Nike Confirms Collaboration With Tiffany

2022 saw the highly anticipated release of the Louis Vuitton Air Force 1 created by the late Virgil Abloh before his untimely passing. At the time the collection was released, it was assumed that the perfectly executed luxury sneaker would hit sit at the pinnacle of everyone's sneaker of the year list. 

Where in 2022 there was some time for other shoes to arrive and contend for their spot at the top, Nike may have already shut down any discussions of top sneaker of the year with the reveal of their official collaboration with Tiffany & Co. 

Many sneakerheads will remember the Nike SB Dunk ‘Tiffany’ colourway from 2005. However, despite the name and colourway suggesting an official collaboration, the project was between Nike and Diamond Supply Co. The collaboration, lovingly coined the ‘Tiffany Dunks’, has since become one of the most sought-after releases of all time. However, could the official collaboration reach the same heights?

Just as January was shaping up to be a quiet month for sneakers, news broke of leaked images of an upcoming pair of Air Force 1s which appeared to feature a baby blue Swoosh synonymous with Tiffany & Co. As with all low-quality sneaker leaks, fans were initially apprehensive about what to expect.

Nevertheless, official images are finally upon us, courtesy of Tiffany & Co., providing a better look at what's ti come from the luxury project. Unlike the Nike SB Dunk, the upcoming Air Force 1 takes a more toned-down approach consisting of a black suede upper sitting atop a black rubber midsole. 

Further black tumbled leather is utilised on the eyestays as well as being featured on the heel tab. The luxe look continues on the medial and lateral sides of the sneaker where a Tiffany blue Swoosh can be found adding a vibrant eye-catching detail.

Once the images emerged online, the response was somewhat lacklustre with fans going on to create alternative colourways. However, it’s the details that come alongside the sneakers that could save them on this occasion. The usual ‘Nike Air’ tongue tab has been switched out for a minimal ‘Tiffany’ patch as well as showcasing a solid silver piece on the heel of the shoe engraved with the Tiffany & Co. logo. 

In conjunction with the silver detailing on the sneaker itself, additional accessories have also been included from a sterling silver shoe horn, shoe brush and dubrae to a silver whistle all of which share the same engraved branding.

The Tiffany & Co. Air Force 1s are packaged in a bold Tiffany blue shoebox finished off with a simple white Nike Swoosh on the lid, pictured in the similarly minimal marketing released by Nike which states: “A Legendary Pair”.

While Tiffany-inspired colourways on Nike products, such as the SB Dunk and Air Max Plus, are largely met with a positive response, it feels that this official collaboration hasn’t quite hit the mark. Nike’s recent progression into partnering with luxury brands, most notably Dior and Louis Vuitton, is a feat that some are incredibly keen on while others aren’t so sure. Perhaps the difference between the aforementioned releases and this one is the individuals involved as well as the release in the context of recent Air Force 1 projects. 

With news breaking at the time of writing that the Executive Creative Director at Tiffany & Co. Ruba Abu-Nimah has left the LVMH-owned brand just days after the official release, it could also suggest unrest following the lacklustre feedback on the project.

For more information on future Nike collaborations, keep it Kick Game.