BOUQUET OF MAX: THE NIKE AIR MAX 1 ULTRA CITY COLLECTION

The Nike Sportswear Women’s City Collection comes into full bloom with six vibrant variants of the Nike Air Max 1 Ultra. The collection is influenced by distinct style capitals — London, Milan, New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo — each home to passionate running populations.

Six new Nike Air Max 1 Ultra designs feature three distinct patterns, each inspired by respresentative flowers and local heritage of two cites. The prints form individual color schemes that define each city, allowing each shoe to stand-alone.

NEW YORK AND PARIS

New York’s roses and Paris’s famed lilies constitute the first pattern.

Air Max 1 Ultra "New York"

On the New York edition, the motif is applied in a monochromatic black/white/gray palette, fitting of a modern landscape and the city's penchant for the color black. Its Parisian counterpart takes the decoration in blushing rococo pastels. 

Air Max 1 Ultra "Paris"

TOKYO AND LONDON

London and Tokyo, represented by roses and cherry blossoms, respectively, combine in the second dynamic design.

Air Max 1 Ultra "Tokyo"

A monochromatic indigo scheme represents the Japanese capital, while London receives a fiery red-and-white treatment atop a black background to reflect its gothic architecture. 

Air Max 1 Ultra "London"

MILAN AND SHANGHAI

Finally, Milan’s lilies and Shanghai’s plum blossoms are matched in delicate balance.

Air Max 1 Ultra "Milan"

A bleached bronze tone, evocative of the Italian Renaissance, highlights the Milan Air Max 1 Ultra, in contrast with a saturated monochromatic red on the Shanghai version.

Air Max 1 Ultra "Shanghai"

NIKE AIR MAX 1 ULTRA

Designed by the legendary Nike innovator Tinker Hatfield in 1987, the Nike Air Max revolutionized running with the concept of Visible Air techonology. Making Nike Air technology visible helped kickstart a unique running style that transended sport. The Air Max 1 Ultra extends the Air Max family tree. It features a completely new outsole that uses less material than the original for dramatically improved flexibility and reduced weight.

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra "New York"

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra "Tokyo"

Nike AIr Max 1 Ultra "Paris"

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra "London"

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra "Milan"

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra "Shanghai"

The Women’s Nike Sportswear Spring 2015 City Collection will be available in North America, online at nike.com/sportswear and at select Nike Sportswear retailers beginning April 11. The collection will be available to the rest of the world on March 8, International Women's Day.

Read More

KYLE WALKER ON AIR

KYLE WALKER ON AIR

For English footballer Kyle Walker, home is where the heart is. It’s also where he stores his ever-expanding sneaker collection. 

·         Kyle Walker, Air Max 95

“I've always had a trainer fetish. That's just my thing,” Walker admits. “I think I caught it from my mum.”

This type of deep-rooted appreciation paved the way for an early childhood obsession with footwear. In his hometown of Sheffield, he did whatever he could to keep a fresh pair on hand. Of particular interest to Walker was the Air Max 90, a shoe that introduced him to the world of visible Nike Air. 

“Everyone used to try and get the latest color,” Walker says. “I can remember I used to go to my friends' house, knock on their door and say to them, ‘Can I borrow your trainers?’ I didn't want to ruin mine.”

In his impressive sneaker closet, Walker stores a number of baby wipes in a cupboard. After he wears a sneaker, the defender wipes it down to return it to its near-pristine condition.

“It's not a sob story or anything,” Walker says. “But when I was growing up, I didn't have much. So my mum always said, ‘Treat things with respect, and they'll last a little bit longer.’ So that's what I've tried to do.”

His transition from small-town hero to big-city star has come with a bit of a sneaker transformation. While the Air Max 90 is still his crème de la crème, living in England’s major metropolis has inspired a more daring approach to footwear

Kyle Walker, Air Max 1 Ultra Moire

“Coming from Sheffield and moving down to London at the age of 19, I found (trainer culture) a lot bigger down here and the trainers a lot louder,” Walker says. “You see all different varieties and the different ways people rock them. So I’ve taken a liking to some of these bolder styles.”

For Walker, Air Max is more than just a statement about one’s style. It’s a footwear flag for one’s country.

Kyle Walker, Air Max 1 Ultra Moire

“As they say, the Air Max is a London trainer. So I feel that being from England, I have to keep repping the Air Max.”

Read More

NEYMAR JR. INSPIRES YOUNG FOOTBALLERS WITH NIKE HYPERVENOM LIQUID DIAMOND PACK

FEBRUARY 11, 2015 NEYMAR JR. INSPIRES YOUNG FOOTBALLERS WITH NIKE HYPERVENOM LIQUID DIAMOND PACK

Nike introduces the latest pack in its Hypervenom Collection for young football athletes. The new Hypervenom Liquid Diamond Pack features on and off-pitch options and comes on the heels of the Nike Hypervenom Highlight Pack and the Nike Hypervenom White Pack.

A SPECIAL HYPERVENOM COLLECTION

The Hypervenom Collection gives young fans a way to connect with Neymar Jr. and showcase their on- and off-pitch style. Each pack in the Hypervenom Collection takes inspiration from the key colorways of the current Hypervenom boots and includes the Nike Hypervenom Phelon (FG) boot; the Nike Free Hypervenom; and either the Nike Air Max 1, Air Max 90 or Air Max Command. For the new Liquid Diamond Hypervenom Pack, the Air Max 90 completes the trio.

The Hypervenom Liquid Diamond Pack for young athletes draws its inspiration from the adult Hypervenom Liquid Diamond boot that Neymar Jr. and Nike launched in late January 2015. The unique colorway of that boot was inspired by Neymar Jr.’s affinity for diamonds and the upper of the Hypervenom provided a textured canvas, enhancing the dimension of the color. After experimenting with a variety of different shades, the Hypervenom Liquid Diamond began to emerge, with colorful accents as a nod to Neymar Jr.’s personality.

“I think they will stand out because of that bright and energetic feeling you get from these boots. I think they have captured my bold and cheerful nature,” said Neymar Jr.

NIKE HYPERVENOM PHELON FG

The Nike Jr. Hypervenom Phelon soccer cleat is built for unrivaled agility on firm, natural surfaces. An innovative traction pattern places studs only where they're needed for fast release and maximum responsiveness. The usual soft, thin synthetic leather upper has been customized to more closely mirror the texture of the adult boot while still offering a glove-like fit and awesome ball feel. A shortened lace area on the upper increases the strike zone on the boot for younger athletes and the contoured sockliner with textile top layer provides soft, supportive cushioning for growing feet.

NIKE AIR MAX 90

The Nike Air Max 90 is super-comfortable and features the same cushioning that's made Nike Air Max designs famous. A Leather upper with strategically placed overlays delivers great durability and support while additional eyestays give athletes a locked-down fit. There is an Air-Sole unit in heel for exceptional cushioning, a rubber outsole waffle pattern delivers superior traction on variable surfaces and flex grooves mirror the foot gait to match the natural motion of young athletes.

NIKE FREE HYPERVENOM

The Nike Free Hypervenom gives young athletes a flexible and lightweight everyday, off-pitch shoe. The superb flexibility comes from hexagonal flex grooves that are cut into the outsole and wrap around the sidewall, allowing the foot to move naturally in every direction. A rounded heel mimics the foot shape, rolling with the ground to promote natural movement and extended range of motion.

The dimpled upper of the Liquid Diamond Free Hypervenom takes its inspiration from the adult Hypervenom cleat and offers durability without added weight and an adaptive, supportive fit that moves naturally in sync with the athlete.

Read More

odell Beckham on air max

ODELL BECKHAM JR. ON AIR

Of all the positions in football, wide receivers often seem to have the best style. They match flash with finesse and grace with guts.

Perhaps no player exemplified this bravado better last season than Odell Beckham Jr. The New York wide receiver earned offensive rookie of the year honors in a season highlighted by an acrobatic one-handed catch that proved the impossible is possible.

But while Beckham Jr.’s hands get all of the recognition, it’s his feet that earn his attention.

Odell Beckham Jr., Air Max Lunar1 Winter Jacquard



“I've been a sneakerhead since my feet could fit in some shoes,” Beckham Jr. says. “I remember in high school buying a lot of Nike sneakers and a lot of Air Max 1 shoes. I think I bought every Air Max 1 there was on the site just because it's such an easy shoe to wear. You can throw it on with anything.”

For the Louisiana native, sneakers are a critical part of his everyday look. So when he had the opportunity to meet Las Vegas style leader Valerie Julian during a recent trip to the desert, Beckham Jr. didn’t hesitate.

Julian is the co-owner of Fruition Las Vegas, a curated shopping destination. The store features an edited selection of apparel based in large part on Julian’s refined taste. She brought this expertise to her meeting with Beckham Jr.



Valerie Julian



“I did my research, of course, and made sure that I brought items, colorways and prints that would speak to Odell and his personal style,” Julian says. “I made sure to balance minimal looks with extreme graphics and extreme bold prints. It was important to be able to have a well-curated selection that hit every type of aspect and facet that he might be into.”

This meant putting outfits together from the Air Max up.



Odell Beckham Jr.



“There's no better feeling than putting sneakers on and seeing that you’ve completed your outfit,” Beckham Jr. says. “You look down, you see what you've got on, and you just feel confident.”



Odell Beckham Jr.



Julian agrees that confidence often stems from what one chooses to wear.

“It's dressing the way that you want to be addressed,” Julian says. “I ask myself, ‘Do I want to be a little bit more bold in color, or do I want to be a little bit more minimal, and then my shoe is more of the pop piece?’ In all, though, it always has to make me feel confident in who I am and what I'm trying to convey to the world.”

Julian and Beckham Jr. own more than 400 sneakers between them. With a passion for shoes as common ground, the two became fast friends.

“I think it's such a beautiful way of expressing yourself, through shoes,” Beckham Jr. says. “It's a way to bond. You see somebody dressed up, they're swagged out. They're fly. And then you look at their feet, and they've got some fly shoes on. You like to dress like that, so you automatically have a connection.”

Read More

DAVID LUIZ ON AIR MAX

DAVID LUIZ ON AIR

Paris is a city easy to get lost in. For Kevin Duong, that’s just the way he likes it. The Parisian sneakerhead prefers to walk the city by foot, ideally in Air Max, uncovering hidden gems from one cobblestoned street to the next.

Paris’ newest gem is David Luiz. The famous Brasilian footballer signed with Paris Saint-Germain last year. On the pitch, Luiz’s relentless defending has made him a safety net for club and country, as well as a flag-bearer for a new generation of football. Off the pitch, Luiz has quickly taken a liking to his new home, absorbing all the sights, sounds and sneakers.

David Luiz, Air Max Zero

“It’s very cool, a city where French people are crazy about football,” Luiz says. “I’m happy to have this support too, to have this love involving the city. It’s not just the romantic couple in love, but the love for the sport.”

This passion was flush on a recent spring day in Paris. Duong and Luiz crossed paths in La Ville Lumière in what became a summit involving a sneakerhead who loves football and a football player who loves sneakers.

“PSG has been dear to me,” Duong explains. “I can’t imagine supporting another club.” 

The two traded stories of triumph and defeat, on the pitch and in the sneaker shop, only stopping momentarily to admire each other's footwear.

David Luiz and Kevin Duong

“Two sneakers in [Kevin’s] collection are dedicated to Paris Saint-Germain,” Luiz says with a smile. “I think he has very good taste.”

An Air Max that Duong doesn’t have is one that Luiz would be happy to invent.

“They haven’t done one yet with curly hair, which would define me best,” Luiz says, laughing. “But in all seriousness, those with lively colors will better define who I am. Or if they make them with a smile, or with a tongue sticking out, that could be it.”

David Luiz, Air Max Zero

The Paris Saint-Germain defender is well known for his unique hair and comedic personality. But what many may not know is that he is an avid fan of sneakers, especially Air Max.

David Luiz, Air Max Zero

“The sneaker is a symbol for all that life has given me,” Luiz says. “It's possible today to have many sneakers. I know how much my parents have struggled to give us, my sister and me, at least the basic things. And today I see that life has given me even more, much more than I’ve ever asked for. I’m happy to be able to choose, 'Well, I’ll wear this one, no, it doesn’t look cool, I’ll change it.'”

Luiz has noticed that sneaker culture in Paris is distinctly different from that in Brasil. 

“In Brasil, sneakers are paired with a much more casual look,” Luiz says. “But here in France, I see people wearing sneakers with more formal clothes.”

As an expert on Parisian sneaker culture, Duong is able to expand on this thought.

Kevin Duong

“In Paris, historically, at least while I’ve been living here, I think it’s really about a love affair with running shoes in general,” Duong says. “I think if you had to choose one model, it would be the Air Max BW, which, I think, for a long time used to be the highest-selling pair in France.”

David Luiz and Kevin Duong

But no matter the silhouette, Air Max is a staple of the Parisian street, not just on foot, but also as a conversation-starter for two new friends. 

Read More