Nike SB Skateboarding, Footwear and More: The Legend Grows!
Nike SB entered the skate market in 2002, and today their shoes can be seen on the feet of more pro skaters (and amateurs) than any other brand. Classic models like the Nike SB Blazer and the Nike SB Dunk, both available in high and low silhouettes, have been newly developed and updated for Nike Skateboarding‘s product range. A soft sole, Zoom Air cushioning and minor visual fine-tuning capture the undivided attention of sneakerheads and skaters alike.
The History of Nike SB
The historical prerequisites couldn’t have worked more in Nike’s favor: in the late 80s and early 90s, lots of skateboarders had already rediscovered classic Nike shoe models like the Blazer, the Dunk or the Jordan 1. In a way, that the connection between Nike and skateboarding was already put into motion before the brand was even conscious of it. Nike SB is the reaction to customers saying that they have a need that needs to be fulfilled. Their shoes are considered authentic skate shoes, but with a Swoosh. Of course, Nike SB doesn’t only sell products. The famous indoor skate park in Berlin, for example, got completely renovated and rebuilt by Nike SB and is now called the Nike SB Shelter. Nike SB is also active as the main sponsor for the largest professional skateboard event on the planet, the Street League, which is a competition to find the 25 best pro skaters in the world. This event is particularly heavily televised in the USA.
Nike SB’s Most Successful Skate Shoes
Nike SB really gained momentum thanks to their diverse ‘signature designs’ and limited edition colorways from the likes of Eric Koston, Paul Rodriguez and Stefan Janoski. The Nike SB Koston, the Nike SB P-Rod and the crazy-successful Stefan Janoski (learn more about the SJ in the next paragraph!) have decisively become the new poster boys for the Nike Skateboarding subdivision. Collaborations with pro skaters such as Gino Iannucci, Brain Anderson or Lance Mountain aren’t just for fans to get hyped about, but are steeped in history, too - these skaters were all already rockin’ “the Swoosh” on their kicks back in the golden age of skateboarding.
A Modern Classic: The Nike SB Stefan Janoski
A very special member of the Nike SB shoe family is the Stefan Janoski pro shoe. We could call it a modern classic because it was released fairly recently in 2009. Since then, tons of different versions of the Nike Janoski have released all over the world. Vulcanized soles in the ‘Zoom’ edition, Lunar Cupsoles, the particularly well-reinforced Nike SB Premium SE model and various uppers such as the canvas edition or the leather SJ L are all available - after all, variety is the spice of life!
Nike also struck gold with the Stefan Janoski Max, which is a hybrid of the Stefan Janoski and the über-popular Air Max Sneaker. Perfect for daily life and walking home after your skate session, these comfy, lightweight kicks became best-sellers practically overnight. The Stefan Jansokis have become so popular, they’re almost on the same level as Chuck Taylor Hi-Tops - but not quite.
Nike SB and Technological Advancement
The Nike skate shoe construction utilizes high-tech processes developed in-house at their headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. Lots of new models come equipped with Nike Lunarlon technology, which provides an optimal level of cushioning and a precise boardfeel. Nike SB t-shirts are frequently made with Nike Dri-Fit fiber technology for a breathable, quick-drying fit. In addition to shoes, the Nike SB product range also includes accessories such as backpacks and caps.
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