VERSUS: Should Nike's Iconic Colourways be Applied to Other Models?
When it comes to sneakers, the colourways are often as storied as the models themselves. You just need to look back at schemes like the iconic 'Bred' and 'Royal', which have transcended the Air Jordan 1 to become synonymous with the greater Swoosh canon. That said, there's been a truckload of unambiguous colourway crossovers from the Beaverton Brand this year. The Nike SB Dunk adopted legendary Jordan and Air Max colourways, most notably the 'Chicago' and 'Infrared', which have been icons since their debuts in the 80s. Meanwhile, the Air Jordan 4 lit-up a classic 'Neon' palette, borrowing the fan-favourite scheme from the world of the big bubble.
And this got us thinking, should these iconic colourways be applied to other models? Or is it better to keep them sacred? As always, make your say count and vote below!
What's with all the colourway crossover lately? Sneakers like the Dunk Low 'Elephant', 'Infrared', 'Safari' and 'Chicago' are all biting classic designs tied to iconic models. Surely we're just diluting the space if we're applying them willy nilly?
They're all iconic colourways for a reason: THEY LOOK SICK. Besides, crossovers have been happening for years. All the skaters of the late 80s and 90s were shredding Jays. That's why the 'Chicago' Dunk is so rad! Give me a classic scheme over a vomit-worthy mishmash any day of the week!
Vomit-worthy? The tongue of the 'Chicago' Dunk SB just straight looks whack. They're too thick. It doesn't look right. And I doubt any skaters from the 80s and 90s are salivating over this mashup. Those OG 'heads want REAL OG releases. Not mimicry.
You're tripping. Skaters love the fat tongue! In fact, they're pretty much the ones that introduced it to the Dunk.
Colourways are always cross-pollinating these days. The 'Safari' started on the 1987 Air Safari, remember? Later, we had the ultra-hyped atmos x Air Max 1 'Safari'. Now, we've got a Dunk in 2020. Colourways are ever-evolving and amorphous. They're not sacrosanct!
,But what the hell does Air Max have to do with Nike Dunks? It's the same with the 'Infrared', right?!
Whether there's history there or not is beside the point! Some of the best Dunk drops this year have borrowed the iconic colourways... You can't expect Nike to only do wacky and weird all year – the novelty would wear out pretty damn quick. Adding iconic colourways to the mix only adds to the excitement when stuff like the 'Skunk' or 'Strangelove' come out.
Well, I'd argue the novelty has already worn off. We're already 'Drunk on the Dunk'. But does that mean we should just shred up the rule book? Ignore any authentic cultural legacies, and float in the maelstrom?
Different times, homie. There's a whole new legion of sneaker fiends out there and, unfortunately, they'll probably never be able to cop an Air Jordan 1 'Bred' without deep pockets. This is the post-modern sneaker world – and making use of iconic colourways on new silhouettes pays homage to the past, while giving the new brigade something they can actually cop... most of the time, anyways.
Can't we just keep reissuing the AJ1 'Bred' without toasting numerous other silhouettes? It's one of the greatest sneakers ever for a reason. If you can't cop a pair for retail, you're not alone! Giving people lesser renditions of classics should offer no consolation.
Well, it clearly does, as seen by the influx of AJ1 Mids in iconic colourways. They've done the 'Chicago', 'Royal', and they've even got a 'Bred' coming out... I never thought I'd see the day when Mids were flying off shelves, but they are now. If anything, these 'lesser' silhouettes are only adding to the legacy of those original colourways.
The Mids are one thing. But can we justify the golf and baseball crossovers?
What are you on? Jordan played baseball. And he loves golf! This all authentic to me, homie. Jordan Brand have been doing crossover sneakers since the 90s. Remember? MJ wore signature Jumpman baseball cleats! Let's face it, the best sneakers have always come from running and basketball, so you can't blame brands from bringing those styles – and colours – to other sports. If it's gonna get more sneakerheads into different sports, that's a bonus, too!
Don't hold your breath, we're not going to see any cleats in Space Jam 2...
If MJ was wearing AJ1 golf shoes maybe he never would’ve been kidnapped by Swackhammer in the first place! Anyway, I'm shredding Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 in my Nike SB Dunk 'Chicago'. You gotta quit crying. You're worse than Drake.
Who took the w?
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