Three Styles. Three Histories. The Nike Innovation Continues.
Throughout its evolution, the Nike Breathe Collection saw three iconic Nike styles stripped back to their core to bring a new sense of lightness and breathability. Each style chosen for the Collection was designed behind the concept of allowing the wearer to adopt an on-the-go lifestyle.
Rather than developing three new styles for the Breathe Collection, Nike chose to look back and utilise its already high-end arsenal of footwear. Three unique styles were revisited, each with a history of their own: the Nike Air Max 1, the Nike Air Max Lunar1 and the Nike Roshe Run.
In 1987 the Nike Air Max stormed onto the shoe scene changing the game forever with its new, unique design of a visible air-cushioning unit, giving wearers the ability to look inside the shoe to view the supportive air housed in the new design. The creative mind of Tinker Hatfield was responsible for the ingenuity behind the concept of the Nike Air Max 1, using his experience as an architect to create the design for the footwear. To date, the Nike Air Max remains among the most iconic of Nike’s designs.
In 2008 the Nike Air Max Lunar1, like its predecessors, once again changed the perception of design. New and innovative foam redefined cushioning by providing consumers with an option that was responsive to their needs, all while keeping the heritage of the Nike Air Max design intact. Nike’s Lunarlon foam technology is embedded into the Nike Air Max Lunar1 style. The technology allows the force of impact to be distributed across the shoe, meaning the wearer’s feet experience reduced pressure. The foam is also lighter than other materials traditionally used on the soles of footwear.
The technology has allowed for changes that influence key properties of each of the three styles. For example, the Nike Air Max 1 has been stripped of the leather, suede and synthetic materials that are traditionally seen on the style. With improved breathability the Nike Air Max 1 becomes a shoe that has been transformed for increased lightness.
Next in the Breathe Collection and its look back into history and technology, came the Nike Roshe Run. Known for its lightness and broad variety of colourways, the Nike Roshe Run has become a global staple in the footwear style world since its launch in 2012. Designed by Dylan Raasch with meditation and the concept of Zen in mind, the name Roshe was taken from the Japanese term (Roshi) and refers to a senior Zen master. The shoe’s insole is one of the subtle design elements that reference its inspiration with the raised insole designed to appear like a Japanese raked rock garden.
Each style in the Breathe Collection utilises spacer mesh that is commonly used in consumer items such as car seat covers, to maximise breathability. By crafting knitted mesh fabric with thousands of small holes, the result allows for a maximum level of airflow, thus increasing the lightness and comfort for the wearer.
A common thread binding the styles used in the Nike Breathe Collection, is the impact of innovation. Nike has consistently created shoes that are both above and beyond it’s competitors in all facets of functionality and appeal.
fluoro teamed up with Nike to help curate this new summer footwear collection with an exclusive image series. View the image series here.
The Collection is available in Nike stores, selected Nike retailers and online (www.nikestore.com.au).
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