From Adidas to New Balance, athletic footwear brands have been going all-in on animal print for their classic and fan-favorite sneakers. Nike hasn’t been immune from the trend, either, although the Beaverton, Ore.-based company has been a bit more reserved in its releases as of late, but that will soon change.
After giving the iconic Air Force 1 a leopard-covered colorway last year, the brand’s retro basketball sneaker is yet again back in the animal print conversation thanks to a new style which blends black tumbled leather with a cow-patterned pony hair material. The Black/Black/Phantom colorway uses a black tumbled leather base, a smooth leather white Swoosh logo and black smooth leather on the stamped heel logo.
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But the highlight of the new pair is its furry cow print overlays, which cover the toe tip, eyestay, collar and heel counter. This premium look is emphasized with waxed cotton laces, and there’s also a nylon tongue for some added texture contrast.
While Nike hasn’t exactly been the utmost purveyor of animal-printed sneakers in recent months, the brand is no stranger to the trend. Styles such as 2006’s Atmos “Animal Pack” collaboration helped popularize the theme in the sneaker and streetwear realm, but there are examples which stretch even further back. The brand’s 1987 Air Python basketball sneaker was covered in faux snakeskin, while the Air Safari, also released in ’87, featured an ostrich-like motif.
Adidas is largely credited with kicking off the latest animal print craze, specifically with its coveted Samba collaborations from Wales Bonner. The look later trickled down to the brand’s in-line product selection and has been hard to miss ever since.
This Nike Air Force 1 Low Cow Print sneaker is expected to be released at retail this summer for $135 under style code IO0442-001. The style will be available from nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers.