The new year has coincided with the 30th anniversary of one of the most iconic silhouettes from Nike, the Air Force 1. The Nike Air Force 1 Low 30th Anniversary Collection first release has seen these two takes on the classic design come to fruition with a tonal black and a tonal white design highlighted by the use of various materials come to fruition.

The black piece employs a denim fabric almost all over the shoes, including the midsoles! Black nubuck leather is used for the swooshes, on the heels and as piping around the panels, again providing rather interesting details for a basic colourway.

The white versions features uppers constructed mainly from 3M light reflective synthetic leather, while the translucent soles are slightly off-white, which makes for subtle contrast to a simple colour scheme.

Nike Air Force 1 Low 30th Anniversary Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Those close to me know I’m some sort of high tech sneaker buzz right now… and these fit the bill perfectly. Think, what we considered the future, but 20 years ago! The galactic theme continues for Nike Sportswear with this weekend’s big basketball festivities about to kick off in Orlando. Nike’s Air Flight One given a “Glow-in-the-Dark” makeover.

Available at retailers and nikestore.com February 23rd.

Nike Air Flight One “Glow-in-the-Dark” is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Nike bring its classic fomposite offering again this Spring/Summer 2012, this time playing off the Foamposites unique material upper with a “Galaxy” print. The perfect high tech shoe pointing towards the stars and the future, when it releases on February 23rd.

Nike Foamposite One “Galaxy” is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is a great installation from Nike Sportswear Japan with a campaign entitled “Only The Strong”. Shot on various places of the Tokyo Bay area the imagery highlights a balance of pieces from the brands archive along with new and innovative products. Here we have the initial promotional visuals coinciding with the range, highlighting a number of individuals sporting the line’s new and fresh gear.

Nike Japan Spring/Summer 2012 “ONLY THE STRONG” Campaign is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Time goes by and new shoes come and go, but the classics, like Nike’s Air Max 1 never fade. There’s nothing crazy about this new Nike Sportswear issue for Spring 2012, but the reflective black accent is just enough to offer a nice alternative to your all black Air Max 1. Due out in the coming weeks.

Nike Air Max 1 “Black/Reflective” is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

With the Air Jordan 2012 being unveiled this week, here is a greater insight into the design of the latest installation of the iconic sneaker. Long time Nike designer Tinker Hatfield and Senior Jordan Brand designer Tom Luedecke are responsible for the design and the 27th edition of the sneaker makes for represents greater background into the heritage of the philosophy behind the Jordan Brand. Much like our previous viewing of the Nike MAG conceptual process, there’s a distinct difference between early ideas to the final wingtip inspired product which hits stores February 8.

Air Jordan 2012 Sketches is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Click here to view the embedded video.

Nike have announced Team LIVESTRONG in the wake of World Cancer Day on February 4. Providing hope for the some 28 million cancer survivors, lead by LIVESTRONG founder Lance Armstrong, a recognizable figure who has survived the disease himself along with a host of world-class athletes who have directly or indirectly been affected by the disease. The team consists of athletes from various fields with Julian Wilson, P.K. Subban, Sanya Richards-Ross, Lamar Odom, Larry Fitzgerald, Tessa Bonhomme and John Lester completing the line up. Nike will back the team and with a unique and intimate perspective outlining the ethos of the team.

Nike Team LIVESTRONG Announced is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Probably the most anticipated shoe of the year will see the light of day on February 10th at Cole Haan SoHo, 128 Prince Street, New York. The shoe is a simple Wingtip with the unique addition of a Nike Lunar midsole. We can now reveal the full selection of colours which will be in store on the 10th for $248, see them all below.

Nike x Cole Haan Lunargrand Collection (All 5 Colours) is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is a welcome addition to the long list of iconic sneakers Nike have available on their iD initiative. Having become a huge favourite since its initial release a few years back, now having the ability to apply your own colorway makes for welcoming news.

Nike Special Forces Boot iD is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

As 2012 marks the 23rd anniversary of the Air Jordan IV, Jordan Brand gift to us one of the most popular Jordan’s of all time as a retro. All four OG colorways will be retro’ed this year, but the first is the much coveted White/Cement Grey version.

Available February 18 for $160 USD.

Air Jordan IV White/Cement Grey 2012 Retro is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is another piece from Nike that combines the brands heritage with their highly regarded innovative approach. This Nike Sportswear Blazer features a Vac Tech manufacturing providing an interesting finish to a subdued tonal design.

Available now from Size?.

Nike Sportswear Blazer Mid Wool Vac Tech is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Nike Sportswear have celebrated Black History Month with a collection that consists of footwear and clothing. With four pieces of footwear, the Blazer, Air Force 1, Air Max 1 and Huarache all defined by a tonal black finsih with various a BHM logo completing each design. In addition the apparel features a letterman jacket, tee and baseball jacket finishing off a great installation.

Nike Sportswear Black History Month Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Is it possible to make a shoe that’s better than being barefoot? That’s the question Nike Design has answered with the Nike Free Gym+. The shoe features a second-skin fit and feel, with added cushioning, superior traction and all over flexibility inspired by the most bendable yogis.

Created for dynamic yoga and other mind-body classes typically taken barefoot, the Nike Free Gym+ is also ideal for training classes and Nike Fit workouts. It will protect the feet from whatever lives on a gym floor, while providing needed traction during a downward dog or other positions you choose to get yourself into.

A rubber outsole with a special herringbone traction pattern keeps feet secure. Deep, multi-directional flex grooves, informed by the game-changing Nike Free, enhance your full range of national motion. The split toe construction with extra traction on the big toe allows for barefoot-like gripping and helps you stay steady during the most challenging single-leg moves and balances.

Designed to be worn without socks to further the barefoot feel, the Nike Free Gym+ uses instant comfort heel pads and arch support, and has a naturally odor-absorbing lining infused with volcanic rock-derived fibers. The molded yet breathable sock liner also has a traction pattern and conforms to your foot to further reduce slippage and to add comfort.

Weighing in at just 5 oz, the Nike Free Gym’s ultra-light profile maximizes reactivity and speed. No sew and Nike Flywire construction with soft mesh upper reduces the overall weight of the shoe. A uniquely crafted arch strap lock engages the full arch when closed, giving a custom, secure fit.

The Nike Free Gym + is available from nikestore.com.

Nike Free Gym+ is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Nike have revisited the six original colorways of the iconic Dunk High with a release dubbed the March Madness Pack. Seen here is the colorways of 6 of 8 schools – UNLV, Kentucky, St. John’s, Syracuse, Arizona, Michigan, Iowa, and later Georgetown each accented by a black midsole and mid foot.

Available now from Proper.

Nike Dunk March Madness Pack is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Much has been made of this unique project between between Nike and Cole Haan, providing a new meaning to the idea of hybrid footwear. Following our initial preview, we began to get excited about the collection that consists of 5 different color options and here is further insight into the project with Sneaker Freaker firing a few questions at Phil Russo, VP of Design at Cole Haan.

How do you explain this new project Phil? Mashup? Hybrid? Old meets new?
I’d describe it as craftsmanship through design and innovation, which has been a driving core value of Cole Haan since 1928. Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan were obsessed with fusing craftsmanship and innovation to improve both the form and function of Cole Haan products. As testament to this, many of their original designs such as the iconic Trafton wingtip are still being made and worn in 2011.
Today we continue to create classically-crafted products and have ‘enviable resources’ to tap into, in terms of Nike technology and innovations. However, it’s the careful and considered combination of these ideas, abilities and resources that is unique to Cole Haan and takes the brand to new places and enhances their movement. The LunarGrand wingtip is a natural step in the evolution of our vision – a pioneering wingtip that perpetuates our co-founder’s legacy and keeps things moving forward.

It’s such an intriguing mix of old style and new tech. Is there a noticeable comfort difference with the LunarGrand? Is the weight reduction obvious?
Weight is really a personal preference in mens’ shoes. At one end of the spectrum you have our Trafton wingtip with its substantial construction and traditionally crafted leather sole. This type of classic shoe is always going to carry some weight – it’s expected. Then at the other end you have the LunarGrand, which is engineered to leverage innovative Lunarlon foam, delivering a lightweight, modern and more mobile reinterpretation of a classic wingtip.
The immediate reaction when wearing the LunarGrand is to its light weight and flexibility – its motion-enhancing properties which are unexpected in a classic-styled wingtip. Both of these styles are different expressions of one idea, brought to life through design and innovation. You get to choose which is best for you.

What was the impetus for this collaboration?
The idea came from our perpetual obsession to make our products better. If you understand what people are doing in their shoes today as well as their expectations in terms of functionality, style and movement, you can design with purpose and create solutions that provide real benefits.
Through design innovation such as the use of Lunarlon foam and its function-enhancing properties in the outsole of the LunarGrand, the boundaries of how classic dress shoes look, perform and function in modern environments are being redefined.

How did the partnership work? I assume this is the first time Nike and Cole Haan have actually collaborated together?
We have a very close working relationship with Nike’s design and innovation teams in Beaverton, Oregon. Cole Haan has been part of Nike Inc. since 1988, launching footwear featuring Nike Air technology in 2000. Now, Nike Air technology is utilized throughout Cole Haan’s footwear, enhancing the functionality of our products.
For the development of the LunarGrand, we combined the insights, experience and expertise of both teams to harness this Nike-invented ultra-lightweight cushioning system. Through considered and specific engineering, we created a unique wingtip that delivers enhanced cushioning, traction and flexibility in a classic, yet modernized silhouette.

Last question. Is this the future?
Wait till you see what we’re working on for 2013.

Nike x Cole Haan Lunargrand Collection Interview is a post from: SLAMXHYPE