Image via Complex Original
Sneaker design in 2013 isn't as straightforward as it used to be. At one point it was linear—simply a matter of coming up with entirely new designs every year. Not simple, exactly, but logical. Now re-invention is as important as, if not more important than, invention. When Nike SB launched back in 2002, it didn't just launch with new models—it launched primarily with the classic Dunk, which allowed skeptical skaters to start in a heritage product rather than some new tech shoe. It was insidious, and it worked. In the years since, Nike SB has hit up the archives for many other models—from the Blazer to the Air Trainer to the Tennis Classic. Many of these were great. Some of them, not so much. So in celebration of Go Skateboarding Day, we gave designer Brett Golliff an assignment—re-imagine some other Nike classics as SBs. Was he up to the task? Oh yes. Check out 10 Classic Nike Sneakers Reinvented As Nike SBs and let us know what you think. —RB
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Nike SB Lunar Shake NDestrukt
Converting an outdoor basketball shoe to skate is fairly straightforward. The classic Shake NDestrukt is retrofit to become the next great SB Team shoe. To help protect the midfoot the laces are shifted to the medial side of the shoe, just like the original NDestrukt. It features an all suede upper with a Lunarlon midsole and full rubber sole unit.
Nike SB Lunar Oscillate
Inspired by the tennis classic (not the Tennis Classic), the Lunar Oscillate features a clean but durable upper that conforms perfectly to your foot. The Lunarlon midsole features a facet that allows for the sole unit to absorb all impact but still be responsive. Hopefully Pete Sampras would approve.
Nike SB Air Zvezdochka
Utilizing the minimalist approach of the iconic Zvezdochka designed by Marc Newson as a base, the classic SB slip-on gets an update. The ultra-simple shoe features a molded silicone upper that is both durable and lightweight with an internal mesh bootie that conforms to your foot. The Air Zvezdochka SB is both comfortable and bold in its aesthetic.
Nike SB Zoom Flight 96
The Zoom Flight 96 molds perfectly into a great SB. Using a simple, clean but definitive silhouette, the organic lines of the basketball classic flow naturally through the Chukka-style upper. Using three layers for the upper makes the construction quite simple. It features two layers of suede and a base layer of canvas making the shoe nearly indestructible. And a Zoom Air insert, of course.
Nike SB Lunar Safari
Playing off of the current running theme going through Nike SB, the Lunar Safari SB takes the original Safari runner to the next level. The "safari" print becomes the focus of function as it is injected directly into the ballistic nylon upper in high-wear areas. The midsole maintains the original Safari styling but is updated to Lunarlon for better impact absorption.
Nike SB Zoom Mercurial
Taking inspiration from Nike Soccer heritage—which SB has done before with the Zoom FC, among others—the Mercurial 2 SB features an all suede upper designes with a premium collar that is molded to lock your foot into place. Internally, the shoe features a drop-in midsole with full-length Zoom Air.
Nike SB Zoom Haven
A lacing system that holistically locked your foot down and a highly durable and protective TPU upper made the Zoom Haven trainer one of the most functional shoes of its day. That functionality translates perfectly into the skate world with this hybrid.
Nike SB Zoom Alpha Force II
The Alpha Force II SB stays true to its power-basketball roots with simple updates to make it more durable. It features a dual canvas and leather upper with an internal Zoom Air insole. Trainer SBs proved that there is a place for forefoot straps in skateboarding, and the Alpha Force II is the toughest of them all. Easy choice.
Nike SB Terminator
It's always been kind of strange that the "Be True To Your School" pack never included the illest college shoe of that era. The Terminator was built for collaborations. Its classic and clean aesthetic allows for an endless amount of opportunity for the upper. Imagine what the world famous Supreme could do with this beautiful shoe.
Nike SB Air Tech Challenge 2
Visually the Air Tech Challenge 2 SB stays true to its roots, but materialwise it is built to take the rigors of any skateboarder. Inspired by the CourtBallistic 2.3 from Nike Tennis, the entire upper is an injected silicone that features both open and closed hexagons to allow for breathability and durability. Rock and roll skateboarding.