First Look: Nigel Sylvester Boards the Nike Air Ship

BMX rider Nigel Sylvester originally signed with the Jordan Brand back in 2021, the Queens native becoming the first-ever rider to ink a deal with the Jumpman. Known in sneakerhead circles for his seminal, oil-stained Air Jordan 1 collaboration in 2018 (one of the big-ticket Air Jordans in a year loaded with releases), Sylvester is now turning his attention to the ,Nike Air Ship, with the so-called ‘Bike Air’ collaboration expected to launch in Summer 2023.

Initially introduced in 1984, the Nike Air Ship hit the market the very same year as the Air Jordan.1. Still maintaining a cult following despite being overshadowed by its industry-defining sibling, the Air Ship has again taken flight recently thanks to a much-hyped A Ma Maniére collaboration and solid inline colourways from the Jumpman.

In terms of the upcoming Sylvester collaboration, we don’t have much to go off of as yet. However, it looks like Sylvester has remixed the silhouette with ‘Bike Air’ motifs, replacing the traditional ‘Nike Air’ embroidered heels. The base white leather build is congruous with recent inline releases, while shaggy blue suede overlays and Swooshes provide the collaboration with UNC-adjacent stylings.

Currently, no official release details have surfaced, but make sure to keep it locked to Sneaker Freaker for updates.

In the meantime, check out the forgotten history of the Nike Air Ship.