Tag Archives: nike

Nike Unveils 3D printed Air Max 1000 that reimagines Air Max 1 in red laceless silhouette

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Nike seems to be on a roll, innovating beyond the obvious territories. After its collaborative Monopoly Game Set with Hasbro, the Swoosh brand is now teaming up with German shoe company, Zellerfeld, to give its original Air Max a 3D printed makeover in a vibrant red laceless design.

Nike Air Max 1 originally designed by Tinker Hatfield has always had a special place in our hearts for the incredible future-forward design. Easily the greatest sneaker, the Air Max is now a revolution, which has come a long way since its inception with continuous air technology innovations with every new release. This time it’s not the sole or regular manufacturing, in fact, it’s the entire thought of the shoe that will rock the show at ComplexCon 2024.

Designer: Nike

Zellerfeld founded in 2015, is a shoe company that specializes in 3D-printing thoughtful designs. Nike collaborated with the German outfit to delve into Air Max legacy and bring out a 3D-printed re-imagination that would launch at the ComlexCon on November 16 and 17, 2024. The groundbreaking rendition of the iconic Air Max 1, the Nike Air Max 1000, showcases the evolution of air technology along with new manufacturing techniques.

This combination of Air and 3D printing creates an engaging underfoot experience that according to the design team produces “the same comfort and responsiveness” of the original silhouette. At the foundation of this new creation of course is Nike’s obsession with cushioning besides that Air band and the mudguard wave make apparent nuances that tag the 3D printed version to the original.

The wavy lines forming the mudguard and the air unit in the heel do not make the Air Max 1000 much different, but the sneaker’s laceless design truly propels it into a new fan category – delightfully pleasing in a bright red colorway. The blend of smooth and textured print in the upper half of the AM 1000, goes well with the single Swoosh banding and the carved outsole. There is no word on the price, but I believe, the sneaker is worth whatever it comes for!

 

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Nike and Hasbro collaborate over Limited-Edition LeBron themed Monopoly Game

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Footwear icon Nike and the creators of the classic Monopoly game set, Hasbro, have come into a special collaboration to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the board game on November 19 with a limited-edition Monopoly game set themed after the basketball legend LeBron James. Dubbed LeBron 22, the game set is fine memorabilia for both sports and Monopoly fans across all age groups.

The board game, with a fresh twist, is not a solitary-themed item born out of this collaboration that no one saw coming. Anyway, comes along with exclusive LeBron sneakers inspired by the Monopoly’s design elements. The game set on the other hand comes with LeBron-themed playing pieces including rings, basketballs, sneakers, and jerseys that take the gameplay to the next level of fandom.

Designer: Nike x Hasbro

Hasbro x Nike Monopoly-themed speakers come in two distinct designs. The Currency and Token. While the first is inspired by the graphic approach of the money in the game of Monopoly, the latter is envisioned after the game tokens in luxurious blue and gold floral print. Both have their own journey and style but live up to the common goal of celebrating LeBron’s admirable gameplay and lifestyle, and Monopoly’s iconic status. The Currency colorway is ready to drop on November 15 with Token arriving on the 19th.

Aside from the release of the game of Monopoly and the thematic sneakers, Nike and Hasbro plan on bringing the LeBron 22 Monopoly Game Set to LeBron James’ House Three Thirty community center in Akron, OH, to celebrate Monopoly Day on November 19. Along with a life-size version of the game being hosted at LeBron’s I Promise School where sixth to eighth-grade students will have a chance to experience Monopoly in a brand-new avatar. The idea of the large game board is to promote financial literacy with interactive gameplay.

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Nike earbuds concept is an active lifestyle accessory oriented towards minimalist lifestyle

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Weak sales forecasts and the relentless innovation by Adidas have forced Nike on the back foot. They’ve banked too much on the success of the Air Force 1, while the low-rise multi-colored Samba and Gazelle sneakers by Adidas are the current rage. Does that signal a bleak future for Nike footwear? We hope not and expect Nike to bounce back with a successful pair similar to the Air Jordan.

Foraying into the highly competitive yet lucrative audio accessories market could be on the cards. If Nike does decide to extend its influence beyond the athletic apparel and footwear line this could be it. This concept design for a pair of earbuds with the Nike branding gives active individuals a fair idea of what they’ll be like if they ever exist.

Designer: Jinkyo Han

Crafted for Nike, these concept earbuds are sporty and have a comfortable fit with a secure design that should stay in even during intense physical activity. The design is minimal making them lightweight and easy to use. This means people with active lifestyles will love them. Due to the small size don’t expect drivers comparable to the flagship earbuds like B&W Pi8, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, Technics AZ 80, or Denon Pearl Pro.

They have a very recessed form that flows to the case that has a unique top in a sporty finish. In a way they emulate the soles of a shoe and that goes well with the theme. Just like the Nothing Ear (2) buds they have a horizontal positioning of the buds in the case, but in the face first position which can make them harder to take out.

The Nike branding is embellished on the sides very aggressively and I hope there are touch controls in there since they are the norm these days even with budget options out there. Jinkyo doesn’t enlist any specifications or features on this one, but I assume there should be ANC and transparency options too. Overall, this concept is heavily weighed in towards the design and look, but a little more imagination in the features and functionality of the buds would have spiced up things.

 

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Nike’s Sustainable Dumbbells Turn Footwear Waste into Fitness Gear

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In an age where sustainability meets everything, why not fitness? Nike has taken a bold step with the introduction of their Nike Grind Dumbbells, a product that marries functionality with an eco-conscious mindset. These dumbbells are not just a tool for training but a statement in Nike’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste and create a better future for both athletes and the planet.

Designer: Nike

At the heart of this innovation is Nike Grind Rubber, a material made from the waste generated during the footwear manufacturing process. Each Nike Grind Dumbbell contains at least 20% of this recycled rubber by volume, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a rigorous fitness routine. The incorporation of Nike Grind Rubber gives these dumbbells a unique texture—durable and rubbery, built to withstand the toughest of workouts while maintaining comfort and grip. It’s sort of like the KitKat business model. Just like how damaged KitKats get reused as the wafer inner filling for KitKats, the waste from Nike’s footwear business gets used as raw material for its dumbbells.

Nike has paid special attention to the design of the dumbbells, ensuring they are not only functional but also comfortable to use. The handles are ergonomically shaped, with their diameter increasing as the weight goes up, providing a secure and tailored grip no matter the load. For lighter weights, starting at 2.5 lbs and going up to 25 lbs in 2.5-lb increments, the thinner handles offer precision and control. As the weights increase to 50 lbs in 5-lb increments, the handles thicken to match the increased demand for strength and stability, ensuring a comfortable grip for every user.

The medium-knurled handle provides just the right balance of friction and control, making these dumbbells ideal for a wide variety of exercises. Whether you’re pushing through an intense HIIT workout or performing slow, controlled movements, the grip offers confidence and security, allowing you to focus fully on your training.

One of the standout features of the Nike Grind Dumbbells is their versatility. Dumbbells are arguably one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any gym, and Nike’s offering is no exception. These weights support countless workout movements, from compound lifts like squats and lunges to isolation exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions. The hexagonal rubber construction prevents rolling, making them stable and safe to use on various surfaces, while also protecting floors from damage.

In true Nike fashion, the Nike Grind Dumbbells come with a design flair that sets them apart from other gym equipment. Due to the nature of the recycled material, each set features a unique color blend depending on the footwear colorways Nike produces during any given season. While the base color remains a stylish grey, the Nike Grind particles within the dumbbell vary, making each pair truly one-of-a-kind. This limited-edition aspect of the dumbbells adds a sense of exclusivity for those looking to own a unique piece of Nike’s sustainable innovation.

The Nike Grind Dumbbells are sold in pairs, with pricing ranging from $30 for the 2.5-lb set to $210 for the 50-lb set. Given the combination of quality, durability, and sustainable design, these dumbbells offer excellent value for those serious about their fitness and environmental impact.

Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan has always been about pushing boundaries, whether in sports or in life. With the Nike Grind Dumbbells, that ethos extends to sustainability, offering a product that not only supports your physical training but also contributes to reducing waste. This dumbbell is a perfect fit for athletes who want to make a difference both in their workouts and in the world.

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Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘X-Ray’ with a glow-in-the-dark sole, skeletal graphic upper lands in time for Halloween

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One of the greatest basket players of his time, Kobe Brayant left us untimely, but Vanessa Bryant has since ensured her late husband’s legacy is continuously honored. Ever since the launch of Mamba Fury, the first shoe Nike rolled out after Kobe, to the latest “X-Ray” Kobe sneakers, the athlete’s collaboration with Nike is growing leaps and bounds with Vanessa’s proactive promotion.

Vanessa had first teased the Nike Kobe 5 Protro X-Ray Kobe sneakers, with glow-in-the-dark outsoles and toe box featuring skeleton foot graphic, in the beginning of the year. Come Halloween and the sneakers are likely to see the light of day. The silhouette is “inspired by haunted houses the family would visit on Halloween, Venessa informed.

Designer: Nike

The intriguing pair of Nike Kobe 5 Protro with X-Ray moniker could, at the first glimpse, remind fans of the Kobe’s infamous X-ray T-shirt he wore in 2010 promo trip to Paris. It featured the x-ray of Kobe’s hand injuries and showed each finger topped with a championship rings suggesting, “beaten not broken.”

Besides the abovementioned two, the imagery on the toe box of this new release is also speculated to be inspired by Kobe’s own feet, which would be drawn from the attention Nike had dedicated to creating the Black Mamba signature footwear line dedicated to the late legend. Whatever may be the inspiration, the skeletal graphics in white on the deep royal blue upper make a spooky effect.

The performance-driven Nike Kobe 5 with glow in the dark sole, X-ray graphics and skeletal foot comes imprinted with Kobe’s sheath logo on the tongue and the shoe’s bottom, and the heels are graced with his signatures. Featuring responsive Zoom Air cushioning and enhanced traction patterns, the sneaker has gone up for purchase starting October 17. It will be released alongside X-Ray T-Shirts making a comeback.

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Nike Grind Dumbbells use recycled rubber from footwear byproduct

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Of the many pieces of clothing we buy and use, shoes are probably the ones designed to last the longest. Because of that, footwear is usually made using materials that are durable and long-lasting but are also unfortunately often not environment-friendly. Rubber, particularly synthetic rubber, is one of the biggest culprits, not just in terms of post-consumer waste but even material waste during the manufacturing process. As one of the biggest footwear makers, Nike is thankfully taking a responsible stance, giving those rubber byproducts and excess materials a new purpose.

Designer: Nike

Although natural rubber is sourced from plants, it’s not that easy to replenish to meet the high demand for the material. Just like plastic, synthetic rubber is easy to manufacture but also harmful the environment due to their chemical content. Rubber from discarded shoes is one thing, but even the bits and pieces of cutoffs and scraps produced when making them also pose a threat to the environment.

Considering its lion’s share of the sports shoes market, Nike developed the Grind material that recycles manufacturing byproducts like rubber, foam, and even textiles to create a material that can be applied to products other than shoes. In this case, the Nike Grind Dumbbells are made with at least 20% Nike Grind material to offer an alternative fitness tool for environment-conscious consumers.

In addition to its sustainable value, the recycled material also gives the dumbbells a unique aesthetic. The hexagonal weights themselves have a light gray hue sprinkled with colorful specs that create a terrazzo-like appearance. Each dumbbell is, thus, totally unique, and the mixture of colors will vary from season to season, depending on the styles of footwear that Nike launches.

The gray motif of the weights perfectly complements the chrome-plated knurled handles. The handle diameter varies depending on the weight, increasing as the load gets heavier to provide a more ergonomic grip. Available in weights ranging from 2.5 lbs to 50 lbs, the Nike Grind Dumbbell offers people a fitness tool that not only takes care of their health but also the environment.

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Nike Dunk Low Halloween will spook festive flair in sneaker culture this October

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Nike is all set to give fans a reason to spook up the neighborhood this Halloween with the introduction of not one but two eerie edition kicks. Just earlier this month, the Swoosh company took wraps off the Halloweenized model of the Air Force 1 Low, and now we are here with the Nike Dunk Low “Halloween,” offering a frightful take on the court favorite.

Designed with the scary style statement, not specifically for the court alone; the street-smart Dunk Low silhouette captures the spirit of Halloween very nicely with Bright Cactus, Black, and Green Curry colorway, embellishing the cracked leather upper and other unnerving antics of the pair.

Designer: Nike

Designed for the holiday with its “Halloween” color scheme, the limited-edition Dunk Low Halloween, carries many fan-favorite aspects to give the creeps. First up, the cracked leather upper contrasts with a molded skull motif (with a 3D effect) on the black toe box. The shoe is marked with eye-catching textured black material on its tongue and the laterals while orange laces and the gum soles give the shoes a vintage aesthetic.

The look is completed with a long-molded Swoosh logo appearing in the same color and material as the toe box. This look of the Dunk Low is not very different from the Black and Crimson colorway of the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Halloween” iteration which carries a similar human skull modeled on the toe box. This is not a coincidence; Nike wants the season’s spooky spirit to flow down the customers with the same highlight.

That said, the Dunk Low Halloween is not just tweaked with seasonal appropriateness to blend festive flair with sneaker culture. It has been dealt with all the aspects of the lineup to ensure there is no compromise in comfort. For the interested ones, the Nike Dunk Low Halloween is slated for release on October 26, 2024. It will be available via Nike SNKRS and a few other retailers starting at $130. Nike Air Force 1 Low Halloween will also hit the market around the same time for a starting price of $140.

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Nike’s Secret Design Archive to be made visible to the public for the first time at the Vitra Design Museum

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Early Mechanical Shox Prototype (1981) from the Department of Nike Archives

Nestled in an unassuming building, Nike’s top-secret design archive, known as the Department of Nike Archives (DNA), houses a treasure trove of over 200,000 rare artifacts. From never-before-seen sneaker prototypes to the original Nike “swoosh” sketch, the DNA is a sneaker lover’s paradise. Recently, the DNA opened its doors to curators for the first time, leading to the creation of the groundbreaking exhibition, “Nike: Form Follows Motion.” For the first time, Nike has opened its doors to a select group of curators who have scoured these holdings to create an exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the brand’s history and design philosophy.

Set to run from September 21, 2024, to May 2025, the exhibition is the first of its kind dedicated solely to Nike. It traces the company’s journey from its founding in 1964 to its current position as the largest apparel company in the world. Curated by Glenn Adamson, who also co-edited a book to accompany the exhibition, the show seeks to explore Nike’s unique approach to design. According to Adamson, Nike’s design thinking is intensely creative and complex, rivaling that of any other company in the industry. The exhibition is structured into four chronological sections, each representing a significant phase in Nike’s evolution.

“Nike: Form Follows Motion” is divided into four chronological sections: “Track,” “Air,” “Sensation,” and “Relation.” The first section, “Track,” offers a look at Nike’s early years when jogging was a niche activity. This period is marked by the brand’s first product innovations, including the release of the waffle-soled trainer in the early 1970s. The next section, “Air,” covers Nike’s expansion into sports advertising, bolstered by high-profile partnerships with athletes like Michael Jordan. The “Sensation” section focuses on Nike’s extensive sports research programs, highlighting the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance wear. Finally, the “Relation” section reflects on Nike’s history of collaborations with external designers, showcasing the brand’s willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies.

To create this exhibition, Adamson made several trips to the DNA, where he had access to materials that had never been publicly displayed. The archive itself is unremarkable from the outside, but inside, it’s a veritable wonderland for sneaker enthusiasts. The space is filled with moving shelves, each stacked with shoeboxes containing some of Nike’s most significant designs. Among the highlights are prototypes of the Air Force One that never made it to market and the original stock of the Air Max shoe, known for its revolutionary see-through soles designed by aeronautical engineer Frank Rudy.

Sketch of Air Max, Tinker Hatfield (1986)

The exhibition also features deadstock shoes and prototypes that have remained hidden in the DNA until now. These include early mechanical prototypes of the Shox line, which featured external shock mounts designed to improve athletic performance. Adamson describes one such prototype as a “Frankenstein object,” a bizarre yet fascinating piece of Nike’s design history that had to be included in the exhibition (image at the beginning).

In addition to these historical artifacts, the exhibition also offers a keen insight into Nike’s current design practices. One of the most impressive innovation centers is the Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) in Beaverton, Oregon. The 85,000-square-foot facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including hundreds of cameras and dozens of force plates that track athletes’ movements. The insights gathered from this research are used to develop new products like the Vapormax running shoe, which is one of Nike’s most studied shoes to date.

Nike: Form Follows Motion comes at a crucial time for the company. In recent years, Nike has faced challenges, including supply chain issues and increased competition from other running shoe brands like Hoka and Brooks. Despite these obstacles, Nike remains committed to innovation. The company recently launched an AI platform called Blackbox to aid in the design of new products. According to CEO John Donahoe, Nike is poised to make a comeback with bold, new releases that will once again set the standard in the industry.

via Fast Company

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Nike Honors Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gigi with ‘Girl Dad’ and ‘Halo’ Protro Sneakers

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Nike is honoring Kobe Bryant’s legacy with a series of new sneaker releases that celebrate his life, achievements, and special bond with his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant. This fall, Nike will introduce two new sneaker collections that resonate with fans and sneaker enthusiasts, highlighting Kobe’s impact on and off the basketball court.

Designer: Nike

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro Low ‘Halo’ @lasbestkicks

First, Nike is set to release the all-white Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro sneakers, continuing the popular “Halo” theme introduced in 2023. This year, the Flyknit-based sneaker will be available in its original high-top build and the Kobe 9 Elite Low variation. These sneakers mark the first time the Nike Kobe 9 Elite, initially launched in 2014, will be offered in its Protro retro form. Previously, the only rerelease of the Kobe 9 Elite was part of the 2016 “Fade to Black” collection, which did not feature the Protro enhancements.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro ‘Halo’ @jw0574

The Kobe 9 Elite Protro “Halo” features nearly all-white uppers, with black carbon fiber shanks at the midsole providing contrast. The sneakers utilize full Flyknit uppers, a design trend common in Nike’s performance sneakers from the 2010s. The high-top version includes a glossy TPU Swoosh and a tonal repeating print of the Kobe logo, while the Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro features an iridescent Swoosh. The Kobe 9 Elite Protro “Halo” will be released on Aug. 23, Kobe’s 46th birthday, at a retail price of $240, followed by the Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Halo” on Sept. 19, priced at $210.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro ‘Halo’ @jw0574

In June, Nike released the “Girl Dad” sneakers, honoring the special bond between Kobe and his daughter Gigi. This special edition of the Kobe 4 Protro was inspired by a memorable courtside moment shared between Kobe and Gigi. The sneakers featured a striking green color, black shoelaces, the words “Girl Dad” printed on the inner tongue, and Kobe Bryant’s signature on the side. The design was completed with a total orange insole, reflecting Kobe’s support for women’s basketball and the WNBA hoodie he famously wore. The “Girl Dad” sneakers quickly sold out, showing fans’ strong connection with Kobe and Gigi’s legacy.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro ‘Halo’ @jw0574

Nike highlights the sneaker’s premium materials, including a chrome heel clip, metallic silver branding, and an icy outsole, adding elegance to the design. The Kobe 4 Protro has been retooled for enhanced performance, featuring Nike’s Zoom cushioning technology and a springy foam midsole that houses Zoom Air in the heel for extra bounce, perfect for a spirited dad-versus-daughter basketball showdown.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro ‘Halo’ @jw0574

Vanessa Bryant shared the release news on Instagram, celebrating the shoes as a tribute to Kobe’s commitment and love for their daughters Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri. She wrote, “For our Most Valuable Girl Dad. This Father’s Day, we celebrate Kobe’s commitment and love for our daughters with the Kobe 4 Protro ‘Girl Dad.'”

Special Kobe 4 Protro “Girl Dad” sneakers in honor of the late Kobe Bryant and his late daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.

These sneaker releases are more than just shoes—they’re heartfelt tributes to love, family, and legacy. They let fans celebrate and keep Kobe’s memory alive in a meaningful way.

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Nike self-lacing sneakers are losing their app and their biggest value

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Ever since Marty McFly first showed off the idea of self-tying shoelaces in Back to the Future, the footwear industry has been trying to figure out how to turn that fantasy into a reality. As the brand that actually made the movie prop, Nike has been at the forefront of that endeavor and has, in fact, already launched a few pairs of “self-lacing” sneakers years ago. It may have been a hit back then because of its novelty, but the shoe company no longer found any reason to make new ones or to continue supporting the ones that already exist. In fact, it just announced not only the discontinuation of this unique Adapt BB line but also of its app, which will leave some owners rethinking their purchase.

Designer: Nike

“Self-lacing sneakers” are not as magical as they might sound, simply utilizing magnets and electronics to tighten or loosen the shoes. For the Adapt BB line that launched in 2019, you could do this, along with other functions, by pressing buttons on the side of the shoes or, more conveniently, using a smartphone app. That app also provided settings you can’t very well make on the shoes themselves, particularly changing the colors of the buttons’ lights or saving three preset tightness settings.

Nike, however, has discontinued its self-lacing sneakers, and on August 6th, it will also be dropping its mobile apps. Owners of Adapt BBs don’t have to panic, at least not yet, because they can still install the app until that date, and the app will stay installed on their phones even when it disappears from Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. That does mean, however, that you can no longer install or even transfer the app after that day, so if you lose your phone or change devices, you’ll be out of luck.

Fortunately, the shoes themselves will continue working even without the app, but it will mostly be a manual affair without some conveniences. You will not be able to change light colors anymore, for example, and there will only be one preset remembered. You can, however, still tighten or loosen the shoe by pressing the buttons, which require you to bend over like any ordinary shoe. It might still seem a bit advanced, but no longer as mind-blowing as the original.

The announcement, however, does bring a few concerns and questions to mind. For one, the Adapt BB will lose one of its biggest appeal: its accessibility for people who might have difficulty lacing and unlacing sneakers. It also paints a somewhat dubious future for smart wearables like these. While people are used to changing phones almost every two years and for manufacturers to drop support sooner rather than later, most of us keep our wardrobe and footwear until they’re no longer usable, and manufacturer support is rare if not unheard of.

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