The American giant NIKE continues the celebration of the 75 years of the NBA (National Basketball Association) by adding a new silhouette reinterpreted to its special collection already well stocked. After Dunks and Blazers, an Air Force 1 Low on the theme of « Lakers » is proposed to us.
Contrary to what one might have thought, the iconic shoe is not dressed in purple and gold signature of the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s presented in a fusion of its two identities, Minneapolis and Los Angeles.
A little historical aside, the basketball franchise made its debut in 1947 in Minnesota by purchasing a disbanded team, the Detroit Gems. Called the Minneapolis Lakers, it moved a decade later to Los Angeles and became the first team on the West Coast.
The sneaker designed by Bruce Kilgore in 1982 features a smooth white leather upper with sky blue and purple accents referring to the Minneapolis and Los Angeles houses, respectively. These hues cover the center panels, purple on one side and sky blue on the other. The eyelets, inner lining, insole and outsole appear in sky blue, while the line above the white midsole and the medial Swoosh logo are adorned in purple. To affirm the tribute to the NBA’s diamond anniversary, special branding adorns the tongue tag and the silver metallic dubraes feature diamond engraving. The finishing touch is the purple Lakers logo L embroidered on the sky blue heel tab.
The NBA X Nike Air Force 1 Low « Lakers » will be released on October 8, 2021 at select retailers and nike.com for 110$. Don’t sleep !
