Nike x NIGO: Exclusive Air Force III & Apparel Launch

Nike x NIGO: Exclusive Air Force III & Apparel Launch

Nike and Nigo are partnering for the first time to unveil an exclusive Air Force III silhouette along with an apparel collection that draws inspiration from various cultural elements, celebrating Nigo’s profound impact on contemporary streetwear. Nigo’s design takes the rugged and bold silhouette of the Air Force III, creating a new footwear narrative infused with rich pop culture references and inspirations.

This debut Nike x NIGO collection marks the beginning of an iconic partnership that has been decades in the making, with the Air Force III box hinting at future footwear and apparel releases. The Nike x NIGO Air Force III and apparel collection will be available on September 28 exclusively at Otsumo Plaza in Tokyo, humanmade.jp, and the "I Know Nigo 2" pop-up in New York, followed by a global launch on October 4 via SNKRS and select retail locations.

Nigo is not just a designer; he is a modern archivist and master collage artist, blending various mediums, inspirations, and references that shape the landscape of contemporary streetwear and pop culture. His discerning taste resonates across generations, from his rise on Tokyo’s streetwear scene in the early 1990s to his substantial influence on the world’s biggest platforms and runways.

This collaboration with Nike is a significant milestone for Nigo, allowing him to express his passion for movies, music, and traditions that have shaped his career. The partnership emphasizes a collector’s spirit, honoring Nigo’s legacy of cultural innovation while embodying a historic ethos of community and shared cultural experiences.

“Nigo’s thoughtfulness in storytelling and the meticulous detail he brought to our first project together have revitalized our approach to infusing stories into our products,” shares Leo Sandino-Taylor, VP of Global Energy Marketing. “He added remarkable depth to each creative element, allowing us to playfully execute his vision. He is truly a master of his craft.”

At the heart of this collaboration is Nigo’s exclusive interpretation of the Air Force III, reimagining its robust silhouette to forge a new footwear journey rich in pop culture references. Each future release will celebrate the fusion of fashion, culture, art, and music through the lens of sneakers and style, starting with a debut colorway inspired by Nigo’s favorite television genres from his youth.

The Nike x NIGO Air Force III features a premium upper made from a blend of genuine, embossed leathers and textiles, complemented by a midsole foam and rubber outsole reminiscent of the original AF3. The tongue and heel display matching graphics—one honoring the original sneaker and the other reflecting Nigo’s cultural influences.A custom box highlights the inspiration behind the debut colorway and offers hints about future footwear and apparel. Inside, a premium patch and pin specific to the debut colorway are included.

“Nike truly has many masterpieces,” Nigo remarks. “The AF3 is a hidden gem that I fondly remember. Through my first collaboration with Nike, I want to reintroduce everyone to its magnificence.”The accompanying apparel collection features a varsity jacket and hoodie inspired by one of Nigo’s favorite Japanese cartoons, along with classic T-shirts that can complement any outfit. The varsity jacket showcases chainstitch embroidery, custom embossed snaps, a three-layer chenille patch, and a Nike x NIGO quilted liner.

In select markets like China and Japan, a playful rendition of the debut Nike x NIGO collection will be available as Nike x OGIN—an homage to how Nigo’s work has been embraced and reinterpreted globally. Regardless of the branding, both versions of the collection embody the essence of Nigo.Timed with the release of Nigo’s new single and music video, the first Nike x NIGO release is just the start of an iconic partnership decades in the making.

“When I decided to work with Nike, I visited the Nike World Headquarters and drew a lot of inspiration from the archives, the lab, and the team there,” Nigo explains. “Everything I saw had a significant influence on the project. There’s much more to come, so please look forward to the ongoing Nike and Nigo project. It's the beginning of a long and exciting journey.”

The Nike x NIGO Air Force III and apparel collection will be available on September 28 exclusively at Otsumo Plaza in Tokyo, humanmade.jp, and the "I Know Nigo 2" pop-up in New York, followed by a global launch on October 4 on SNKRS and at select retail locations.