Nike is starting to gain its hype back in 2017 thanks to its smart marketing and strong collaborations. Whilst more than 10 notable Nike trainers released in 2017 we have picked out 10 highlights to show you in no particular order.
Nike X Skepta Air Max 97 Ultra –
The 97 had an extremely good 2017 thanks to Nike releasing a mix of OG colourways, a new ultra model and smart collaborations. The swoosh teamed up with Skepta to create his own Moroccan/Air Max Tuned inspired Air Max 97 Ultra. Unsurprisingly the shoe sold out instantly despite multiple restocks.
Nike X Tom Sachs Mars Yard 2.0 –
The second version of the Mars Yard was extremely limited but may have had the best roll out for a trainer in recent memory in New York. Those who wanted to cop the Mars Yard had to attend a “space camp” in which potential buyers had to partake in challenges to purchase a pair. A wider release also happened but that didn’t make these any easier to cop.
Vapormax x CDG –
The first official release of the Vapormax was in collaboration with Japanese brand Comme Des Garcons. Heralded as Nikes latest revolution adding branding and removing the laces from this futuristic model proved to be a masterstroke as the Vapormax X CDG currently resells for over £500.
Air Max 97 x Undefeated –
We already mentioned that the Air Max 97 had a great year and this collab with Undefeated was another hit. Taking cues from the classic Gucci colourway and adding patent leather to give this 97 a premium edge this trainer was another 97 that instantly sold out. Despite the black pair being more widely available we feel it is the better colourway than the green or white variants.
Nike Zoom FlyVapor Elite –
This sneaker was never actually available to buy for the public. However this FlyVapor elite deserves a place on this list for its significance and marketing. The shoe was made in order to try and break the 2 hour marathon which unfortunately Kipchoge was unable to do. Regardless the trainers are fire and the step down models such as the Zoom Fly are great alternatives.
Air Force 1 x Travis Scott –
La Flame had a big 2017, bagging himself a Kardashian, dropping an album with Quavo and becoming an official endorser of the swoosh. He rounded out 2017 by dropping his own Air Force 1s which were complete with interchangeable swooshes, as well as lace grills.
Air Max 1 Masters –
What better way to celebrate the Air Max 1 than putting a small patch of some of the best colourways onto one sneaker. Taking colours and patterns from the likes of the OG Red, Safari pack and the Kid Robot Air Max 1s. It is hard to imagine this trainer not making it onto any Air Max fans list.
Nike x Supreme “Sup-Tempo” –
People are starting to say that the Nike Uptempo is beginning to get played out due to countless colourways releasing, but the “Sup-tempo” as it has been dubbed was not an iteration people were bored of. Dropping in Triple Black, Gold and finally Red and White, buyers had a good selection of colourways to choose from.
Nike x Virgil Abloh – Presto –
Is this the best of the Virgil Abloh 10 collection? Many seem to think so and with good reason. The way Virgil and Nike deconstructed and effectively remade the Presto was remarkable. The highly sort after Presto remake may even be better than the Acronym Presto that dropped last year.
Nike x Sean Wotherspoon 97/1 –
Once again Nike brought out a voting system for Air Max day with this years prize being an new version of the Air Max designed by a Nikey enthusiast. Though the trainers are not supposed to be released till next March Sean and the swoosh have given fans plenty of chances to cop a pair, but those in Europe will have to wait till March to buy.
Words – Martin Viashima @MartinViashima
