As part of one of its many initiatives in getting the sneaker community in on the creations, Nike sets to release the winners from its Nike “On Air” contest. Workshops held in New York City, London, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo became the proving grounds for a plethora of creatives to come together to express themselves. Countless entries were filed, but only six were given a chance to share the personal stories of how they have experienced and been inspired by their hometown. And before the GR, StockX is offering enthusiasts the chance to cop theirs before the official drop.
Highest Bid: $320 USD
Gwang Shin brings forth the neon nights of Seoul, South Korea to his creation. At night, the city is swathed with bright, striking lights, and Shin captured the area’s character through his unique material and color palette, which duals as a nod to the Taaeguk symbol on Seoul’s flag. Matte black dominates the silhouette but also provides space for red, white and blue tones to make a standout appearance.
Highest Bid: $239 USD
Created by Gabrielle Serrano, her iteration of the AM98 personifies the abundance of cultural diversity held within New York. The many experiences shared and brought to the city by the people are what she believes makes NYC so special. The shoe features references to the towering concrete structures that surround the inhabitants through its textured materialization. Alluding to the mix of races and ethnicities, a gradient of skin-toned type colors are the most notable detail.
Highest Bid: $300 USD
Just about everyone has that one date experience that just sticks with them throughout their lives, for better or for worst. Jasmine Lasode decided to lean into a more positive one with her Summer-ready offering. Tapping into the magic that consumed a first date on Primrose Hill, Lasode fashioned her creation as an ode to the personal moment and the summer in London.
Highest Bid: $250 USD
On the ground, the streets of Tokyo are bustling with the frenetic gait of residents, and visitors, presumably en route with their daily lives. And underground, there is a similar intensity of movement in the intricate labyrinth of the color tube lines traveling across the city. Yuta Takuman adeptly tapped into this theme for his work by implementing the maze-like structures through graphical printing. In tandem, the embossed leather plays off the locale’s concrete surfaces, while the red toned bubble honors Tokyo Tower.
Highest Bid: $300 USD
Based in France, Lou Matheron ostensibly utilized an industrial-esque inspiration for her rendition of the Nike Air VaporMax. Using a photograph of Parisian courthouse under construction as her muse, stylistic elements are implemented throughout to allude to the job site. A clean take on the shoe, the materials and hues add a raw feeling to further Matheron’s narrative.
Highest Bid: $430 USD
Cash Ru takes having your head in the clouds and, instead, puts the adage on your feet. Just as clouds create undulating waves that interact with each other birthing new forms and shapes, Ru wanted to evoke the same phenomenon in his version of the AM97. White provides the base for the midsole, as tonal blues splay across a semi-transparent fabric wrapping the upper. The aforementioned material extends off the body in layers giving the shoes a new dimension. In tandem, extra pull taps on the heel and tongue emblem are strewn on top of each other to add an extra embellishment.
To shop any of these sneakers, and more, head over to StockX’s website.