Month: March 2023

Since 2014, Nike and its Nike SB sub-label have been partnering with Jordan Brand for collaborative initiatives that polymerize and commemorate their style and spirit. Notable installments include the Lance Mountain x Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 colorways, Eric Koston-led team-ups and the Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 “LA to Chicago,” and now to further celebrate the cultural impacts, communities and connections that that hoops and skateboarding share, the duo is set to expand their catalog with the latest fruit of their labor: the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green.” “The Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 is a way for two communities of sport to pay respect to one another, and represents the collision of basketball, skate culture and style that brings them both together,” says James Arizumi, Global Senior Design Director, Jordan Brand Special Projects.To the untrained eye, this pair may appear like any other Air Jordan 4 that’s simply been fashioned in a palette that aligns with the festive season of St. Patrick’s Day. However, it’s the smaller, barely-noticeable modifications that Nike SB and Jordan Brand designers implemented here from an aesthetics and functionality standpoint here that give the kicks their power. The first element to call out is the shape. It has been reconstructed to match that of the original 1989 model to hearken back to the silhouette’s performance roots and to provide wearers with an improved fit. Features like the “wings” are re-engineered with a rubber compound build to be more responsive to grip tape and the tongue possesses beefed up padding for a more comfortable interior feel. Downstairs, the forefoot has been slimmed down and stripped of its Air unit cushioning. The intention for this is to assist skaters in achieving better board feel and control whether they’re cruising casually, preparing for a 360 pop shove-it or hitting a one wheel manual. Furthermore, the heel counters have been remixed with Nike SB branding and the outsoles feature a pair of gum panels for enhanced grip that can perform both on the half pipe and the hardwood.In terms of its color story, the sneakers are dressed to reference the Jordan’s fourth signature model’s heritage. It can be compared to the 1989 “Military Blue” thanks to its mostly-white presentation that’s accompanied by “Neutral Grey” mudguards, but it’s been touched up with “Pine Green” accents for a modernized look.Peep a closer look at the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green” in the gallery above, and note that it’s scheduled to drop on March 17 via select skate shops and March 21 via SNKRS and affiliated retailers for $225 USD.Elsewhere in footwear, first images of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Atmosphere Grey” have appeared.

Earlier this year, rumors surfaced that Nike’s ’80s basketball silhouette, the Nike Air Alpha Force 88, was slated for a grand return. The original colorway graced the hardwood during the Chicago Bulls’ game against the New York Knicks in January 1988 and has now been revamped in collaboration with American pop star Billie Eilish. The artist continues expanding her list of Nike collaborations following the release of another upcycled Air Force 1 Low. Steering away from her customary loud tones, Eilish brings the silhouette’s native style back to life. The Billie Eilish x Nike Air Alpha Force 88 will mark the model’s re-introduction into the footwear market. Like its debut, the sneaker arrives in a “White/Fire Red/Black/Neutral Grey” colorway and sports a clean white leather upper adorned with toe box and lateral perforations. Vibrant red Swooshes extend into the medial sections, accompanied by tinted eyelets and branded corduroy heels. The model’s quintessential rubber lockdown straps secure the lower throats with embossed “NIKE” lettering, while basketball-inspired “AAF88 FORCE” graphics hit the tongues. Co-branded insoles complete the design stacked atop AIR SOLE-infused midsoles with grey accents and red outsoles. Take an on-foot look at the forthcoming Billie Eilish x Nike Air Alpha Force 88 in the gallery above. The collaboration is expected to drop in the coming months via Nike and select retailers for $130 USD. Elsewhere, Allen Iverson’s Reebok Answer DMX “Georgetown” welcomes March madness.

New Balance has revealed another trail-ready shoe, this time delivering its classic New Balance 610 silhouette in a earth-tone colorway. The off-road model prepares the adventure seeker for various fors of outdoor activities. The rugged silhouette comes dressed in its staple true brown and nightwatch green color scheme, also dubbed as the “Beef and Broccoli” colorway. The two-tone arrangement was originally made famous by the Timberland boot and has been seen on New Balance silhouettes like the 993, 90/60 and 580 in the past couple of years. The shoe is constructed with a mix of breathable mesh and suede material, in line with its usual make up. The shoe also rests on a hiking-ready sole unit featureing C-Cap midsole cushioning and Ndurance outsoles for extra comfort. The sole features treads for added stability for rougher terrains.The New Balance 610 “Beef and Broccoli” is available now at select retailers and online for $110 USD. In other footwear news, take a look a the Howard University Air Jordan 1 Low OG PEs.