It was recently announced that Nike would be collaborating with Off-White, one of the hottest streetwear brands around. This collaboration comes only a few weeks after Nike ended their partnership with VLONE, another popular streetwear brand, after sexual assault allegations surrounding its co-founder, A$AP Bari, surfaced. The collection will feature familiar Nike sneaker silhouettes with an added twist from Off-White mastermind, Virgil Abloh. None of the designs are particularly groundbreaking: The shoes are simply popular models (Jordan 1s, Blazers, Air Prestos, etc.) with the word “AIR” printed on one side and the branding “OFF-WHITE for NIKE / (Insert Model Name Here) / Beaverton, Oregon USA / c. 2017” on the other.
Collaborations like this one help draw attention to existing Nike models, an initiative that’s extremely important as Nike continues its competition with other sneaker brands. Even though these sneakers will be released in scarce numbers, the collaboration will bring consumers’ eyes to the existing shoes that Nike offers as an alternative for those who fail to cop. Soon you’ll see people wearing Nike’s VaporMax or Air Presto sneakers as a “poor man”‘s Nike x Off-White.
If you’re interested in picking up a pair of the sneakers, good luck (unless you’re willing to pay $1000+). These sneakers are guaranteed to sell out instantly and be resold at 5-10 times the price. If you somehow manage to get a pair, consider buying a lottery ticket, because you must be quite lucky.