Black History Month represents many things. Civic leadership, social stewardship, community activation and much more.

Nike recognizes the importance of this meaningful month with not only a product collection, but a larger recognition of the power of sports to impact society.  The 2013 Nike Black History Month Collection mantra, “Be Bold. Be True.” celebrates athletes fearless in action and fueled by a purpose. 

Tennis legend Serena Williams represents Nike Women’s with a special edition Nike Dunk Sky Hi. Williams’ provided creative inspiration for the Nike BHM Dunk Sky Hi which features a special pattern consisting of a tennis ball emanating with lighting bolts, showing how she empowers young women, especially through the secondary school she helped build in Kenya.

The Nike Dunk Sky Hi is a classic Nike style reinvented.  Taking the iconic Nike Dunk off of the court and into the streets, the Nike Dunk received the wedge treatment for the girl looking for a little lift in her step. Nike classics are reinvented and reworked to reflect modern day demands. Nike Designers took great care in preserving the classic silhouette of the Nike Dunk inserting a slight wedge while staying true to the original lines and panels that make the Nike Dunk an icon. 

In keeping with a tradition of honoring organizations that give back and inspire youth, NIKE, Inc. will make a financial contribution to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with proceeds from the Nike BHM Collection.  The Nike BHM Dunk Sky Hi will debut beginning January 26.

photo credit: nike inc

Black History Month represents many things. Civic leadership, social stewardship, community activation and much more.

Nike recognizes the importance of this meaningful month with not only a product collection, but a larger recognition of the power of sports to impact society.  The 2013 Nike Black History Month Collection mantra, “Be Bold. Be True.” celebrates three athletes fearless in action and fueled by a purpose. 

Consisting of seven shoes, two t-shirts, a Destroyer jacket, Nike Elite socks and 5-panel hat, the 2013 Nike BHM Collection will debut beginning January 26.  A consistent design aesthetic weaves through each product in the collection, with a color palette including black, grey and brown highlighted in orange. The color orange is particularly meaningful with its bold hue and tie to Nike’s DNA since its 1972 inception. 

Now more than ever, athletes at all levels have a unique ability to extend their voice beyond sports. Soccer superstar Didier Drogba, tennis legend Serena Williams and basketball phenom Kevin Durant provide creative inspiration for the product collection based on their commitment to giving back to their communities.

All three athletes are celebrated in this year’s collection with each having an individual logo created. Drogba with a light bulb morphed with soccer ball, representing his ongoing involvement in bringing solar light bulbs to impoverished areas in Africa.  Williams’ icon consists of a tennis ball emanating with lighting bolts, showing how she empowers young women, especially through the secondary school she helped build in Kenya.  Durant’s icon represents hopes and dreams of young athletes, with a basketball hoop merging with a cloud formation, a nod to the support he has given to his hometown recreation center in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, a place he attributes for helping him realize his own dreams. The three icons are infused into a distinct Nike BHM print pattern that appears throughout the collection. 

The collection is a dual effort between Nike Sportswear lifestyle product and Nike Basketball performance product.  Nike Sportswear BHM shoes include the Nike Lunar Force 1, Nike Air Force 1 Foamposite Hi, Nike Dunk Sky Hi and Nike Air Force 1 Downtown.  Nike Basketball shoes complete the BHM collection with special versions of the KD V, LEBRON X and KOBE 8 SYSTEM; all three featuring black, grey and orange with the signature Nike BHM print.  These signature shoes will debut on court during pro basketball’s Martin Luther King Jr. tribute day on Monday, January 21 . 

In keeping with a tradition of honoring organizations that give back and inspire youth, NIKE, Inc. will make a financial contribution to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with proceeds from the Nike BHM Collection.

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Lebron X

Kobe 8 System

Nike Air Force 1

KD V BHM

Nike Dunk Sky Hi

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photo credits: nike

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 15, 2013) – adidas today announced the launch of the D Rose 3.5 signature basketball shoe. Designed and developed with Chicago Bulls superstar point guard Derrick Rose, the shoe has improved performance, bolder style and more personal details than its predecessor and will launch worldwide on January 31.

“My main thing is always sharpening up my game and improving my body and with the D Rose 3.5 adidas took that same approach,” said Rose. “This shoe takes the best things from my last shoe and made them even better. I’m more comfortable and supported on the court and bringing some real serious style too.”

The D Rose 3.5 shoe is inspired by Derrick’s dedication and hard work to his game and features adidas’ most innovative performance technology, premium and rich style elements and personal details.

“We’re excited to launch the D Rose 3.5 and continue a historic season in our partnership with Derrick,” said Lawrence Norman, vice president, adidas global basketball. “The intricate performance improvements, personal design details and bold style represent how the D Rose signature collection turns heads on and off the court and showcases the best from adidas basketball.”

To exceed the performance needs for Derrick’s unique style of play which includes extreme changes in direction, acceleration and explosiveness, adidas designers made the D Rose 3.5 more supportive, comfortable and responsive than its predecessor. The shoe fits even closer to the foot for faster cuts and features a SPRINTWEB upper engineered specifically for his style of play, which reduces weight with maximum support and breathability.

Additional performance features include an ergonomic ankle collar pocket to ensure maximum support during hard cuts and a breathable mesh tongue to improve comfort. SPRINTFRAME technology features an external heel counter to reduce weight and allow for energy return and motion control, giving Derrick his best performing signature shoe to date to improve his performance on court.

The bold spiral overlay pattern is inspired by Derrick’s goal to tighten his game and functionally it increases flexibility and provides optimum toe protection. The synthetic leather upper features the spiral protruding from the D Rose logo on the ankle to represent how his on and off-court success continues to grow from the support of his family, who inspired the logo. Chicago call-outs on the inside of the tongue showcase the essence of Rose, including a “Rooted in Chicago” graphic with lettering, colors and shapes inspired by Derrick’s tattoos and the Chicago flag. Each colorway of the D Rose 3.5 will feature special graphics, materials and colors that give details about Derrick’s life and style of play.

The three stripes are again featured on the back of the shoe to represent Rose’s speed, and now wrap around the outsole so opponents will see them not only when he drives past them, but also goes over them.

The D Rose 3.5 launches at retailers worldwide on January 31 for $160 in away (black/white/red) and home (gray/black/red) colorways. The shoe will launch in six additional editions through April.

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FACT SHEET

D ROSE LOGO: The D Rose logo features three petals that revolve around the letter “D” and number “1” in the center. The personal meaning of the logo is twofold. Like the flower, each petal is unique to represent his fast, creative drives to the basket, which he honed with physical play on the courts of Murray Park in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The logo also pays homage to his family – with mother Brenda in the center of the Rose and his three brothers Reggie, Allan and Dwayne as the petals – who guided him from that neighborhood to NBA superstardom.

OUTSOLE: The three stripes are again featured on the back of the shoe to represent Derrick’s speed, and they now wrap around the outsole so opponents will see them not only when he drives past them, but also goes over them. miCoach compatible.

WEIGHT: 12.3 ounces

SIZES: 6 – 15

SRP: $160.00
 

PRODUCT ROLLOUT:

ColorwayRelease

black/red/white – Away – release date: Jan. 31, 2013

grey/black/red – Home – release date:Jan. 31, 2013

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photo credit: adidas

Check out these sweet kicks for the Oregon Ducks.

photo credit: @arikarmstead

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Obviously these shoes weren't lucky for the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team on Thursday night as they lost to the Miami Hurricanes.

But here's a look at their latest shoe, the CP3 VI PE:

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photo credit: jumpman23 facebook

Here is the video for the New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony's new shoe, the Jordan Melo 9. This shoe came out on January 9, 2013.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=q7rqN36vAA0?rel=0

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In celebration of 2013 as the Year of the Snake on the Chinese lunar calendar, Nike introduces a Nike Basketball and Nike Sportswear collection of Chinese zodiac footwear inspired by Kobe Bryant and the Year of the Snake respectively. Ever since Nike unveiled its Year of the Horse collection in 2002, fans have eagerly anticipated new collections based on the Chinese lunar calendar concept. This year marks Nike's 12th such release and completes a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

The Year of the Snake collection includes the KOBE 8 SYSTEM, which draws inspiration from Bryant’s unparalleled on-court skills and his "Black Mamba" on-court alter ego. The Nike Sportswear designs feature signature colors of black, purple, red, and gold with snakeskin-inspired patterns. 2013 corresponds to two characters — 癸巳 ("Gui Si") — in the Chinese sexagenary cycle (a cycle of sixty terms used for recording days or years). The Chinese seal pattern composed of a snake and the two characters 癸巳 ("Gui Si") incorporates the serpentine shape into an embroidered seal making this collection particularly unique.

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NIKE AIR FORCE 1 CMFT

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Nike Air Force 1, Nike releases the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT, a new member of the Family of Force and a top pick for the Year of the Snake. The Nike Air Force 1 CMFT boasts the exact iconic profile of the original Nike Air Force 1 but is enhanced using modern innovations. By incorporating a slip-in Lunarlon cushioning midsole and Nike Air unit in the heel, the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT is the ultimate in functionality and comfort. The Year of the Snake version of the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT is mainly red, an auspicious color in China, and features gold and red stitches on the Nike Swoosh, purple lining and outsole, and red snake print leather. The product exudes quality and style. Details including a snake eye deubré and a tongue made of softer breathable material with a seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” fit the Year of the Snake motif.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HI CMFT

The Nike Air Force 1 high-top silhouette has been one of the most iconic basketball sneakers of the last 30 years — so the Year of the Snake collection wouldn't be complete without one. The sleek, seductive shoe is mostly black with the toe and sides made of python print leather. The classic ankle strap design provides extra support around the ankles and presents a visual consistency with previous Nike AF1 collections. The seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” on the heel echoes the Chinese motif. The Nike Swoosh in red and purple snake print is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the shoe while a concealed Lunarlon drop-in midsole offers the ultimate in high performance comfort.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 FOAMPOSITE

The Nike FOAMPOSITE’s one-piece upper represents the highest achievement in shoemaking because its production requires a metal casting mold. In 2011, Nike first applied FOAMPOSITE technology using a metal casting mold to form the classic Nike Air Force 1 upper resulting in yet another fresh interpretation. For the Year of the Snake, the 2013 Nike Air Force 1 FOAMPOSITE is mainly black with a snake print to echo the Black Mamba motif. The polish gives it a premium look. The Nike Air heel significantly enhances cushioning.

NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4

Released in 2004, NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4 combines timeless design and innovative technology. Nike Zoom Air provides impact protection, reduces weight significantly, and provides comfort with elastic inner soles. The upper features classic elements such as an ankle strap, a Nike Swoosh on the side and the Huarache signature hollow-out design at the ankle. It has a transitional role in the evolution of modern basketball shoes. The 2013 model uses red snake print leather and gold stitches at the toe and heel as symbols of good luck for the Chinese New Year. The purple-lined Nike Swoosh and the seal pattern of the characters “癸巳(Gui Si)” on the tongue highlight the Chinese zodiac sign.

KOBE 8 SYSTEM

The KOBE 8 SYSTEM incorporates innovative Nike Engineered Mesh for the first time in a basketball shoe to offer a dynamic and ultra-lightweight fit. Additionally, the synthetic overlays on the toe and lateral quarter panel provide support for even the toughest games. The full-length Lunarlon midsole delivers lightweight, low profile cushioning and stability. A snake graphic shoe tongue provides a close fit and comfort. In connection with the victories of the Purple and Gold Dynasty led by Kobe, the KOBE 8 SYSTEM Year of the Snake special edition is inspired by the Chinese kung-fu representing Kobe’s bold, aggressive style on the court. The four icons on the outsole stand for Kobe’s speed, precision, vision and versatility. The color red symbolizes danger and the destructive power of Kobe’s speed. The snakeskin pattern on the shoe is a perfect interpretation of Kobe’s on-court alter ego, the Black Mamba.

NIKE KOBE 8 RED

NIKE KOBE 8 RED is the off-court version of the KOBE 8 SYSTEM. The Year of the Snake model is made of red suede for the Chinese New Year. The one-piece design uses Vac-Tech and laser-etching technologies, which gives the shoe a clean-cut look that is consistent with previous Kobe collections. The etchings on the outsole combine timeless herringbone and snake scale patterns.

NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK

The NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK in snake print is exclusively designed for the Year of the Snake. It is made of black leather in snake print to echo Kobe’s Black Mamba nickname and symbolizes his aggressiveness on the court.

NIKE DESTROYER JACKET

The casual, stylish Nike Destroyer Jacket is a symbol of personal glory. Nike has added some popular elements to the leather sleeve baseball jacket inspired by Kobe's personal style. Snake scale patterns are etched on the classic leather sleeves. The stitch free zipper is simple and elegant with the words “YEAR OF THE BLACK MAMBA” embroidered on the wind-proof strip. A special lining material keeps the body warm. The rowan-knit collar and cuff enhances comfort. On the back of the jacket is the Chinese character “智”, which means wisdom. On the right lapel are Chinese characters representing the Year of the Snake such as “癸巳 (Gui Si)” and “天龙地蟒 (Tian Long Di Mang).” It is a perfect mesh of Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba style and Nike’s iconic jacket.

Nike’s Year of the Snake sportswear collection also includes men’s and women’s hoodies and T-shirts featuring Kobe’s Black Mamba personal logo and the Chinese character “智 (Zhi)”. The Year of the Snake professional basketball collection also includes Kobe’s training jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts and T-shirts.

Year of the Snake Gallery

Chinese Look Book PDF

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photo credits: nike

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 9, 2013) – adidas today announced a long‐term partnership with basketball superstar John Wall of the Washington Wizards.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with Reebok and I’m grateful for everything we accomplished the last few years,” said Wall. “Now, I’m excited to return to the court soon and begin my new partnership with adidas. They’ve changed the game with new technology and style and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Wall has career averages of 16.3 points, 8.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals. In his rookie campaign, Wall became the third youngest player ever to record a triple‐double and earned 2011 Rookie Game MVP honors at the NBA All‐Star Weekend Rookie Challenge. At the University of Kentucky, Wall’s dynamic play as a freshman earned him SEC Player of the Year honors and helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.

“John Wall is a great talent and his quickness, superior athleticism and personality make him one of the most exciting young players in the game,” said Lawrence Norman, adidas vice president of global basketball. “We’re excited to partner with John to continue to develop new innovative products and grow our brand and business.”

Wall is the latest addition to the adidas basketball roster which includes 2010 NBA MVP Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, three‐time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers and two‐time NBA MVP and four‐time NBA Champion Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs. He joins several recent adidas partners to earn NBA All‐Rookie team honors including Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets, Iman Shumpert of the New York Knicks, Brandon Knight of the Detroit Pistons and MarShon Brooks of the New Jersey Nets.

Other adidas athletes include WNBA star Candace Parker, FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller of the Denver Broncos.

Wall will be featured in a variety of upcoming adidas marketing initiatives and will play a role in the development of basketball footwear and apparel.

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