Tag Archives: nike

Nike Air Max 90 turned into fully playable SNES console is the ultimate retro-modern mashup

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Sneaker culture and gaming go a long way back, good enough reason we’ve seen many interesting collaborations that signify the retro-modern charm of reliving the golden era. The excitement of playing arcade titles that defined the ’80s and ’90s keeps the creative juices of inventive DIYers flowing. While having the superficial elements of gaming on a pair of sneakers is common, having an actual gaming console running right off your sneaker is worth the attention.

Designer Gustavo Bonzanini has come up with a unique way to celebrate the Super Nintendo’s 35th anniversary since its release in Japan. The one-off sneaker running the 16-bit SNES games is a homage to the 90s fashion and gaming technology. He calls them the AIR SNES since they are based on the Nike Air Max 90, which are as nostalgic as the arcade games we are all obsessed with. He positions them as comfort-laden classic runners that bring the thrill of 16-bit adventure.

Designer: Gustavo Bonzanini

The Singapore-based designer has a knack for creating unique wearable art from everyday shoes. This time, he’s hit the note right with the retro arcade vibe of gaming consoles of yesteryear. The idea for the build came from his Street Fighter II gaming streak, as he noticed Ryu launching fireballs from the device linked to the foot. Gustavo asked himself a question: why can’t a pair like the Nike Air Max 90 that looks like a video game double as a gaming console? Hence came the idea of designing sneaker shoes with built-in gaming capabilities. The best thing is that they are completely wearable, and you can play games right off them. The majority of the shoe remains the same, like the air cushioning system, but the magic happens right up at the tongue. The section is loaded with a Raspberry Pi Zero W tiny computer that’s no bigger than a business card.

It is paired with a small battery placed in the footbed, which provides 30 minutes of playtime. You can just plug it into an old school TV and play, since it has RCA output ports (instead of an HDMI output) to retain the classic feel. According to him, this was done, “to make the design feel like it could exist in 1990.” Of course, you need a controller to enjoy the games, so he had to tinker around with the regular SNES controller to get going. He modified the peripheral with a new internal for improved reliability and Bluetooth connectivity via the 8BitDo Mod Kit. That had to be done as the shoe’s contraption could not fit the input for the controller and would have added to the overall weight.

The AIR SNES can be used to play titles like Super Mario World or The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past via the microSD card slot, which is slotted inside the tongue. Gustavo has even gone the length to test the sneakers on the road and thereafter play games on them to make the build as authentic as possible. The final element comes in the form of a gray and purple palette of the sneakers, complemented by the light purple stitching along the seam to replicate the controller’s button layout. Unfortunately, these sneakers are not available to buy, and you’ll have to follow Gustavo’s build to create one for yourself.

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Nike’s $210 G.T. Cut 4 Claims to Have the Most Responsive Cushion Ever

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There’s something almost sci-fi about the way Nike’s latest basketball shoe looks. The G.T. Cut 4 feels like the kind of sneaker you’d see in a movie about athletes competing on another planet, with its sleek, low-profile silhouette and those distinctive vents running along the side panels. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about looking cool (though it absolutely does). Nike really went all-in on making what they’re calling their most responsive basketball shoe yet, and honestly, the tech behind it is pretty wild.

This is the fourth iteration in Nike’s Greater Than series, a line that’s been carving out its own space in the basketball world since 2021. Unlike some signature shoes that lean heavily on athlete branding, the G.T. Cut series has always been about the tech and the feel. It’s built for the players who make things happen through movement: the ones constantly creating space, cutting hard, and changing direction on a dime. The original G.T. Cut made waves with React cushioning, while the third version went lighter with full-length ZoomX foam. Now, with the G.T. Cut 4, Nike’s doubled down on everything players loved and pushed it further.

Designer: Nike

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening underfoot, because that’s where things get interesting. Nike packed this shoe with ZoomX 3.0 foam in the midsole, which is their softest and most responsive cushioning technology. This stuff is usually reserved for elite running shoes, so seeing it adapted for the hardwood is a big deal. But they didn’t stop there. The ZoomX 3.0 works alongside a parabolic Zoom Strobel, RBR-X foam for stability, and a Cushlon carrier for support. It sounds like a lot, but what all these layers do together is create a setup that doesn’t just absorb impact when you land. It actually gives energy back, which translates to more explosive movements and quicker first steps off the dribble.

The traction pattern is another standout feature. Nike developed a new generative design that’s informed by biomechanics research, which is a fancy way of saying they studied how players actually move on the court and created a sole that responds to those movements. For anyone who’s ever slipped during a crucial cut or felt their shoe lag behind their intention, this kind of attention to traction matters a lot.

Then there’s the fit. Nike went with a 3D-molded collar, a molded vamp tongue, and what they call an exoskeleton-casted containment upper. Translation: the shoe wraps around your foot in a way that locks you in without feeling restrictive. There are only four lace loops, which keeps the profile clean and minimal. The whole design philosophy here seems to be about making the shoe feel like an extension of your body rather than something you’re wearing. Ross Klein, Nike Basketball’s VP and Creative Director, said they took insights from players around the world to create a shoe for the future of basketball, and you can see that player-informed approach in every detail.

The debut colorway, called “Preheat,” is genuinely eye-catching. It features an iridescent metallic finish in Persian Violet and Glacier Blue with black and chrome accents. WNBA star Paige Bueckers was spotted wearing them during All-Star Weekend, and the photos definitely turned heads. The colorway fits perfectly with the shoe’s futuristic vibe, looking like something that could be at home on a runway as much as on the court.

At $210, the G.T. Cut 4 sits in that premium basketball shoe territory, but considering the level of innovation Nike crammed into this design, it’s not an unreasonable price point for serious players or collectors. The shoe drops in January 2026 on Nike’s website and at select retailers, with more colorways expected to roll out throughout the year.

What’s really cool about the G.T. Cut 4 is how it represents where basketball shoe design is heading. The game itself is evolving, with faster transitions, sharper cuts, and more positionless play. Nike’s response isn’t just to tweak last year’s model. They’re actively rethinking what a basketball shoe needs to do, pulling from athlete feedback and biomechanics data to create something that feels genuinely new. It’s performance gear that happens to look like the future, and that combination is always exciting to see.

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Nike’s Cherry Blossom Air Force 1 Is Peak Spring Mood

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There’s something about cherry blossom season that makes you stop in your tracks. Maybe it’s the pink petals floating through the air like confetti celebrating nature’s comeback, or the way entire neighborhoods transform into Instagram-worthy backdrops overnight. Nike gets it, and their latest Air Force 1 ’07 PRM “Cherry Blossom” turns that fleeting springtime magic into something you can actually wear.

Dropping in spring 2026, this isn’t your standard AF1 colorway. Nike’s taking the iconic silhouette and giving it a dual personality. The sneaker features a removable cherry blossom shroud that drapes over the entire shoe, laser-cut with delicate floral petals that mimic the way sakura flowers blanket the ground during peak bloom. It’s like wearing a piece of that magical moment when Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin or Tokyo’s parks become pink wonderlands.

Designer: Nike (photos from snkr_collector123c)

But here’s where it gets interesting. This is essentially two sneakers in one. Remove that floral overlay, and you’re left with a completely different vibe: a soft hairy suede base in a two-tone color story mixing light grey and pale pink. The toebox and side panels get that blush pink treatment, while the toe, lace panel, heel, and tongue rock the grey. A crisp white leather Swoosh and steel grey midsole keep things grounded. The color palette reads like a spring sunset: Malt, Light Soft Pink, Particle Rose, and Mauve Grey. These aren’t your basic bubblegum pinks. They’re sophisticated, almost dusty tones that feel elevated rather than loud. The kind of colors that work just as well with vintage denim as they do with a flowing midi skirt or tailored joggers.

Nike’s been on this nature kick lately, and honestly, it’s working. This Cherry Blossom release follows their “Autumn Leaves” (also called Leaf Camo) edition that used the same removable shroud concept but with fall foliage. It’s part of a larger narrative Nike’s building around turning their heritage models into wearable seasonal art. The Air Force 1, which has been a street style staple since 1982, keeps proving it can evolve without losing that essential cool factor that made it iconic in the first place.

What makes this release particularly smart is the cultural resonance. Cherry blossoms carry deep symbolism around renewal, beauty, and the transient nature of life. In Japanese culture, hanami (flower viewing) is an entire tradition built around appreciating cherry blossoms. By tapping into this imagery, Nike’s doing more than just making a pretty shoe. They’re connecting to something bigger, a cross-cultural appreciation of nature’s cycles that transcends geography.

The construction stays true to what makes Air Force 1s workhorses. You still get that padded collar and cushioned midsole that made them basketball legends before they became streetwear essentials. The perforations on the toe box keep breathability in check. These aren’t just for show; they’re built to be worn daily, which is crucial because the last thing anyone wants is a beautiful sneaker that sits in a box.

At $130, the price point sits in that sweet spot where it feels premium without requiring you to enter raffles or battle bots on release day. It’s Nike acknowledging that great design should be accessible, especially when you’re celebrating something as universally appreciated as spring’s arrival. The removable shroud feature is genius from a practical standpoint too. Start your day with the full floral drama, then strip it down to the suede base for a more subtle evening look. It’s versatility baked right into the design, giving you styling options without needing multiple pairs of kicks cluttering your closet.

Nike’s turning seasonal transitions into collectible moments, and the Cherry Blossom Air Force 1 might be their most poetic attempt yet. It captures that brief window when everything feels possible, when winter’s weight finally lifts and the world remembers how to bloom. That’s a lot of meaning to pack into a sneaker, but when it looks this good, who’s complaining?

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Nike Unveils 3D printed Air Max 1000 that reimagines Air Max 1 in red laceless silhouette

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Nike seems to be on a roll, innovating beyond the obvious territories. After its collaborative Monopoly Game Set with Hasbro, the Swoosh brand is now teaming up with German shoe company, Zellerfeld, to give its original Air Max a 3D printed makeover in a vibrant red laceless design.

Nike Air Max 1 originally designed by Tinker Hatfield has always had a special place in our hearts for the incredible future-forward design. Easily the greatest sneaker, the Air Max is now a revolution, which has come a long way since its inception with continuous air technology innovations with every new release. This time it’s not the sole or regular manufacturing, in fact, it’s the entire thought of the shoe that will rock the show at ComplexCon 2024.

Designer: Nike

Zellerfeld founded in 2015, is a shoe company that specializes in 3D-printing thoughtful designs. Nike collaborated with the German outfit to delve into Air Max legacy and bring out a 3D-printed re-imagination that would launch at the ComlexCon on November 16 and 17, 2024. The groundbreaking rendition of the iconic Air Max 1, the Nike Air Max 1000, showcases the evolution of air technology along with new manufacturing techniques.

This combination of Air and 3D printing creates an engaging underfoot experience that according to the design team produces “the same comfort and responsiveness” of the original silhouette. At the foundation of this new creation of course is Nike’s obsession with cushioning besides that Air band and the mudguard wave make apparent nuances that tag the 3D printed version to the original.

The wavy lines forming the mudguard and the air unit in the heel do not make the Air Max 1000 much different, but the sneaker’s laceless design truly propels it into a new fan category – delightfully pleasing in a bright red colorway. The blend of smooth and textured print in the upper half of the AM 1000, goes well with the single Swoosh banding and the carved outsole. There is no word on the price, but I believe, the sneaker is worth whatever it comes for!

 

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Nike and Hasbro collaborate over Limited-Edition LeBron themed Monopoly Game

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Footwear icon Nike and the creators of the classic Monopoly game set, Hasbro, have come into a special collaboration to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the board game on November 19 with a limited-edition Monopoly game set themed after the basketball legend LeBron James. Dubbed LeBron 22, the game set is fine memorabilia for both sports and Monopoly fans across all age groups.

The board game, with a fresh twist, is not a solitary-themed item born out of this collaboration that no one saw coming. Anyway, comes along with exclusive LeBron sneakers inspired by the Monopoly’s design elements. The game set on the other hand comes with LeBron-themed playing pieces including rings, basketballs, sneakers, and jerseys that take the gameplay to the next level of fandom.

Designer: Nike x Hasbro

Hasbro x Nike Monopoly-themed speakers come in two distinct designs. The Currency and Token. While the first is inspired by the graphic approach of the money in the game of Monopoly, the latter is envisioned after the game tokens in luxurious blue and gold floral print. Both have their own journey and style but live up to the common goal of celebrating LeBron’s admirable gameplay and lifestyle, and Monopoly’s iconic status. The Currency colorway is ready to drop on November 15 with Token arriving on the 19th.

Aside from the release of the game of Monopoly and the thematic sneakers, Nike and Hasbro plan on bringing the LeBron 22 Monopoly Game Set to LeBron James’ House Three Thirty community center in Akron, OH, to celebrate Monopoly Day on November 19. Along with a life-size version of the game being hosted at LeBron’s I Promise School where sixth to eighth-grade students will have a chance to experience Monopoly in a brand-new avatar. The idea of the large game board is to promote financial literacy with interactive gameplay.

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Nike earbuds concept is an active lifestyle accessory oriented towards minimalist lifestyle

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Weak sales forecasts and the relentless innovation by Adidas have forced Nike on the back foot. They’ve banked too much on the success of the Air Force 1, while the low-rise multi-colored Samba and Gazelle sneakers by Adidas are the current rage. Does that signal a bleak future for Nike footwear? We hope not and expect Nike to bounce back with a successful pair similar to the Air Jordan.

Foraying into the highly competitive yet lucrative audio accessories market could be on the cards. If Nike does decide to extend its influence beyond the athletic apparel and footwear line this could be it. This concept design for a pair of earbuds with the Nike branding gives active individuals a fair idea of what they’ll be like if they ever exist.

Designer: Jinkyo Han

Crafted for Nike, these concept earbuds are sporty and have a comfortable fit with a secure design that should stay in even during intense physical activity. The design is minimal making them lightweight and easy to use. This means people with active lifestyles will love them. Due to the small size don’t expect drivers comparable to the flagship earbuds like B&W Pi8, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, Technics AZ 80, or Denon Pearl Pro.

They have a very recessed form that flows to the case that has a unique top in a sporty finish. In a way they emulate the soles of a shoe and that goes well with the theme. Just like the Nothing Ear (2) buds they have a horizontal positioning of the buds in the case, but in the face first position which can make them harder to take out.

The Nike branding is embellished on the sides very aggressively and I hope there are touch controls in there since they are the norm these days even with budget options out there. Jinkyo doesn’t enlist any specifications or features on this one, but I assume there should be ANC and transparency options too. Overall, this concept is heavily weighed in towards the design and look, but a little more imagination in the features and functionality of the buds would have spiced up things.

 

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Nike’s Sustainable Dumbbells Turn Footwear Waste into Fitness Gear

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In an age where sustainability meets everything, why not fitness? Nike has taken a bold step with the introduction of their Nike Grind Dumbbells, a product that marries functionality with an eco-conscious mindset. These dumbbells are not just a tool for training but a statement in Nike’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste and create a better future for both athletes and the planet.

Designer: Nike

At the heart of this innovation is Nike Grind Rubber, a material made from the waste generated during the footwear manufacturing process. Each Nike Grind Dumbbell contains at least 20% of this recycled rubber by volume, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a rigorous fitness routine. The incorporation of Nike Grind Rubber gives these dumbbells a unique texture—durable and rubbery, built to withstand the toughest of workouts while maintaining comfort and grip. It’s sort of like the KitKat business model. Just like how damaged KitKats get reused as the wafer inner filling for KitKats, the waste from Nike’s footwear business gets used as raw material for its dumbbells.

Nike has paid special attention to the design of the dumbbells, ensuring they are not only functional but also comfortable to use. The handles are ergonomically shaped, with their diameter increasing as the weight goes up, providing a secure and tailored grip no matter the load. For lighter weights, starting at 2.5 lbs and going up to 25 lbs in 2.5-lb increments, the thinner handles offer precision and control. As the weights increase to 50 lbs in 5-lb increments, the handles thicken to match the increased demand for strength and stability, ensuring a comfortable grip for every user.

The medium-knurled handle provides just the right balance of friction and control, making these dumbbells ideal for a wide variety of exercises. Whether you’re pushing through an intense HIIT workout or performing slow, controlled movements, the grip offers confidence and security, allowing you to focus fully on your training.

One of the standout features of the Nike Grind Dumbbells is their versatility. Dumbbells are arguably one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any gym, and Nike’s offering is no exception. These weights support countless workout movements, from compound lifts like squats and lunges to isolation exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions. The hexagonal rubber construction prevents rolling, making them stable and safe to use on various surfaces, while also protecting floors from damage.

In true Nike fashion, the Nike Grind Dumbbells come with a design flair that sets them apart from other gym equipment. Due to the nature of the recycled material, each set features a unique color blend depending on the footwear colorways Nike produces during any given season. While the base color remains a stylish grey, the Nike Grind particles within the dumbbell vary, making each pair truly one-of-a-kind. This limited-edition aspect of the dumbbells adds a sense of exclusivity for those looking to own a unique piece of Nike’s sustainable innovation.

The Nike Grind Dumbbells are sold in pairs, with pricing ranging from $30 for the 2.5-lb set to $210 for the 50-lb set. Given the combination of quality, durability, and sustainable design, these dumbbells offer excellent value for those serious about their fitness and environmental impact.

Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan has always been about pushing boundaries, whether in sports or in life. With the Nike Grind Dumbbells, that ethos extends to sustainability, offering a product that not only supports your physical training but also contributes to reducing waste. This dumbbell is a perfect fit for athletes who want to make a difference both in their workouts and in the world.

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Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘X-Ray’ with a glow-in-the-dark sole, skeletal graphic upper lands in time for Halloween

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One of the greatest basket players of his time, Kobe Brayant left us untimely, but Vanessa Bryant has since ensured her late husband’s legacy is continuously honored. Ever since the launch of Mamba Fury, the first shoe Nike rolled out after Kobe, to the latest “X-Ray” Kobe sneakers, the athlete’s collaboration with Nike is growing leaps and bounds with Vanessa’s proactive promotion.

Vanessa had first teased the Nike Kobe 5 Protro X-Ray Kobe sneakers, with glow-in-the-dark outsoles and toe box featuring skeleton foot graphic, in the beginning of the year. Come Halloween and the sneakers are likely to see the light of day. The silhouette is “inspired by haunted houses the family would visit on Halloween, Venessa informed.

Designer: Nike

The intriguing pair of Nike Kobe 5 Protro with X-Ray moniker could, at the first glimpse, remind fans of the Kobe’s infamous X-ray T-shirt he wore in 2010 promo trip to Paris. It featured the x-ray of Kobe’s hand injuries and showed each finger topped with a championship rings suggesting, “beaten not broken.”

Besides the abovementioned two, the imagery on the toe box of this new release is also speculated to be inspired by Kobe’s own feet, which would be drawn from the attention Nike had dedicated to creating the Black Mamba signature footwear line dedicated to the late legend. Whatever may be the inspiration, the skeletal graphics in white on the deep royal blue upper make a spooky effect.

The performance-driven Nike Kobe 5 with glow in the dark sole, X-ray graphics and skeletal foot comes imprinted with Kobe’s sheath logo on the tongue and the shoe’s bottom, and the heels are graced with his signatures. Featuring responsive Zoom Air cushioning and enhanced traction patterns, the sneaker has gone up for purchase starting October 17. It will be released alongside X-Ray T-Shirts making a comeback.

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Nike Grind Dumbbells use recycled rubber from footwear byproduct

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Of the many pieces of clothing we buy and use, shoes are probably the ones designed to last the longest. Because of that, footwear is usually made using materials that are durable and long-lasting but are also unfortunately often not environment-friendly. Rubber, particularly synthetic rubber, is one of the biggest culprits, not just in terms of post-consumer waste but even material waste during the manufacturing process. As one of the biggest footwear makers, Nike is thankfully taking a responsible stance, giving those rubber byproducts and excess materials a new purpose.

Designer: Nike

Although natural rubber is sourced from plants, it’s not that easy to replenish to meet the high demand for the material. Just like plastic, synthetic rubber is easy to manufacture but also harmful the environment due to their chemical content. Rubber from discarded shoes is one thing, but even the bits and pieces of cutoffs and scraps produced when making them also pose a threat to the environment.

Considering its lion’s share of the sports shoes market, Nike developed the Grind material that recycles manufacturing byproducts like rubber, foam, and even textiles to create a material that can be applied to products other than shoes. In this case, the Nike Grind Dumbbells are made with at least 20% Nike Grind material to offer an alternative fitness tool for environment-conscious consumers.

In addition to its sustainable value, the recycled material also gives the dumbbells a unique aesthetic. The hexagonal weights themselves have a light gray hue sprinkled with colorful specs that create a terrazzo-like appearance. Each dumbbell is, thus, totally unique, and the mixture of colors will vary from season to season, depending on the styles of footwear that Nike launches.

The gray motif of the weights perfectly complements the chrome-plated knurled handles. The handle diameter varies depending on the weight, increasing as the load gets heavier to provide a more ergonomic grip. Available in weights ranging from 2.5 lbs to 50 lbs, the Nike Grind Dumbbell offers people a fitness tool that not only takes care of their health but also the environment.

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Nike Dunk Low Halloween will spook festive flair in sneaker culture this October

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Nike is all set to give fans a reason to spook up the neighborhood this Halloween with the introduction of not one but two eerie edition kicks. Just earlier this month, the Swoosh company took wraps off the Halloweenized model of the Air Force 1 Low, and now we are here with the Nike Dunk Low “Halloween,” offering a frightful take on the court favorite.

Designed with the scary style statement, not specifically for the court alone; the street-smart Dunk Low silhouette captures the spirit of Halloween very nicely with Bright Cactus, Black, and Green Curry colorway, embellishing the cracked leather upper and other unnerving antics of the pair.

Designer: Nike

Designed for the holiday with its “Halloween” color scheme, the limited-edition Dunk Low Halloween, carries many fan-favorite aspects to give the creeps. First up, the cracked leather upper contrasts with a molded skull motif (with a 3D effect) on the black toe box. The shoe is marked with eye-catching textured black material on its tongue and the laterals while orange laces and the gum soles give the shoes a vintage aesthetic.

The look is completed with a long-molded Swoosh logo appearing in the same color and material as the toe box. This look of the Dunk Low is not very different from the Black and Crimson colorway of the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Halloween” iteration which carries a similar human skull modeled on the toe box. This is not a coincidence; Nike wants the season’s spooky spirit to flow down the customers with the same highlight.

That said, the Dunk Low Halloween is not just tweaked with seasonal appropriateness to blend festive flair with sneaker culture. It has been dealt with all the aspects of the lineup to ensure there is no compromise in comfort. For the interested ones, the Nike Dunk Low Halloween is slated for release on October 26, 2024. It will be available via Nike SNKRS and a few other retailers starting at $130. Nike Air Force 1 Low Halloween will also hit the market around the same time for a starting price of $140.

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