legacy. The Proto Runner 1, ena’s flagship running shoe, embodies this philosophy. Combining technology with visual elements inspired by Greek nature and history, this creation is a testament to how design can merge tradition with innovation.

AXICORE: The Heart of Innovation

At the core of Bianchi’s work is the revolutionary AXICORE technology, a breakthrough inspired by the human body’s biomechanics. This energy management system distributes impact and returns energy across multiple axes, mimicking the flexibility and resilience of a tendon. Unlike conventional designs, AXICORE bridges the forefoot and heel with a hollow center, creating a natural, biomorphic stride while ensuring unparalleled stability and comfort.

This innovation enables runners to push further and faster, seamlessly balancing science and nature. It exemplifies Bianchi’s commitment to creating footwear that not only enhances performance, but also aligns with Greek ideals of harmony and balance.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Bianchi’s designs are rooted in sustainability, a value that mirrors Greece’s enduring relationship with nature. Under his guidance, ena integrates recycled uppers and bio-based Silphion midsole proprietary foam into its products, ensuring environmental responsibility without sacrificing quality. This dedication to sustainability reflects ena’s mission to honor Greek heritage while protecting its natural beauty.

Crafting a Legacy

For Bianchi, ENA Athletics is more than a footwear brand—it’s a movement. ENA’s products embody the spirit of resilience and the rich legacy of Greek athletics, inspiring runners to connect with their inner strength and reach their personal best. Collaborating with a powerhouse team—including Nike veteran Peter Ruppe and Greek marathon legends Maria Polyzou and Kostas Houvardas—Bianchi is shaping ENA into a vibrant symbol of performance and heritage. Each product seamlessly blends artistry, innovation, and tradition, empowering runners with every step.