Nike continues to be a trendsetter in 2019. From powerhouse Serena Williams donning off-white Nike sneakers that could be from any Nike outlet in the AU to innovative designs like the Vapormax Plus with dip-dyed designs, Nike rocks the fashion world as much as it dominates sports performance.
Serena Williams at the Met Gala
Wearing a dramatic neon gown was shocking enough for the Met Gala host and tennis giant Serena Williams. But no one could count on the sports star donning the best basketball shoes. The yellow and pink floral gown design was offset by the equally blindingly yellow footwear. Williams wore the Off-White X Nike Air Force 1 “Volt”.
Dip Dyed Fame with Vapormax
May sees the release of Nike’s Vapormax Plus. The unique sneaker silhouette features a splash of dip-dyed patterns, reminiscent of hydrographic prints. The simple bottom components are complemented by a loud excess of orange. The dark to light contrast in the pattern is unpredictable. The aesthetic calls to artistic watercolors or the splatter painting of Jackson Pollock. If that is not intricate enough, the clear profile cages add to the magical weave of design.
Psychedelia and the React Presto
Nike’s hybrid footwear series is hot. In fact, the newest Nike Presto turns up the heat. “Psychedelic Lava” mixes bright yellow, orange, and blue neon in a stunning retro-modernist look. The hybrid has blue/orange accents contrasted with the yellow base. The tri-colored shoes promised to be one of the hottest trends this summer.
Nike Air Fear of God
NBA Houston Rocket PJ Tucker donned the new Nike Air Fear of God 1 “Orange Pulse” sneakers this season. The Leo Change design has a bold neon orange contrasting wildly with the icy blue heel. Reflective and incredibly visible, the “Orange Pulse” is a premium sports performance shoe great for on and off the court.
WNBA Sponsorship
With a bold move to increase its overall sales in the women’s apparel and shoe market, Nike has signed a multi-year deal with the WNBA. The sneaker giant supported getting more women into sports, even hosting a panel that discussed barriers for girls in sports. In addition to trying to gain a bigger market share in women’s apparel, NIKE has moved towards branding itself as “inspirational”. Nike has also taken some practical steps like developing new lines of yoga pants and sports bras. Additionally, the “Dream Crazier” campaign, featuring Serena Williams and gymnast Simone Biles. Nike may face an uphill battle, as the lion share of its merchandise is marketed to men.
Golf Like Jordan
Nike released a new spikeless golf shoe – the Golf Jordan ADG. The low profile design was inspired by Jordan models from the 1987-1988 NBA season. The shoes boast a pattern at the instep of the toe box. The iconic Michael Jordan logo and “GOLF” are embroidered in red. Tinker Hatfield designed the unique elephant pattern print that is the hallmark of the new Golf Jordan ADG Golf Shoe.
Nike continues to grow in various markets significantly with innovative sneaker design and high end technology for every athlete.