About Nutcase

Nutcase Helmets are the most fun a helmet ever had! Nutcase hase re-defined helmets for Street, Water, Snow and Toddlers with unique designs that people love to wear. The Nutcase revolution has taken the world by storm.

How it all started

Nutcase Helmets was founded in Portland, Oregon USA by former Nike Creative Director and designer Michael Morrow.

Morrow came up with the idea for highly visual and expressive helmets in 2000, when he attended the ‘Civil War’ football game between Oregon and Oregon State in a modified Oregon State University multi-sport helmet. Morrow had adapted the orange and black helmet with yellow rubber duckies symbolising the impending doom of the rival Oregon Ducks. When fan reaction was overwhelmingly positive, Morrow took the idea to the next level, developed the brand name and initial product line.

“We recognised a gap in the marketplace for cycle and skate helmets, where they were either solid black or a licensed character. There was nothing ‘cool’ from a graphics standpoint for youth and adults,” says Michael Morrow.

“We made Nutcase helmets for ourselves, our kids and our friends. The response has been tremendous.”

Launched in the spring of 2005, Nutcase is sold throughout the United States and the style revolution is taking hold in Canada, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

“The first thing I thought was this is a super fun idea that needed to be turned into a new business. Helmets that reflect the participant’s allegiance to an idea, or reflect their personal style were nowhere to be found”, said Morrow.

“Most helmet graphics are either cheesy or based on cartoon characters, which means anybody over three is pretty much excluded. I believe there are kids and adults who want to ride their bikes or skate boards in a simpler helmet shape than the aerodynamic cycle helmet style, and would like a product that is more visually fun and expressive than just another black helmet”, said Morrow.

With helmet laws evolving in many countries and already legislated in countries like Australia, Nutcase are now inspiring people to want to wear helmets instead of through fear or by nagging parents.

“People are not going to wear helmets any less in the future, so somebody has to make them more exciting to wear. That ‘somebody’ is Nutcase!” said Morrow.

Background

Morrow, older brother of Rob Morrow of Morrow Snowboards fame, continues to undertake design for some of the world’s biggest sport and leisure brands from his base in Oregon and is world renowned for his passion and expertise in sport design.

He studied in the leading design and innovation environment of California’s Art Center College of Design – home to many famous design alumni. While at Nike he designed Apparel, including the US Track & Field uniforms for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Morrow lead the global style and consistency of the Nike Identity on all products including the now-famous Swoosh in his role as Creative Director, and later as Global Creative Director of Image Design. He lead the brand strategy for ALPHA, Nike’s technology and product leadership platform and directed Goddess in 2000, Nike’s new women’s division.

Mike works with Miriam, Jim and a bunch of great people all around the world committed to spreading the “I love my brain” Nutcase spirit to all who appreciate great design, comfort and the outdoor life.

Awards

Since starting in 2005, Nutcase has been awarded:

• 2007 iF EUROBIKE Bronze Award for Clothing and equipment for cyclists
• 2007 ISPO Brand New Finalist
• 2008 iF Communication Design Award – Finalist