Month: May 2021

Tokyo-based artist and sculptor Mayumi Yamase, coupled with Nike for her take on the Air Force 1 Flyleather and Blazer Low Flyleather.Known for her drawings and paintings of composed or colors and organic forms, Yamase injected her unique aesthetic by adding a handcrafted feel to the classic silhouettes. Inspired by local parks, the collection features watercolor and threading visuals of organic formations representing natural elements.For the Air Force 1 Flyleather, the shoe is swiped in hues of Crimson Bliss and Signal Blue along the upper foot and with similar strokes in place of branding on the tongue tag, insole and heel tab. Turf Orange and Copa colors surround the Blazer Low Flyleather in a similar fashion as the Air Force 1, with both silhouettes accompanied by custom packaging.Mayumi Yamase’s Nike Flyleather Collection will drop on June 8 at 10:00 p.m. EDT via the brand’s official website. The Nike Air Force 1 Flyleather will retail for $130 USD, while the Blazer Low Flyleather will go for $100 USD.For more footwear, take a look at the new Nike Air Max VG-R.

Virgil Abloh’s Off-White™ x Nike Air Force 1 “University Gold” has been teased since the top of the year, and now, ahead of its long-speculated summertime debut, official images have been revealed. Thought to correspond with the opening of Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” exhibit at ICA Boston, the “University Gold” offers a loud, monochromatic look that serves as an apt follow-up to 2019’s ultra-limited Off-White™ x Nike Air Force 1 Low “MCA Chicago.”From heel to toe, the “University Gold” is drenched in a rich yellow shade. Its leather upper is split by a metallic silver Swoosh, loosely stitched on with black thread. Special details grace both the lateral and medial quarters: the former features a delicately pinned yellow fabric tab, the latter is blasted with stamped Off-White™ branding. A yellow plastic zip tie hangs down from the laces as well.Tongues feature an exposed foam construction with an off-center tag that veers towards the medial collar, and heels supply taped detailing. Co-branded hits are placed on the insoles, and a final flourish is supplied by the black “AIR” graphic stamped on the midsole above and in front of the AF1’s standard embossed Air hit.At the time of writing, an official release date or pricing information for the Off-White™ x Nike Air Force 1 Low “University Gold” has yet to be revealed. However, Abloh’s exhibition at ICA Boston is set to open on July 3, so it may arrive around then — and might even be spotted on the feet of museum staff, much in the same way the MCA pair was.For more news on upcoming sneaker releases, take a look at the latest installment of HYPEBEAST’s weekly Best Footwear Drops list.

Clean, classic and versatile, Nike’s Blazer Low is an apt warm weather footwear choice. In summer 2021 it’s doing its best impersonation of another popular Nike Sportswear lifestyle model, the Killshot 2, by replicating its well-known navy and cream colorway. A onetime tennis sneaker that has become a go-to for the urban finance bro in years past — and is often paired with J. Crew chinos and a Patagonia fleece vest or jacket — the Killshot 2’s preppy style is playfully replicated by this low-cut Blazer, making for a tongue-in cheek homage to a “cult” favorite.Uppers are constructed of a cream leather that’s overlaid with shaggy gray suede on the forefoot and toebox. Swooshes, heels and tongue badges all offer pops of navy for contrast. Though all this is nearly identical in nature to the bro-tacular Killshot 2, the Blazer adds in a touch of sporty flair with its signature exposed foam tongue. Down below, the homage is completed by a full gum midsole.Officially dubbed “Sail/Gum Light Brown/Summit White/Midnight Navy,” this Killshot 2-inspired Blazer Low is available on the Nike webstore now and is priced at a palatable $85 USD.For more news on new sneaker releases, take a look at the latest installment of HYPEBEAST’s weekly Best Footwear Drops list.