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The Sky is the Limit with the Nike Air Max Sunset Pack

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Nike Air Max has served as a canvas to many themes over its 30-year history, but never before has it played host to the sky’s most brilliant moment of the day.

Featuring the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 180, Air Max 95, and Air Max 97, the Sunset Pack shoes feature an orange-to-yellow gradient pattern on Nike Engineered Mesh uppers in a nod to the sun's nightly descent. Black accent panels add contrast and represent the forthcoming night.

Like the reprieve from the day’s heat that sunset brings, Nike Engineered Mesh allows air to flow through a collection of Nike’s most iconic shoe designs. Originally used in performance running footwear, this updated version of traditional spacer mesh shaves weight and improves breathability and flexibility for a more comfortable fit. To uphold the classic look of each Air Max model, zoned tight and loose perforation patterns mirror the color-blocking and overlays of the originals.

The Nike Air Max Sunset Pack will be available globally at select Nike Sportswear retailers in early June.

Nike and Undefeated "Bring Back" the Dunk Hi

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Eleven years ago the crew at Undefeated received a gift. One that would stoke sneaker culture and mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between Nike and the then-budding sports culture brand and sneaker boutique. That gift has come full circle.

In February, Nike released the white/gum "Bring Back Pack", but that was only half of the story. There is a second colorway of the special edition Dunk Hi and Nike Hyperdunk that completes the rest of this tale. Originally existing as a special thank-you to 48 members of the Undefeated crew to celebrate the opening of their second storefront, the second color of the “Bring Back Pack” has since become a grail existing only in the closets of a lucky few and on countless internet pages.

Undefeated is famous for its military-inspired renditions of classic sneakers — and the second installment of the “Bring Back Pack” is a prime example of this approach. Spurred by by an armed forces camping backpack, the new pack features olive-drab mesh uppers with contrasting black Swoosh .

While the Nike Dunk Hi represents the past in all its glory, the Nike Hyperdunk looks forward. Touting the latest in Nike innovation; Nike Lunarlon, Dynamic Flywire, and Hyperfuse technologies, the Nike Hyperdunk combines the distinct colorway of the original with the cutting-edge innovation that has come to define Nike Basketball.

The second installment of the Nike x Undefeated “Bring Back Pack” will be available globally beginning May 25.

Floral Firsts: Liberty of London on NIKEiD

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:02:00 -0700

Floral prints made famous by the storied British fashion house Liberty of London come to NIKEiD for the first time. Known for their iconic floral patterns, Liberty has contributed its Capel and Pepper fabrics to create a NIKEiD first.

Classic Nike silhouettes such as the Nike Air Max 1, Nike Dunk Hi and Lo, Nike Blazer Mid and Lo, and the cult favorite Nike Roshe Run are all ready to be reupholstered in famous prints.

Two of Liberty’s more popular patterns — the Capel and Pepper prints — are part of the classic Liberty collection and were created in 1978 and 1974, respectively. The Capel features a looser, larger floral while the Pepper fabric contrasts with a tighter multi-colored option. Both fabrics work well with a variety of accent colors, allowing the customizer ample personalization options.

The two Liberty fabrics will be available for customization at NIKEiD.com starting May 6.

Charles Barkley: Past Meets Present in Nike Barkley Posite Max

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:00:00 -0700

With a basketball career spanning three decades, Charles Barkley’s influence extends well beyond the court. His ability to elevate the game was key when the sport took off internationally in the early 1990s, while his bold personality transcends the game to this day.

Voted the best player in the world in 1993, Barkley’s wit and character were something the sport had never seen and Nike Basketball did its best to capture.

“I’ll never forget when I first signed with Nike in 1984,” said Barkley. “It was truly an honor for a growing global company to sign a small-town kid from Leeds, Alabama.”

Attitude & Confidence

His reckless abandon on the court juxtaposed with his unmistakable charm off of it. Being just 6'5", a modest height for a big man playing in the post against seven-foot gargantuans, gave Barkley the fearless confidence to excel.

Trademark Style

Through the years, Nike Basketball partnered with Barkley to launch signature shoes that fit his game. Barkley’s trademark attitude was injected into the design of each shoe: teeth, straightjackets and armor all inspired unique design details.

Top Nike footwear designers including Eric Avar, Tinker Hatfield and Wilson Smith regularly met with Barkley for insight and inspiration. The Nike apparel team would also draw on Barkley’s distinct personality to design a range of clothing.

Parents Should be Role Models?

The advertising boom of the 1980s and '90s allowed Nike to have some fun with Barkley in TV and print campaigns that generated international excitement. ‘The Meek May Inherit the Earth, but They Won’t Get the Ball,’ ‘I Am Not a Role Model,” and a small campaign where Sir Charles visits Tokyo were just a few of the iconic campaigns that Barkley fondly remembers.

“Phil Knight began Nike with a renegade spirit that’s hard to find these days and something I really admire,” said Barkley. “Some of my most memorable experiences in life tie back to Nike and I’m proud to be a part of the family to this day.”

Past Meets Present

Now, Nike is amplifying Barkley’s attitude with the release of the Barkley Posite Max. The new lifestyle model honors his shoes of the past with an aesthetic of the future. Designer Marc Dolce took inspiration from a trip to a museum dinosaur exhibit and combined those ideas with iconic elements of past Barkley shoes.

The Nike Barkley Posite Max shoe is available in four remaining colorways that will debut monthly through August 2013. The "Round Mound of Rebound" is proud to see his new shoe available globally.

Nike PHOTOiD: The Power of an Image Takes on New Meaning

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0700

Favorite photos from Instagram now can inform Nike Air Max designs through a new dynamic platform with Nike PHOTOiD.

Nike PHOTOiD enables you to take the captured moments of life and commemorate them on your feet. Using a smart phone, tablet or desktop, an image can go from the digital to physical form in four easy steps.

Once a photo is selected, Nike PHOTOiD applies colors from the image to your favorite Air Max shoe — the Nike Air Max 1 iD, Nike Air Max 90 iD or Nike Air Max 95 iD — based on the available NIKEiD color palette for each shoe. The Nike PHOTOiD design can be shared through Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+ and back to Instagram, or purchased to arrive within four weeks.

As one of Nike’s most celebrated and frequently reinterpreted designs, the Nike Air Max has long been a symbol of self-expression. Adapted from sport by a community of enthusiasts whose love for the shoe brought it to the street, the Nike Air Max is appreciated for its classic design and bold colored panels. Nike PHOTOiD launches with the Nike Air Max to offer the community a new way to make a sport icon personal and expressive. Nike PHOTOiD provides a new, powerful tool to inspire creativity with the Nike Air Max and further connect the digital and physical worlds.

Nike PHOTOiD is available in the U.K., U.S., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and China starting April 17.

Create a design with Nike PHOTOiD.

Nike Stadium Milano Presents: The Art + Science of Natural Motion

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:00:00 -0700

Nike Stadium Milano plays host to an exhibition that celebrates the essence of the body in motion with The Art + Science of Super Natural Motion.

With the core principles of Fit and Flex as inspiration, Nike and cutting-edge digital artists Universal Everything (Fit), Daniel Widrig (Flex) and Quayola+Sinigaglia (Flex), have come together to create an interpretation of the body in motion, weaving the threads of nature, technology, design, art and sport to reflect the wonder of Nike Free and Nike Flyknit Innovations.

Universal Everything’s The Art and Science of Fit explores movement with a 3D interactive experience that allows the viewer to manipulate intricate strands of color with the sweep of an arm. The flowing threads of the digitized cube structure behave with a sense of freedom when a human body interacts with the large screens on the surface of its four sides. As if seeking out human presence, intricate multicolored woven patterns dance across the screens intelligently conforming and fitting the silhouette of the visitor. Creating a spectacle that feels like art powered by human potential, U.K.-based Universal Everything offers visual atmospheres that inspire movement through generative design.

The Art and Science of Flex, by Daniel Widrig captures the essence of motion and crosses the realm of the digital world to land in the reality of a material sculpture. Animation software allows the artist to create multiple snapshots of an abstract geometric figure moving in a 3D space. While the figure accelerates, it gradually reconfigures and expands. After a phase of deceleration, it ultimately halts. From design to the physical form, the snapshot materializes into a four-meter-long intricate sculpture that reinterprets movement and flexibility in unexpected ways.

To complement Daniel Widrig’s work, long-time collaborators Davide Quayola and Natan Sinigaglia present Flexure, an abstract, time-based digital sculpture that is an ever-evolving transformation of a rectangular monolith. Focusing on the physical properties of elasticity and flexibility, Flexure is a practice of audio-visual performance, drawing, photography and software programming that stimulates through both sight and sound. Italian visual artist Quayola explores the boundary between the real and artificial. Sinigaglia, a sound and visual artist based in Varese, explores the infinite interconnections between sound and image. Creating canvases where both languages lose their boundaries and share forms and meanings, Quayola and Sinigaglia present a dynamic display of movement in the visual form.

The Art and Science of Super Natural Motion is an evolving exhibition that will travel to Tokyo, New York, and London until October 2013.

Three Degrees of Natural Motion

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:00:00 -0700

NIKE FLYKNIT RACER

The Nike Flyknit Racer gets its structure and support from Nike Flyknit technology. The one-piece knit upper is a mix of multiple yarns that are threaded through the knit machine to seamlessly integrate areas of high support, breathability and stretch where you need them most. There are no overlays to add weight, delivering a lightweight shoe with a precision fit that feels like a second skin.

NIKE HTM FLYKNIT TRAINER+

The new multi-colored HTM Trainer+ is the latest installment of the HTM collection, the ongoing collaboration between Fragment Design Founder Hiroshi Fujiwara, Nike design legend Tinker Hatfield and NIKE, Inc. President & CEO (and designer) Mark Parker. Since 2002, these three designers have worked together to showcase new innovations, reinterpret existing designs and explore unexpected concepts.

NIKE INNEVA WOVEN

Designed to mimic the natural biomechanics of the foot, the Nike Free Inneva Woven offers a sense of natural motion that is both flexible and comfortable. Thanks to its hand-woven upper, a dynamic lacing system, and an intricate 360-degree hand-woven system, the laces interconnect with nylon webbing to create a complex pattern that forms the upper precisely to the foot.

The special edition Nike Flyknit Racer, Nike Inneva Woven and HTM Flyknit Trainer+ will be available exclusively at Nike Stadium Milano starting on April 12, and at 1948 London on April 13.

Stay Cool In The Nike Lunar Force 1 "White Ice"

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:00 -0700

The recent arrival of the spring season signals rising temperatures and longer days, ripe for getting out and being seen. To usher in the change of season, Nike will release a limited-edition, white-on-white Nike Lunar Force 1 shoe that’s made to keep you cool when the weather warms up.

The white-on-white Air Force 1 Low has been a warm season staple for years; it's an easy find on sweltering city streets and the sandy beaches of spring break destinations. The shoe's Hyperfuse construction allows for increased ventilation, and the signature Lunarlon sole maximizes comfort. The pearlized finish sets this version apart from its counterparts. As a finishing touch, the ice-sole is a visual representation of the shoe's cooling properties.

The Nike Lunar Force 1 "White Ice" is available starting March 30 at Nike Sportswear retail destinations.

A Shore Thing: Air Max "Beaches Of Rio" Pack

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0700

The Nike Air Max is reputed for leveraging vibrant colors to draw eyes to the iconic Max Air Bag. As often happens at Nike, a recent innovation has further opened up the possibilities of Air Max aesthetics. Introduced in running shoes, Engineered Mesh enables both tight and loose perforations to create more flexible, breathable uppers. Engineered Mesh also eliminates the need for stitched panels to hold the foot over the footbed. So instead of using color-blocked panels, the Air Max franchise can act as a blank canvas for Nike design to work its magic.

When looking for color inspiration, Nike turned to the bright clothing of the cariocas, the sand, water, exotic birds, mate carts and everything else visible at the world-renowned beaches of Brasil. The “Beaches of Rio” pack celebrates the vivid scenes along the beautiful Brasilian coast, where the very way of life is colorful.

The Nike Air Max “Beaches of Rio” pack will be available globally at select Nike Sportswear retailers this April.

Nike Celebrates 100 years of US Soccer

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Combining elements of the past and present, Nike offers a fresh take on soccer casuals. Drawing inspiration from the centennial US Soccer Kit, classic Americana workwear, and design cues from traditional cut and sew techniques, the collection provides a classic but contemporary look off the pitch.

Highlighting the collection, the USA Best Jacket comes in a patriotic obsidian colorway. The canvas workwear-style jacket features deep and easily accesible front pockets, a cotton twill lining for comfort and lightweight poly fill for warmth. Depending on sartorial inclinations a ribbed cotton shawl collar folds down and ribbed cotton cuffs keeps it clean at the wrist. A centennial embroidered badge with a 100-year anniversary banner is placed on the inside back neck finishing off the look inside and out.

The collection also includes the USA Best Crew. The french terry raglan sleeve crewneck features a laser-cut rip-stop pouch accesible via a bonded zipper with ergonomic zipper pull. The pocket is extremely useful and durable but also innovates an otherwise traditional crewneck. Screen printing on the front identifies US Soccer's birth year and an embroidered badge with 100-year anniversary banner is placed inside on the back neck.

The entire collection is available online and in stores now. Show your support for the team in style as they enter into another round of important qualifying matches.

#AIRMAX: Matt Stevens Celebrates The Reinvention of Air Max

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

For more than 25 years the Air Max family has remained a flawless fusion of sport and visible technology. With roots firmly planted in the soil of sport innovation, Air Max grew to become a cultural phenomenon, making its presence felt in music, art, and most importantly, on the feet of those seeking comfort and a vehicle for self-expression.

Last year, illustrator and designer Matt Stevens created the collectible book MAX100, a compendium of 100 visual interpretations of the Nike Air Max 1 — or, as he calls it, “the greatest sneaker of all time.” The book's visuals range from computer-generated images to photographs of physical objects.

Coinciding with the release of the Nike Air Max Engineered Mesh series, Nike further celebrates the reinvention of Air Max by commissioning Stevens to expand on his tribute to the famed sneakers in a project aptly titled #AIRMAX. Creating additional images of the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 95, and Air Max 97, Stevens sheds new light on the heritage of these sport classics. Along with Stevens’s personal reinterpretations, some images will align under the themes of design inspiration, color, cultural significance and reinvention.

To view the rest of the #AIRMAX project, visit the Nike Sportswear Facebook Page.

Design Inspiration
These images visually communicate the source of inspiration that fueled the original design. For instance, the Nike Air Max 97 image takes cues from the original shoe’s inspiration of a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan.

Color
The color silo reimagines the colors that became synonymous with the models on which they originally appeared. The Nike Air Max 95, also known as the “Neon 95,” was the godfather of the volt trend and is pictured as a neon sign.

Culture
The culture silo speaks directly to the event(s) that contributed to that model’s ascent to phenomenon status. For the Nike Air Max 1, that moment was the “Revolution In Motion” campaign, a controversial television spot featuring both everyday and professional athletes.

Reinvention
The reinvention images demonstrate how the shoes have technically progressed to the level of the Nike Air Max Engineered Mesh series. For the Air Max 90, the mud guard and panels of the original silhouette are juxtaposed with the new lighter, more flexible, more breathable upper, elevating the advancements.

Pure Radiance: White Nike Foamposite One Is Cleanest Yet

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Originating from true experimentation, the Nike Foamposite One ranks among the most legendary basketball shoes in the Nike archive. It serves as a prime example that design ideas can spring from unlikely places if you keep your eyes open, a core principle of Nike's design ethos.

During a meeting in 1997, a molded sunglasses case on the table became an inadvertent source of inspiration for Nike footwear designer Eric Avar.

“We were like, ‘Wow, wouldn’t that be great if we were able to do a shoe like that?’ It was one piece, it was seamless design and it just conformed around the object.”

Made of EVA foam with a fabric cover, the case was lightweight, but its structure and form captivated Avar and team. This inspiration eventually lead to the Nike Foamposite One, a high-performing shoe with a striking appearance that would make its way into sneaker culture history.

Sixteen years after the debut of Avar’s original design, the Nike Foamposite One’s popularity has not waned. Its signature ridges have seen a myriad of colors including the original royal blue, matte black, copper and pink. Now, Nike Sportswear veneers the Nike Foamposite One in the brightest color in the spectrum: white. The monochromatic upper is complemented by a crisp, clear ice-sole.

The Nike Foamposite One will be available globally beginning March 29 at select Nike Sportswear retailers.

FC Barcelona stars come out to play in Nike Sportswear collection

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:00:00 -0800

Set against the backdrop of their home city, FC Barcelona players Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Thiago and Bartra are the stars of a new campaign to debut a Nike Sportswear collection inspired by the iconic club. The collection highlights FC Barcelona's classic colors and includes key details of the club’s history and some of its most emblematic symbols.

The NSW collection is a mix of style and innovation, featuring a vintage design ethos combined with Nike technologies. An example of thisof past-present juxtaposition is the Nike FCB Covert Vintage 73 Throwback T-shirt—worn by Bartra—which incorporates Nike Dri-FIT technology and pays homage to the club's past with a retro look.

The Nike FCB Covert Vintage polo worn by Busquets features signature FCB detailing, while the Nike FCB Authentic AW77 Full Zip hoody boasts striking embroidery that allows the wearer to boldly express his support for the team.

Pedro wears the Nike FCB Authentic N98 Jacket, offering warmth in a classic, sport-inspired look.

The team will wear the collection off the pitch as part of official FC Barcelona team wear.

Nike Dunk Sky Hi and Air Max 1 sport a new skin for Year of the Snake

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:13:00 -0800

Nike Sportswear continues to celebrate the Year of the Snake in 2013 with striking interpretations of two classic styles.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, those born in the Year of the Snake possess an infatuation with all things beautiful in life -- a fitting inspiration for this collection. The Nike Dunk Sky Hi, a court classic adapted with a subtle lift, and the Air Max 1, a running icon, feature a striking reptilian skin in celebration of the Chinese zodiac. Bold in their looks, classic in their designs, the Nike Dunk Sky Hi and the Nike Air Max 1 are designed for women who aren't afraid to let their feet do the talking.

The pack will be available starting February 16 at select Nike Sportswear locations globally.

Nike Air Max HomeTurf Series celebrates iconic European cities

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 04:00:00 -0800

In 1987 a revolution began that quickly left the shores of North America and took the world by storm. Since then the Nike Air Max has been a constant on the streets of cities like London, Milan and Paris. Re-appropriated from the world of sport to the street, Nike Air was embraced as a staple of everyday style.

Nike Sportswear celebrates the cultural impact the classic footwear made on music, fashion and technology in three iconic cities – London, Milan and Paris – with the Nike Air Max HomeTurf Series. The series pays homage to the unique personalities of each city, taking cues from trends in fashion and music and made brand-new with the latest Nike innovations.

The Nike Air Max London collection merges Nike’s Hyperfuse material with an intricate combination of textiles to create a mix of matte and shine on the Nike Air Max 1 HYP, the Nike Air Max 90 HYP, the Nike Air Max 1 2013 and the Nike Air Max 95. Taking inspiration from the contrasting grit and luxury of modern London, the traditional colors of London’s bustling public transport system blended with premium textiles reflect the mingling of a city’s diverse community by way of mass transit.

Honoring Milan's tradition of craftsmanship, The Nike Air Max Milan collection features rich suede uppers with vibrant neon details on the Air Max 97 2013, the Air Max 1, Air Max 97 and Air Max 90. Inspired by the muted tones of the city's architecture and the vibrant pop colors of the city's fashion and art industries, the result is a subtle yet noticeable line of footwear that seamlessly blends with the fashion-forward masses who flock to Milan year after year.

For Paris, the Nike Air Max HomeTurf Paris collection uses Nike Hyperfuse construction to play with tonal hues of blue and black paired with bold naval-inspired stripes on the Air Max Classic BW, Air Max 90, Air Max 2013 and Air Max 1 HYP. Refined details like suede uppers, waxed canvas laces and washed-out accents mimic the city’s understated and timeless aesthetic.

The Nike Air Max HomeTurf Series for London, Milan and Paris will be available in select Nike Sportswear retailers in limited quantities starting February 15 and on general release March 27.

Nike X Undercover Gyakusou S/S13 Collection

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:54:00 -0800

In Rio de Janeiro, where summer temperatures exceed 104 degrees, Gyakusou runners battle the heat as they fly along the Brazilian city’s colorful streets, through its verdant tropical parks, and past legendary landmarks and lagoons. Uniting this transcendent state of concentration and contemplation with amplifying adrenaline, they achieve a state of Zen, enabled by their weather-combative equipment.

A signature fusion of function and utility, the Nike x Undercover Gyakusou S/S 2013 collection infuses Jun Takahashi’s less but better design philosophy with the latest Nike innovations to present a technologically advanced line. Designed specifically to address the cooling requirements of summer runners in Brazil and worldwide, it employs unlined, breathable, and supremely lightweight materials from head to toe, providing avid athletes with the ability to pursue their passion despite sweltering conditions. The collection’s trademark color palette speaks to Takahashi’s urban-rural accord with subtle city tones and natural hues, which are popped this season by bright Mesa orange, lush Victory green, and fuchsia Sangria pink, reflecting the renowned vibrancy of Rio landscapes.

The Nike X Undercover Gyakusou S/S13 collection will be availble globally starting March 2 at select Nike retailers.

Nike and Undefeated reunite to revive a legendary Dunk

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:20:00 -0800

For Undefeated, creating desirable footwear is standard operating procedure.

It all started in 2002 when the 5 strikes caught Nike’s eye, resulting in the first of many collaborative efforts between the two.

In an act of good faith, 48 pairs of white-on-white-on-gum Nike Dunks with the 5 strikes logo were gifted to the Undefeated crew, none of which were commercially sold and all of which have been virtually unobtainable since.

Eleven years later, February 2013 marks the release of this iconic Undefeated Dunk. The previously unreleased Dunk will return in all its tonal glory in the "Bring Back Pack" featuring premium leather uppers and the Undefeated 5 Strikes on the heel. An identically colored Nike Hyperdunk is added to the mix. The understated colorway allows the Hyperdunk’s cutting-edge technology to do all the talking and demonstrate how innovation has redefined the sneaker aesthetic.

The Nike x Undefeated "Bring Back Pack" will be available globally starting Feb. 9.

Nike Sportswear takes Nike Flyknit to new heights

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:19:00 -0800

Since 2002, NIKE, Inc. CEO and designer Mark Parker, Nike design legend Tinker Hatfield and style ambassador Hiroshi Fujiwara have worked together to amplify innovations and explore creative concepts that take the brand to new places.

Now the three have collaborated once again to deliver a new chapter in the Nike Flyknit technology story: The Nike HTM Flyknit Chukka.

Nike's Flyknit technology combines performance innovation with reduced environmental impact. This manufacturing innovation reduces weight as well as improves fit -- creating a shoe that behaves like a second skin, adapting to the shape of the foot in motion. The Nike Flyknit woven upper reduces manufacturing waste by two-thirds in terms of weight as compared to typical performance running shoes.

The latest addition to the Nike HTM Flyknit line blends the clean, modern style of the chukka boot with Nike Flyknit technology, creating an iconic new silhouette for the street. The knitted, form-fitting upper is enhanced by Nike Flywire technology for support, and a Nike Lunarlon outsole provides a smooth ride.

The Nike HTM Flyknit Chukka will be available in two colorways, both drawing on a winter-inspired "Snow Style" palette. The first shoe blends the natural tones of grey and blue with white details. The second, more muted version features a subtle mix of grey and white.

The Nike HTM Flyknit Chukka will be available starting in February at select retailers around the world including Nike Stadium Milan, Nike Stadium Paris and 1948 in London.

Nike Sportswear engineers top-secret Area 72 Collection featuring Raygun

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

The last time we left the fictional Nike Space Program (NSP) at last year’s mid-season basketball weekend in Orlando, our heroes had successfully launched into space on a mission to elevate the game to a greater galaxy.

After a sudden Big Bang in Orlando, it has been months without contact as they disappeared into space. All hope is not lost, as a transmission has just been received at Area 72 -- a top-secret facility isolated in the depths of the desert in Houston, Texas, home of this year’s mid-season showdown.

Continuing the extraterrestrial design inspiration established in the Nike Basketball collection for Houston, Nike Sportswear presents a top-secret collection of five shoes celebrating the best of basketball. Merging old-school models with new-age innovation, the premium collection includes the Nike Blazer Mid, Nike Vandal, Nike Lunar Force 1, Nike Barkley Posite Max and Nike Air Force Max 2013.

The collection celebrates the legacy of iconic Nike Basketball models of the past, now infused with galactic textures, reflectivity and glow-in-the-dark highlights. Developed deep within Area 72’s top-secret testing facility, the five-shoe collection features a custom galaxy print also featured on Nike Basketball’s performance shoes for Houston. The print appears on the collar lining of each shoe.

Since making its debut for Nike Basketball more than a decade ago, the Nike Raygun character is reincarnated on the tongue of each of these shoes. With its trademark jetpack and alien physique, the Raygun is ready to strike opponents with fury.

This top-secret Nike Sportswear collection is available beginning February 14 in limited quantities at select retail locations and Nike.com.

Nike Basketball's extraterrestrial mission for Houston

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Houston, here we come with an extraterrestrial take on basketball celebrating the excellence of the sport’s midseason weekend.

The mission control center in Texas, widely know by its radio call sign “Houston,” provides the creative inspiration for a special collection of shoes for Nike Basketball’s fearless leaders LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.

Space exploration defies practical reality. To launch into space on a mission to reveal the unknown can be mind-boggling. Extraterrestrial species, undiscovered planets, new constellations – there is no limit to the potential for discovery. These unlimited barriers also apply to Nike Basketball’s design philosophy- - no limits, no restrictions, rooted in exploration and discovery.

What began as a simple idea by members of the Nike Basketball design team has manifested itself into a creative celebration and fictional interpretation for the game’s top players during basketball’s prized weekend. Our heroes appear in a distant universe, where players are not just stars … They come to life as fictional planets on each of the three following shoes.

LEBRON X

An indestructible force originating from fictional Nike Space Program (NSP) planet NSP-LJ6, LeBron James’ dominance was born from the volcanic surface in the planet’s mantle. He is rumored to have journeyed to earth on a meteor made of the galaxy's hardest substance – black diamonds.

Technical benefits of the LEBRON X shoe include full-length visible Nike Zoom cushioning, dynamic Flywire technology and Hyperfuse construction -- a trilogy set to unleash its fury in Houston.

KOBE 8 SYSTEM

Engineered to the specifications of Kobe Bryant’s Houston mission, with origins rooted on a planet marked as NSP-KB24. The Ice Mamba circles the volatile surface as guardian of the five rings. The wise veteran is known to strike with moves that leave his opponents frozen.

Built for Bryant’s lightning speed and precision, the KOBE 8 SYSTEM shoe is Nike+ Basketball enabled for the first time and this shoe also features Nike Zoom in the midsole insert. Nike Engineered Mesh upper and tactile traction complete the shoe.

KD V

Identified as Dark Matter, the biological and molecular breakdown of this figure remains a puzzle for scientists. Early readings of its origin, NSP-KD35, have sent back conflicting reports of a planet that is simultaneously solid, liquid, and gas – properties that make his game adaptable to any situation.

Joining with Bryant for their quest to lead the West to victory, this KD V shoe is designed to the specifications of Kevin Durant’s Houston mission. The KD V features the combination of Nike Zoom (forefoot) and Nike Air (heel) cushioning along with Hyperfuse upper and dynamic heel support.

Houston, Here We Come

Driven by the creative vision of Nike Basketball’s color lead Eugene Rogers and graphic extraordinaire Erick Goto, this 2013 collection specially built for Houston pushes the limits with meaningful, in-depth storylines.

The team dove into Houston’s space lineage to create a fictitious basketball universe led by Nike’s elite three players – it was an intricate, creative and fun project intended to celebrate the game’s best.

The space concept also comes to life through select Nike Basketball apparel including the Nike Hyper Elite Galaxy shorts and collection of three t-shirts for James, Bryant and Durant.

Nike Basketball has also joined forces with Nike Sportswear to create a special product collection based around Area 72, a top-secret facility where shoes take on a life of their own.

The Nike Basketball shoes specially engineered for Houston – KOBE 8 SYSTEM, KD V and LEBRON X – will be available beginning February 15 at select retail stores and at Nike.com.

Nike pays tribute to Black History Month

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Black History Month represents many things: civic leadership, social stewardship, community activation and much more.

Nike recognizes the importance of this meaningful month with not only a product collection, but a larger recognition of the power of sports to impact society. The 2013 Nike Black History Month Collection mantra “Be Bold. Be True.” celebrates three athletes who are fearless in action and fueled by a purpose.

Consisting of seven shoes, two T-shirts, a Destroyer jacket, Nike Elite socks and a 5-panel hat, the 2013 Nike BHM Collection will debut beginning January 26. A consistent design aesthetic weaves through each product in the collection, with a color palette including black, grey and brown highlighted in orange. The color orange is particularly meaningful with its bold hue and tie to Nike’s DNA since its 1972 inception.

Now more than ever, athletes at all levels have a unique ability to extend their voice beyond sports. Soccer superstar Didier Drogba, tennis legend Serena Williams and basketball phenom Kevin Durant provide creative inspiration for the product collection based on their commitment to giving back to their communities.

All three athletes are celebrated in this year’s collection; each has an individual logo. Drogba's is a light bulb morphed with a soccer ball, representing his ongoing involvement in bringing solar light bulbs to impoverished areas in Africa. Williams’ icon consists of a tennis ball emanating with lightning bolts, showing how she empowers young women, especially through the secondary school she helped build in Kenya. Durant’s icon represents the hopes and dreams of young athletes, with a basketball hoop merging with a cloud formation, a nod to the support he has given to his hometown recreation center in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, a place he attributes for helping him realize his own dreams. The three icons are infused into a distinct Nike BHM print pattern that appears throughout the collection.

The collection is a dual effort between Nike Sportswear lifestyle product and Nike Basketball performance product. Nike Sportswear BHM shoes include the Nike Lunar Force 1, Nike Air Force 1 Foamposite Hi, Nike Dunk Sky Hi and Nike Air Force 1 Downtown. Nike Basketball shoes complete the BHM collection with special versions of the KD V, LEBRON X and KOBE 8 SYSTEM; all three featuring black, grey and orange with the signature Nike BHM print. These signature shoes will debut on court during pro basketball’s Martin Luther King Jr. tribute day on Monday, January 21 .

In keeping with a tradition of honoring organizations that give back and inspire youth, NIKE, Inc. will make a financial contribution to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with proceeds from the Nike BHM Collection.

Nike Women’s Pays Tribute to Black History Month

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:12:00 -0800

Black History Month represents many things. Civic leadership, social stewardship, community activation and much more.

Nike recognizes the importance of this meaningful month with not only a product collection, but a larger recognition of the power of sports to impact society. The 2013 Nike Black History Month Collection mantra, “Be Bold. Be True.” celebrates athletes fearless in action and fueled by a purpose.

Tennis legend Serena Williams represents Nike Women’s with a special edition Nike Dunk Sky Hi. Williams’ provided creative inspiration for the Nike BHM Dunk Sky Hi which features a special pattern consisting of a tennis ball emanating with lighting bolts, showing how she empowers young women, especially through the secondary school she helped build in Kenya.

The Nike Dunk Sky Hi is a classic Nike style reinvented. Taking the iconic Nike Dunk off of the court and into the streets, the Nike Dunk received the wedge treatment for the girl looking for a little lift in her step. Nike classics are reinvented and reworked to reflect modern day demands. Nike Designers took great care in preserving the classic silhouette of the Nike Dunk inserting a slight wedge while staying true to the original lines and panels that make the Nike Dunk an icon.

Nike unveils 2013 Year of the Snake collection

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:00:00 -0800

Download the full Chinese look book PDF

In celebration of 2013 as the Year of the Snake on the Chinese lunar calendar, Nike introduces a Nike Basketball and Nike Sportswear collection of Chinese zodiac footwear inspired by Kobe Bryant and the Year of the Snake respectively. Ever since Nike unveiled its Year of the Horse collection in 2002, fans have eagerly anticipated new collections based on the Chinese lunar calendar concept. This year marks Nike's 12th such release and completes a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

The Year of the Snake collection includes the KOBE 8 SYSTEM, which draws inspiration from Bryant’s unparalleled on-court skills and his "Black Mamba" on-court alter ego. The Nike Sportswear designs feature signature colors of black, purple, red, and gold with snakeskin-inspired patterns. 2013 corresponds to two characters -- 癸巳 ("Gui Si") -- in the Chinese sexagenary cycle (a cycle of sixty terms used for recording days or years). The Chinese seal pattern composed of a snake and the two characters 癸巳 ("Gui Si") incorporates the serpentine shape into an embroidered seal making this collection particularly unique.

农历蛇年将至，岁在癸巳，祥蛇献瑞。耐克以“蛇道”为主题，打造全新蛇年生肖系列产品。从2002年马年生肖鞋款登场开始，以生肖概念而打造的耐克鞋款就成为鞋迷们在中国年前期待的焦点。今年是耐克连续第12年为中国农历新年发布特别产品，实现了耐克十二生肖全系列的完美收关。

科比.布莱恩特拥有绝佳的攻守能力，以自身的威胁性让各队敌手闻之色变，因此获得“黑曼巴”的封号。2013年耐克蛇年系列，以科比及中国蛇年为设计灵感，并采用代表科比的黑色、紫色、金色，以及蛇纹为主要设计。而2013年适逢中国天干地支中的“癸巳”年，耐克特别以蛇与“癸巳”两字结合的印鉴图案，将科比在篮球运动的精神与中国文化融合，使蛇年系列产品的设计更为深刻细致。

	NIKE AIR FORCE 1 CMFT To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Nike Air Force 1, Nike releases the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT, a new member of the Family of Force and a top pick for the Year of the Snake. The Nike Air Force 1 CMFT boasts the exact iconic profile of the original Nike Air Force 1 but is enhanced using modern innovations. By incorporating a slip-in Lunarlon cushioning midsole and Nike Air unit in the heel, the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT is the ultimate in functionality and comfort. The Year of the Snake version of the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT is mainly red, an auspicious color in China, and features gold and red stitches on the Nike Swoosh, purple lining and outsole, and red snake print leather. The product exudes quality and style. Details including a snake eye deubré and a tongue made of softer breathable material with a seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” fit the Year of the Snake motif. 在AIR FORCE 1诞生30年之际，家族新成员NIKE AIR FORCE 1 CMFT成为蛇年系列首选，该鞋款采用LUNARLON缓震鞋垫搭配后跟气垫，大幅提升功能性与舒适性。NIKE AIR FORCE 1 CMFT鞋身以红色为主色调，突显年节气氛。在NIKE SWOOSH上运用金、红两色交错的车缝线，以及紫色内里及外底，搭配红色蛇纹皮革，展示出极佳的质感。铭牌上的蛇眼设计，鞋舌以更柔软的透气材质打造，上有“癸巳”印鉴图案，呈现蛇年主题，打造完美生肖鞋款。 NIKE AIR FORCE 1 CMFT，1月25日上市
	NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HI CMFT The Nike Air Force 1 high-top silhouette has been one of the most iconic basketball sneakers of the last 30 years -- so the Year of the Snake collection wouldn't be complete without one. The sleek, seductive shoe is mostly black with the toe and sides made of python print leather. The classic ankle strap design provides extra support around the ankles and presents a visual consistency with previous Nike AF1 collections. The seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” on the heel echoes the Chinese motif. The Nike Swoosh in red and purple snake print is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the shoe while a concealed Lunarlon drop-in midsole offers the ultimate in high performance comfort. NIKE AIR FORCE 1 高帮款是30年来最经典的篮球鞋款，蛇年款同样采用高帮COMFORT版本，鞋身以神秘的黑色为主轴，鞋头及鞋侧运用蟒蛇纹皮革，呈现有如尊贵华丽的质感。经典高帮皮环设计增强踝部支撑机能，同时带给人们NIKE AIR FORCE 1一贯以来的鞋面视觉特色。后跟“癸巳”印鉴图案，呼应中国元素，红紫色蛇纹NIKE SWOOSH，更有画龙点睛效果。 NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HI CMFT，1月18日上市
	NIKE AIR FORCE 1 FOAMPOSITE The Nike FOAMPOSITE’s one-piece upper represents the highest achievement in shoemaking because its production requires a metal casting mold. In 2011, Nike first applied FOAMPOSITE technology using a metal casting mold to form the classic Nike Air Force 1 upper resulting in yet another fresh interpretation. For the Year of the Snake, the 2013 Nike Air Force 1 FOAMPOSITE is mainly black with a snake print to echo the Black Mamba motif. The polish gives it a premium look. The Nike Air heel significantly enhances cushioning. FOAMPOSITE一体成形的鞋面由金属铸模打造，是挑战制鞋工艺的颠峰作品，2011年首次将FOAMPOSITE技术运用在NIKE AIR FORCE 1，一体成形的鞋面藉由精雕模具雕塑出NIKE AIR FORCE 1的经典轮廓。2013年NIKE AIR FORCE 1 FOAMPOSITE蛇年款以黑色蛇纹为鞋身设计，呈现高质感蛇纹光泽。后脚跟开窗MAX AIR气垫则大幅增加了缓震功能。 NIKE AIR FORCE 1 FOAMPOSITE，1月18日上市
	NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4 Released in 2004, NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4 combines timeless design and innovative technology. Nike Zoom Air provides impact protection, reduces weight significantly, and provides comfort with elastic inner soles. The upper features classic elements such as an ankle strap, a Nike Swoosh on the side and the Huarache signature hollow-out design at the ankle. It has a transitional role in the evolution of modern basketball shoes. The 2013 model uses red snake print leather and gold stitches at the toe and heel as symbols of good luck for the Chinese New Year. The purple-lined Nike Swoosh and the seal pattern of the characters “癸巳(Gui Si)” on the tongue highlight the Chinese zodiac sign. 2004年亮相的NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4，将经典鞋款的设计用创新科技呈现。ZOOM AIR提供快速反应的避震功能，大幅降低整体重量，弹性内靴提供了合脚的舒适感，鞋身运用AIR FORCE 1 MID脚踝皮环及鞋侧大型NIKE SWOOSH等经典设计元素，延续HUARACHE家族特色的脚踝镂空，在近代篮球鞋发展进程扮演承先启后的角色。2013蛇年款，鞋身以红色蛇纹皮革为主轴，鞋头及后跟以红色蛇纹皮革搭配金色车缝线，呈现年节喜庆感。紫色勾边NIKE SWOOSH，结合鞋舌“癸巳”印鉴图案，将中国蛇年的贵气呈现出来。 NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4，1月25日上市
	KOBE 8 SYSTEM The KOBE 8 SYSTEM incorporates innovative Nike Engineered Mesh for the first time in a basketball shoe to offer a dynamic and ultra-lightweight fit. Additionally, the synthetic overlays on the toe and lateral quarter panel provide support for even the toughest games. The full-length Lunarlon midsole delivers lightweight, low profile cushioning and stability. A snake graphic shoe tongue provides a close fit and comfort. In connection with the victories of the Purple and Gold Dynasty led by Kobe, the KOBE 8 SYSTEM Year of the Snake special edition is inspired by the Chinese kung-fu representing Kobe’s bold, aggressive style on the court. The four icons on the outsole stand for Kobe’s speed, precision, vision and versatility. The color red symbolizes danger and the destructive power of Kobe’s speed. The snakeskin pattern on the shoe is a perfect interpretation of Kobe’s on-court alter ego, the Black Mamba. KOBE 8 SYSTEM采用革新编织网眼面料Nike Engineered Mesh，创造出贴合的脚感，提供足部弯曲所需的一切柔韧性。全掌LUNARLON中底展现出质轻、缓震等优势。一体式S鞋舌更贴合足部，黑曼巴蛇围绕科比个人专属图案。蛇年特别版以KOBE带领球队所打出的“紫金王朝”为灵感，运用武侠概念，形容KOBE在球场上的创造力与侵略性。内侧外底图腾象征科比的速度、准确度、洞察力与全面性。红色鞋身象征科比绝击不留情的破坏力，如同危险信号般的红色意义，搭配外底与鞋身蛇纹结构，更完美诠释KOBE的黑曼巴形象。 KOBE 8 SYSTEM，2月上市
	NIKE KOBE 8 RED NIKE KOBE 8 RED is the off-court version of the KOBE 8 SYSTEM. The Year of the Snake model is made of red suede for the Chinese New Year. The one-piece design uses Vac-Tech and laser-etching technologies, which gives the shoe a clean-cut look that is consistent with previous Kobe collections. The etchings on the outsole combine timeless herringbone and snake scale patterns. NIKE KOBE 8 RED为KOBE 8 SYSTEM所衍伸出的休闲鞋款，蛇年特别选用象征节庆的红色麂皮打造，呈现了东方生肖年的节庆气氛、一体成形的Vac-Tech立体造型，搭配鐳射雕刻鞋身纹路，让鞋面呈现科比鞋款一贯的利落特色。 NIKE KOBE 8 RED，1月25日上市
	NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK The NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK in snake print is exclusively designed for the Year of the Snake. It is made of black leather in snake print to echo Kobe’s Black Mamba nickname and symbolizes his aggressiveness on the court. NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK黑色蛇纹版本专为2013蛇年所打造，鞋身采用黑色蛇纹皮革，除了呼应科比“黑曼巴”的外号之外，更象征科比在球场上的全方位的侵略性。 NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK，1月18日上市
	NIKE DESTROYER JACKET The casual, stylish Nike Destroyer Jacket is a symbol of personal glory. Nike has added some popular elements to the leather sleeve baseball jacket inspired by Kobe's personal style. Snake scale patterns are etched on the classic leather sleeves. The stitch free zipper is simple and elegant with the words “YEAR OF THE BLACK MAMBA” embroidered on the wind-proof strip. A special lining material keeps the body warm. The rowan-knit collar and cuff enhances comfort. On the back of the jacket is the Chinese character “智”, which means wisdom. On the right lapel are Chinese characters representing the Year of the Snake such as “癸巳 (Gui Si)” and “天龙地蟒 (Tian Long Di Mang).” It is a perfect mesh of Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba style and Nike’s iconic jacket. Nike’s Year of the Snake sportswear collection also includes men’s and women’s hoodies and T-shirts featuring Kobe’s Black Mamba personal logo and the Chinese character “智 (Zhi)”. The Year of the Snake professional basketball collection also includes Kobe’s training jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts and T-shirts. NIKE DESTROYER JACKET除了兼具运动与流行风格，更是个人荣耀的象征，耐克将皮袖棒球外套呈现了丰富的故事内容，除了多次与不同的流行元素结合外，更呈现运动员个人特色，蛇年特别款NIKE DESTROYER JACKET设计主题围绕着科比.布莱恩特。经典皮袖加入了蛇鳞的压纹，简洁流线的拉链采用无缝线贴合设计，拉链防风条设计绣有“YEAR OF THE BLACK MAMGA”字样，特殊的内里材质为人们提供了绝佳的保暖效果，罗紋编织的领口与袖口增加了夹克的舒适度，后背大面积“智”字样设计以及右胸代表蛇年的“癸巳”、“天龙巨蟒”字样，让KOBE BRYANT的“黑曼巴”球风特质与耐克经典外套完美结合。 NIKE DESTROYER JACKET，1月25日上市 Nike Sportswear蛇年生肖产品，还包括了印有科比专属的黑曼巴图腾和中文“智”字图案的男女款连帽衫和Tee。专业篮球系列蛇年生肖产品还包括了科比专业篮球训练服，篮球外套，圆领衫和Tee。

Nike remixes Air Max classics with Engineered Mesh

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:00:00 -0800

The Nike Air Max 1, 90, 95, and 97 are some of the most pined-after silhouettes that Nike has to offer. One would be hard pressed not to find a pair roaming the streets in major cities all over the world -- whether they're tied tightly to carry someone to a new PR or loosely laced under a pair of jeans. The Nike Air Max line redefined and transcended the look of sport to become a cultural movement. So when Nike designers started discussing ways to reinvent these iconic models, they didn't take it lightly. How to re-imagine these classics while staying true to the sneakers' timeless style?

Enter Nike Engineered Mesh: new proprietary mesh patterns that enhance the functionality while retaining the overall look of the original models. It enables both tight and loose perforation patterns to replace traditional color blocking, gradients and overlay placement. Originally used in performance running footwear, the varying perf patterns allow for "zoned" contruction: Tighter patterns are placed where durability is paramount while looser patterns are used where breathability reigns supreme. The result is a more breathable, flexible and durable Air Max family -- lighter and leaner than ever.

The Engineered Mesh Air Max collection will be available beginning January 2013.

Inside Access: LEBRON X Cork 2013 Release

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Paying tribute to LeBron James and his first championship, Nike Sportswear has created a special lifestyle edition of the LEBRON X shoe that is made of genuine cork.

Releasing Saturday, February 23, this LEBRON X NSW cork edition honors the tradition of cork-popping champagne celebrations. James celebrated the occasion last June when he and his teammates brought home another championship for Miami.

The LEBRON X NSW cork edition features many of the same characteristics of the LEBRON X performance shoe but with a unique, personalized touch to the upper.

Expect the unexpected as 2013 will welcome additional basketball footwear surprises. Nike Sportswear will create distinctive versions of Nike signature basketball shoes, all remixed with premium materials for non-performance use.

"Inside Access" is a series providing an inside look at Nike Basketball through the lens of design innovation. Look for new features the first and third Tuesdays of each month throughout the basketball season.