Since 2009, the giant Nike has been created an annual collection called N7 to raise funds to help the Native American and Aboriginal communities of North America. For its 11th edition, Nike presents a pack created by a Navajo designer, who wanted to pay tribute to the plants and flowers that are part of the American natural heritage. The Native Americans use them to heal themselves and stay healthy. This N7 2020 collection consists of a Kyrie 6, an Air Max 90, a Venture Runner and a Benassi Slide.
On these pairs, we find colours, and sometimes prints, reminiscent of plants such as aloe, yucca, wild rose, dandelion and prickly pear. The branding associating the swoosh with the title of the N7 collection can be found on the tab labels of all the silhouettes.
The Kyrie 6 N7 wants to represent Kyrie Irving’s personal journey as a Brooklyn Nets player and his reconnection with his mother’s Lakota Sioux heritage. On the sandy-coloured upper, we discover colourful elements referring to his native roots. All along the heel counter there is a two-tone pink and orange stripe with green, blue and yellow symbols inspired by the long history of the Lakota tribe. Also, small touches of bright colours appear on the eyelets. The contrast is accentuated by the imposing orange-pink swoosh on the middle strap. To unify the look, the inner lining and round laces are off-white. The whole is based on a white sole with green and blue accents.
The Air Max 90 N7 features a colour palette that combines neutral tones with bold colours. The pair consists of a white mesh upper on the toe box and under the ankle, with cream and grey suede overlays. The influence of plants and flowers can be seen on the fluorescent pink side swoosh and on the laces eyelets, heel tab and air unit presented in volt colour. For added contrast, the inner lining, tongue and laces are black. The whole is based on a white and volt midsole combined with a black outsole.
The Nike Venture Runner N7 features a floral print all over the upper in white breathable mesh. These elements pay homage to nature and its benefits. The combination of green, blue, pink and orange adds pep to this retro running shoe. The vintage side is affirmed by the light grey velvety suede overlays on the toe, laceguard and heel counter. The black suede side swoosh stands out from the pastel colours covering this shoe. The visible seams and the fluorescent orange heel clip add cachet to the pair. To complete the design, the tongue and laces are white. The whole is based on a white midsole and a black outsole.
The Benassi Slide N7 combines comfort and design. This sandal features an elegant grey suede strap sewn on a relaxing and non-slip EVA foam sole in fluorescent green colour.
This shoe pack will be complemented by a range of textile items, from t-shirts to tank tops and leggings and shorts.
It’s important to remember that the funds obtained from the sales of this collection are donated to Amerindian and Native organizations and communities. The money raised allows to participate in the well-being of children, to develop physical activity programs, education and career projects. Also, these grants make it easier to help other local groups, and this year, because of the health emergency caused by Covid-19, these funds helped meet essential health needs.
The Nike N7 collection featuring the Kyrie 6 N7, Air Max 90 N7, Venture Runner N7 and Benassi Slide N7 will be available on June 21, 2020, at Nike.com and select retailers. The prices for the Kyrie 6 N7 and Air Max 90 N7 will be 130€ each, the Venture Runner N7 will cost 80€ and the Benassi Slide N7 at the price of 35€.
Stay tuned…
