Bandana Fever

Last night, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., unveiled its latest chapter of the “Become Legendary” national brand campaign, entitled “Nightmares Never Sleep” starring Team Jordan and All-Star athlete Dwyane Wade.

“Nightmares Never Sleep” headlines an integrated marketing campaign debuting the AIR JORDAN 2010 worn by Dwyane Wade in the ad. The television spot takes viewers to another world view of a basketball player’s “nightmares” when dealing with the unstoppable, All-Star Dwyane Wade on-court during an intense basketball game. Wade will be the first Team Jordan athlete to debut the AIR JORDAN 2010 on-court during this year’s All-Star weekend.

“We chose the ‘Nightmares Never Sleep’ spot to debut the AIR JORDAN 2010 and to show how unstoppable Dwyane Wade is as a basketball player,” said Sean Tresvant, Marketing Director for Jordan Brand. “The ad also continues the Brand’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of the AIR JORDAN basketball shoe.”

Created by W&K New York, “Nightmares Never Sleep” will air today on major networks including ESPN, TNT, ABC, and in cinemas nationwide.  Print ads will also be featured in Antenna, RISE, Slam, XXL, Dime, Bounce and Sole Collector in upcoming January-March issues.

The integrated ad campaign will also be fully complemented with a digital presence, created by Blast Radius, for www.Jumpman23.com, as well as in-store retail marketing and consumer events throughout 2010.

Last night, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., unveiled its latest chapter of the “Become Legendary” national brand campaign, entitled “Nightmares Never Sleep” starring Team Jordan and All-Star athlete Dwyane Wade.

“Nightmares Never Sleep” headlines an integrated marketing campaign debuting the AIR JORDAN 2010 worn by Dwyane Wade in the ad. The television spot takes viewers to another world view of a basketball player’s “nightmares” when dealing with the unstoppable, All-Star Dwyane Wade on-court during an intense basketball game. Wade will be the first Team Jordan athlete to debut the AIR JORDAN 2010 on-court during this year’s All-Star weekend.

“We chose the ‘Nightmares Never Sleep’ spot to debut the AIR JORDAN 2010 and to show how unstoppable Dwyane Wade is as a basketball player,” said Sean Tresvant, Marketing Director for Jordan Brand. “The ad also continues the Brand’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of the AIR JORDAN basketball shoe.”

Created by W&K New York, “Nightmares Never Sleep” will air today on major networks including ESPN, TNT, ABC, and in cinemas nationwide.  Print ads will also be featured in Antenna, RISE, Slam, XXL, Dime, Bounce and Sole Collector in upcoming January-March issues.

The integrated ad campaign will also be fully complemented with a digital presence, created by Blast Radius, for www.Jumpman23.com, as well as in-store retail marketing and consumer events throughout 2010.

The Kobe 5 features a 10 mm forefoot profile and weighs 10.6 ounces – one ounce lighter than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV.

Draws Inspiration from an Unexpected Place, the Soccer Field

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) and Kobe Bryant today announced the debut of the Nike Zoom Kobe V, the brand’s lowest-profile and lightest basketball shoe to date. Bryant challenged Nike to make his signature shoe even lighter and lower than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV he debuted during his 2008-2009 championship season. Nike responded with the Nike Zoom Kobe V, which features a 10 mm forefoot profile and weighs 10.6 ounces – one ounce lighter than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV.

“I wanted to push the envelope with a shoe that meets the demands of my style of play,” Bryant said. “The Kobe V is lighter, lower and more stable. Nike has done it again.”

Different sports, similar demands
The initial inspiration for Kobe’s low-profile shoe came from an unexpected place: the soccer field. “I watch a lot of soccer and have seen how the best footballers in the world make sharp cuts at top speed in lightweight, low-cut footwear,” Bryant said. “The demands they make on their feet and ankles aren’t that different from what I’m doing on the court, yet nobody assumes they should play in high tops.”

With Bryant’s observation as inspiration, the Nike Sports Research Lab conducted hundreds of hours of testing to create a low-profile shoe that did not compromise stability or lockdown. By modifying the medial arch and sculpting the external heel counter, Nike researchers created a shoe with exceptional performance that moves with the foot and allows for multi-directional cutting. An enhanced outrigger provides lateral stability, while the de-coupled heel maximizes contact surface. The shoe also features a glass/carbon fiber weave shank plate for mid-foot control and rigidity.

“The journey from a high-top to a low-top basketball shoe is far more complex than simply cutting off the ankle collar, as we demonstrated with the Nike Zoom Kobe IV,” said Matt Nurse, Senior Researcher with the Nike Sports Research Lab. “With the Kobe V we constructed an even lighter-weight support system that provides superior, one-to-one lockdown while moving with the foot, not against it.”

Lightweight performance technologies evolved
Building off the success of the Nike Zoom Kobe IV, Nike Performance Footwear Creative Director Eric Avar wanted to further reduce the weight of the shoe while still enhancing support and stability.

“For the Kobe V, we started with the science and performance elements and built from there,” Avar said. “We wanted this shoe to be a true reflection of his game and persona. As Kobe continues to evolve as an athlete, so will the footwear we create for him.”

The Nike Zoom Kobe V also features a lighter, stronger version of Nike’s innovative Flywire technology, that’s strategically placed to perform like synthetic tendons while cradling the foot like a second skin. The shoe’s overlays were bonded with heat welding, which is lighter, more consistent, and less abrasive than traditional stitching. Nike Zoom units in the heel and forefoot, as well as lightweight Phylon-injected midsole, provide a cushioning system that reduces pounding without adding bulk or weight.

Bryant’s input and inspiration was also instrumental in shaping the aesthetics of the Nike Zoom Kobe V. Avar and the design team in Nike’s Innovation Kitchen incorporated aspects of Bryant’s game and personality into every detail in the shoe. The heartbeat traction pattern on the outsole is inspired by the heart, passion and self-described “maniacal will” Bryant brings to the court. The dot-matrix symbol on the front edge of the outsole – found throughout Bryant’s footwear and apparel product this season — represents a codified language sequence. Nike will offer clues to deciphering its meaning throughout the season.

The Nike Zoom Kobe V will be available first online with a unique Nike iD retail campaign launching December 26, 2009. A broader global brick and mortar retail launch will occur January 1, 2010 in China and January 16, 2010 throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

The Kobe 5 features a 10 mm forefoot profile and weighs 10.6 ounces – one ounce lighter than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV.

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) and Kobe Bryant today announced the debut of the Nike Zoom Kobe V, the brand’s lowest-profile and lightest basketball shoe to date. Bryant challenged Nike to make his signature shoe even lighter and lower than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV he debuted during his 2008-2009 championship season. Nike responded with the Nike Zoom Kobe V, which features a 10 mm forefoot profile and weighs 10.6 ounces – one ounce lighter than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV.

“I wanted to push the envelope with a shoe that meets the demands of my style of play,” Bryant said. “The Kobe V is lighter, lower and more stable. Nike has done it again.”

Different sports, similar demands
The initial inspiration for Kobe’s low-profile shoe came from an unexpected place: the soccer field. “I watch a lot of soccer and have seen how the best footballers in the world make sharp cuts at top speed in lightweight, low-cut footwear,” Bryant said. “The demands they make on their feet and ankles aren’t that different from what I’m doing on the court, yet nobody assumes they should play in high tops.”

With Bryant’s observation as inspiration, the Nike Sports Research Lab conducted hundreds of hours of testing to create a low-profile shoe that did not compromise stability or lockdown. By modifying the medial arch and sculpting the external heel counter, Nike researchers created a shoe with exceptional performance that moves with the foot and allows for multi-directional cutting. An enhanced outrigger provides lateral stability, while the de-coupled heel maximizes contact surface. The shoe also features a glass/carbon fiber weave shank plate for mid-foot control and rigidity.

“The journey from a high-top to a low-top basketball shoe is far more complex than simply cutting off the ankle collar, as we demonstrated with the Nike Zoom Kobe IV,” said Matt Nurse, Senior Researcher with the Nike Sports Research Lab. “With the Kobe V we constructed an even lighter-weight support system that provides superior, one-to-one lockdown while moving with the foot, not against it.”

Lightweight performance technologies evolved
Building off the success of the Nike Zoom Kobe IV, Nike Performance Footwear Creative Director Eric Avar wanted to further reduce the weight of the shoe while still enhancing support and stability.

“For the Kobe V, we started with the science and performance elements and built from there,” Avar said. “We wanted this shoe to be a true reflection of his game and persona. As Kobe continues to evolve as an athlete, so will the footwear we create for him.”

The Nike Zoom Kobe V also features a lighter, stronger version of Nike’s innovative Flywire technology, that’s strategically placed to perform like synthetic tendons while cradling the foot like a second skin. The shoe’s overlays were bonded with heat welding, which is lighter, more consistent, and less abrasive than traditional stitching. Nike Zoom units in the heel and forefoot, as well as lightweight Phylon-injected midsole, provide a cushioning system that reduces pounding without adding bulk or weight.

Bryant’s input and inspiration was also instrumental in shaping the aesthetics of the Nike Zoom Kobe V. Avar and the design team in Nike’s Innovation Kitchen incorporated aspects of Bryant’s game and personality into every detail in the shoe. The heartbeat traction pattern on the outsole is inspired by the heart, passion and self-described “maniacal will” Bryant brings to the court. The dot-matrix symbol on the front edge of the outsole – found throughout Bryant’s footwear and apparel product this season — represents a codified language sequence. Nike will offer clues to deciphering its meaning throughout the season.

The Nike Zoom Kobe V will be available first online with a unique Nike iD retail campaign launching December 26, 2009. A broader global brick and mortar retail launch will occur January 1, 2010 in China and January 16, 2010 throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital are uniting for the sixth year to create the Doernbecher Freestyle footwear collection, which pairs young patients with Nike designers to raise money for Oregon’s premier children’s hospital.  The young Doernbecher patients work alongside Nike designers to create footwear that expresses their personal stories, while raising awareness and funds for the hospital. To date the program has raised more than $2 million dollars. All profits from the collection benefit Doernbecher by supporting advanced pediatric research, providing healthcare to uninsured patients, funding the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment, and training the next generation of pediatric specialists.

“We are proud to support this one-of-a-kind project,” said Elliott Hill, Vice President of Global Retail for NIKE, Inc. “Doernbecher Freestyle is about empowerment through design, bringing together bright young patients and some of our most talented Nike designers to give back to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.”

The young designers range in age from 11 to 14 and all have courageously battled serious illness at Doernbecher. Through the Doernbecher Freestyle Project each child is given the unique opportunity to design a pair of Nike’s and is granted complete artistic freedom as he or she works alongside a Nike designer through the entire design process — from selecting a shoe style to choosing materials, colors, patterns and other individual details.

“We are so grateful for Nike’s continued vision and generosity. In the six years of the Freestyle program, the company’s hard work has translated into more than $2 million for Doernbecher,” said Sue Nicol, Executive Director of the Doernbecher Foundation. “Apart from the significant financial impact, Nike is providing a priceless experience for some really brave kids. Their moment in the spotlight as a Nike shoe designer is one they’ll never forget.”

The Doernbecher Freestyle collection will be available for purchase at Niketown stores, nike.com, and at select Nike retailers beginning November 14, 2009. This year’s collection features popular basketball, running and skateboarding styles, including a retro Nike Air Jordan VI.

The 2009 Doernbecher Freestyle Design Team and Footwear Collection:

• Bradley Bowlby, 11, (Stevenson, Washington): Nike Air Force I Low
  Bradley’s desire to get dirty in style is reflected with a custom camouflage design featured on the outsole and upper.
• Collin Callsen, 11, (Stayton, Oregon): Nike P-ROD 3 Skate Shoe
  Collin’s playful attitude comes through with a personalized logo at the bottom of the shoe’s tongue and fun graphics on the upper inspired by his love of hunting, dirt bikes, skulls and playing pool.
• Jordan Dark, 12, (Mt. Angel, Oregon): Nike Air Jordan VI Retro
  Jordan’s creativity comes to life in this shoe that takes inspiration from the Jordan 12, 5, 9 and 6, a play on his birth date of 12-5-1996.
• Anna Finley, 11, (Salem, Oregon): Nike Air Max Zenyth
  Anna’s vivid imagination and love of color is highlighted in this multi-colored shoe with hand-drawn balloons, animals, trees, hearts and music notes.
• Makayla Hansen, 12, (Elgin, Oregon): Nike Skinny Dunk High
  Makayla’s love for playing basketball and riding her bike is clear with a multi-colored basketball design on the upper and five bikes waiting to be discovered under the ankle support straps.
• Molly Anne Modeste Martin, 14, (Lake Oswego, Oregon): Nike Shox NZ
  Molly’s colorful Nike Shox design incorporates symbols of her life’s passions and beliefs—a silhouette of herself running track, a basketball hidden under the top eyelet, a music note, and “Just Do It” embroidered on the back of one heel and “Together” on the other.

To find the location of your nearest Nike retailer or purchase the Doernbecher Freestyle Collection directly, visit www.nike.com. Suggested Retail prices start from $88.

Today, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc., announced the upcoming launch of its 25th anniversary AIR JORDAN 2010 shoe. Celebrating a quarter-century of innovative design and genre-inspiring style, Jordan Brand created the AIR JORDAN 2010 to pay respect to the legacy of Michael Jordan in basketball while passing on the heritage of the sport to the talented Team Jordan athletes, such as Dwyane Wade, who will be the first to debut the AIR JORDAN 2010.

“The celebration of the AIR JORDAN 2010 and our 25th anniversary are the pinnacle of a year full of milestones for me,” said Michael Jordan.  “With each shoe, consumers have pushed me to take the next AIR JORDAN beyond their wildest imagination. The AIR JORDAN 2010 marks the future of Jordan Brand and proves there are no limits to what this Brand is capable of creating.”

Acclaimed shoe designers Tinker Hatfield, Vice President of Special Projects/Design for NIKE and Mark Smith, Creative Director for Jordan Brand, collaborated with Michael Jordan on the AIR JORDAN 2010, taking the literal interpretation of Jordan’s ability to see through his opponents by creating the Brand’s first see-through performance basketball shoe featuring a unique transparent thermoplastic urethane (TPU) window.

“The AIR JORDAN 2010 pays homage to Jordan’s ability to know his opponents next move while only giving hints of his ability and allowing the players to only see what he wanted them to see on the court,” said Tinker Hatfield. “His keen instinct for anticipating his challengers’ next move and disguising his own techniques are just a few of the attributes that led to him being named the greatest basketball player ever to play the game.”

To assist all basketball players’ game while wearing the shoe, Hatfield and Smith also designed the AIR JORDAN 2010 with a revolutionary new concept to performance basketball footwear – a layered toe construction that has an independent forefoot support cover. This innovative design technique allows the AIR JORDAN 2010 to mimic an actual foot’s flexibility and movement without being restricted by the shoe’s structures, assisting in a player’s ability to be more agile in the game.

Since 1984 when Jordan wore the first AIR JORDAN sneaker, AIR JORDAN has become one of the world’s most recognizable franchises known for its signature Jumpman logo, innovative performance technology and fashion-forward style memorializing the sneakers into popular culture history. Jordan Brand has adapted the AIR JORDAN to the changing fashion landscape in its 25 years, utilizing the importance of green technology by making the AIR JORDAN XX3, AIR JORDAN 2009 and now the AIR JORDAN 2010 under Nike’s Considered Design ethos of combining sustainability with performance and innovation. 

Jordan Brand launches the AIR JORDAN 2010 nationwide on Saturday, February 13, 2010 for a suggested retail price of $170. Retailer information can be found at www.Jumpman23.com.

The national ad campaign “SLAP” stars Team Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul featuring the players’ journey to team building and success.

Today, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), unveiled its latest chapter of the “Become Legendary” a national brand campaign, entitled “SLAP.” This campaign shows today’s youth how important team-work is in the game of an athlete’s life.

“SLAP” headlines a national television ad campaign that is supported by an integrated marketing campaign starring Team Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul. The ad takes viewers through a series of quick visual cuts and invigorating audio on the players’ journey to team building and success, from the pain and frustration pushing each other to the limit, to the elation and satisfaction that comes with making it out on the other side.

“We chose the ‘SLAP’ ad to kick off the third season of the ‘Become Legendary’ campaign which embodies what our Brand represents,” said Sean Tresvant, Marketing Director of Jordan Brand. “The concept references Michael Jordan’s legacy of team leadership and features a roster of Team Jordan athletes carrying on his gift in the game today.”

“SLAP” will air on major networks including ESPN, TNT, FOX, and cinemas across the US beginning Sunday, October 25. Subsequent spots meant to connect with consumers on what it takes to ‘Become Legendary’ will air during seasonal sporting events including All-Star Weekend.

The integrated campaign is fully complemented with digital presence on www.Jumpman23.com, in-store retail marketing, and community, consumer and celebrity events throughout 2010.

About Jordan Brand

A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle products. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers.

For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.

Nike Soccer+ and CTR360 boot connect innovative product design with the virtual and physical world of training to help improve player performance.

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today unveiled a new concept in game improvement: a unique digital coaching experience called Nike Soccer+, launched alongside the new CTR360 Maestri boot – a soccer boot crafted for the player looking to master control and make the difference come match day.

A unique user-code that comes with every pair of the boots allows access to exclusive training content from some of the biggest names in the game, including Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal and Andrés Iniesta of FC Barcelona.

The Nike Soccer+ and CTR360 boot connect innovative product design with the virtual and physical world of training to help improve player performance.

“We’re bridging the gap between the physical and digital world to give soccer players a competitive edge and inspire them through new experiences,” said Stefan Olander, Nike Global Brand Connections Director. “Nike Soccer+ is an exciting innovation for soccer players worldwide and a new development in training that will work hand-in-hand with our soccer products to deliver benefits to players at every level.”

Nike Soccer+ Online Training Experience

Nike Soccer+ allows amateur players the chance to tap into interactive video-based tips and drills developed by Nike’s elite soccer players and coaches.

Included with all CTR360 Maestri boots is a card with a unique user code. When entered online at www.nikesoccer.com this code unlocks unique user content to enable players to be trained by the experts. This training tool is also available as an Apple® App available for iPhone and iPod. Nike Soccer+ ensures players can connect with each other tracking and posting scores associated with different training drills.

The Master Control training drills are conceived and demonstrated by coaches from FC Barcelona, while other content includes players such as Cesc Fabregas and Andrés Iniesta demonstrating their signature moves.

The Master Control coaching is the first edition of the Nike Soccer+ coaching program and later programs will focus on other skill areas such as speed and accuracy. Each of the three programs is a 4-week training regiment.

CTR360 Maestri Boot

The CTR360 Maestri boot has been engineered for enhanced passing, close control and effective distribution. Nike designers paid close attention to key zones of the boot, with the outsole adjusted to maximize a player’s ability to trap and control the ball, while the upper has been refined at the key contact points for receiving and distributing the ball.

The boot is made from a unique synthetic upper called Kanga-Lite, which delivers the fit and feel of soft leather, but with the performance qualities of engineered fabrics. For years Nike material technicians have worked on developing a synthetic solution that achieves the fit and feel characteristics of traditional leathers. Kanga-Lite delivers this solution with a supple feel and upper that performs well in any weather condition, maintains its shape and doesn’t soak up water.

Nike Soccer+ can be accessed at www.nikesoccer.com from October 1st.

The CTR360 Maestri boot is available at retail globally and at www.nikestore.com from October 1, 2009.

Nike unveils its US Open apparel and footwear for Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

As excitement builds for the season ending grand slam, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today unveiled its US Open apparel and footwear for Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams at a Nike-built, regulation-sized tennis court in the heart of Manhattan.

At the temporary court, located at 23rd Street and Broadway, tennis fans and youth from New York Junior Tennis League, Athletes for Charity, New York City Parks Foundation and Mentoring USA were treated to inspirational tennis tips and guidance from Federer, Nadal, Williams, and McEnroe. A youth representative from each organization had a chance to win a donation for their local group by returning balls from a tennis simulator set to mimic pro shots. The chance to hit against the simulator was also open to the public.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring the thrill of the US Open directly to tennis fans in New York,” said tennis icon John McEnroe. “Providing a platform for kids to experience the beauty and power of this game and meet their tennis icons is incredible.”

On site, Nike also unveiled the much anticipated apparel and footwear looks for Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Maria Sharapova.

“We are very proud to raise the bar for this year’s US Open apparel and footwear collection by drawing inspiration from New York’s style and energy,” said Janice Lucena, Global Tennis Design Director. “From Nadal’s taxi cab yellow polo to the sleek sophistication of Maria and Serena’s night dresses, we continue to create product that helps our athletes perform better on the court while looking incredible.”

Apparel and Footwear

Roger Federer’s contemporary style is embodied in the details and craftsmanship of his US Open day and night looks. These looks are modern, consisting of bold red and black. Federer’s in-game polos are constructed of knit Nike Dri-FIT fabric in the body and a woven Nike Dri-FIT collar for comfort and moisture management. The body of the shirt has an embossed dot pattern inspired by the subway signs of New York, and the button placket features Roger’s black RF monogram logo, applied using bonded innovation and laser cut detailing.

As the 2008 US Open defending women’s singles champion, all eyes will be on Serena Williams as she looks to defend her title. Her day and night looks were inspired by cocktail party attire, with design call outs including soft pleating at the neckline, a starburst pin tuck detail at the back, and a hemline featuring a bold contrast of color. Both the magenta day dress and black night dress are made of Nike Dri-FIT knit fabric to wick away moisture and help keep Williams cool on the court.

Rafael Nadal has a contemporary style, and the energy of New York serves as the design inspiration for his apparel. Rafa is known for wearing bright colors and will debut a bold yellow and black look, inspired by the streets of New York City and its’ signature yellow taxi cabs. Also featuring a multi-row dot print across the chest, the polo is inspired by the colorful numeric subway signs of New York City. Nike Dri-FIT Mesh is incorporated in strategic places for breathability to keep Nadal cool.

Maria Sharapova is always closely involved in the design process for her apparel. Maria will wear two dresses at the Open, the first features a soft pink Dri-FIT knit body contrasted with electric yellow bonded seams. The dress features asymmetric lines that crossover to the back and create a sophisticated take on a traditional athletic racer-back style. Maria’s US Open warm-up jacket is a lightweight feminine ¾ sleeve length jacket with a ruffle at the collar and pleating along the waist and sleeve ends. Maria’s second on-court dress is inspired by the New York City skyline, and features a dramatic t-back style, keeping Maria’s shoulders free for the mobility she needs during play.

NIKE, Inc. today introduced the Air Max LeBron VII, the latest and most innovative shoe in LeBron James’ signature line, at a global media summit in Akron, Ohio featuring James and performance footwear designer Jason Petrie. The Air Max LeBron VII is designed to deliver maximum comfort and stability. It features an innovative, basketball-specific Max Air unit, a cushioning first for the company, and a Flywire engineered upper using higher tensile-strength cable than in previous performance basketball shoes. “The new LeBron VII takes my signature line to a new level of innovation,” said LeBron James. “As the demands of my game evolve and increase, Nike consistently designs and develops shoes helping drive my on-court success.” The Air Max LeBron VII will be available globally beginning October 24, with a suggested retail price of $160 USD. “When designing the Air Max LeBron VII, we envisioned a shoe that was both strong and comfortable,” said Jason Petrie, Nike Footwear Designer. “We delivered a shoe that is a perfect combination of superior performance and luxurious style, embodying LeBron himself.” Comfort Revolution Nike’s first basketball-specific Max Air 360 unit is designed and engineered for the multi-directional movements of the modern basketball player. This basketball-specific Air-Sole unit contains 80 percent more air than the previous full-length unit for ultimate comfort. The Max Air 360 unit is strategically contoured with a thinner forefoot and deeper heel placing cushioning where it is needed most. Moving upward from the court floor, the insole and upper of the shoe match the mid-sole’s innovation. The seamless integrated inner-sleeve not only makes for a comfortable ride with no irritation, but also provides the lockdown support basketball players covet. Nike’s Flywire technology, first introduced in the highly successful Nike Hyperdunk shoe, provides support without adding unnecessary weight by integrating tensile fibers with a minimal use of materials. Its crisscross lineage not only provides basketball specific stability, but also creates a diamond pattern that LeBron has asked be integrated into his signature footwear and apparel lines each year. Heritage The Air Max LeBron VII pays homage to the sport of basketball and reflects the personality of LeBron. On the outsole, five flex grooves represent the five players on the court while 23 stripes in the midsection represent LeBron’s number. The outsole also features a 3D decoder key which, when the shoe is rotated, displays LeBron’s credos – Passion, Fearless, Tradition, Community, Family, Loyalty – and other key call outs from LeBron’s life. Additionally, the seven Flywire strands on the tongue of the shoe represents the Air Max LeBron VII as the seventh shoe in the signature series. This same call-out is repeated with the V-shaped metal eyelets on the top of the shoe and Roman numeral II embossed directly underneath it. Craftsmanship The Air Max LeBron VII is constructed with a full-grain leather upper and patent leather throughout, giving it a plush feel and luxurious aesthetic. The goal was to bring the highest quality detailing to LeBron’s latest shoe, and this is evident throughout due to its superior design. The Air Max LeBron VII was made for the basketball player who is looking for cushioning and strength with a sense of style. For additional information please visit www.nikebasketball.com (consumers) or www.nikemedia.com (journalists).

photo: Marc Berry via flickr

Nike Inc., the largest athletic shoemaker, will boycott leather from Brazil’s Amazon region after the environmental group Greenpeace said cattle-rearing was helping destroy the world’s biggest tropical rainforest.

The Beaverton, Oregon-based sportswear company issued an “Amazon Leather Policy” and said late yesterday it will insist suppliers are able to trace the origins of leather used in Nike products by July 1, 2010, to ensure none of the cattle are reared in Amazonia “and its related ecosystem.”

“Nike has recognized that trampling over the Amazon rainforest to produce leather for its trainers is an unacceptable way of doing business,” Sarah Shoraka, a Greenpeace forest campaigner, said today. “Preparing land for cattle ranching is now the single biggest cause of deforestation in the world and a major driver of climate change.”

Tropical logging makes up about 17 percent of the global emissions of heat-trapping gases blamed for warming weather, according to the United Nations. Greenpeace last month said cattle-rearing in the Amazon accounted for 14 percent of the world’s annual deforestation.

Greenpeace today called on companies including Germany’s Adidas AG, its Reebok unit and the U.K. chain Clarks to take similar measures as Nike.

“Nike has taken a bold step and now we need to see other companies follow their lead,” Shoraka said in an e-mail.

Cutting down rainforests also reduces biodiversity and risks extinguishing plant species that may have medical uses, environmentalists say.

Could Expand Boycott

Nike said if suppliers fail to meet the deadline for proving the origin of leather, the company may expand the region from which it won’t source leather to include non-forested areas in all nine Brazilian states that contain parts of the Amazon.

“Nike can say with a high level of certainty that leather used in Nike products is not sourced within the Amazon basin,” the shoemaker said in a statement on its Web site. “However, recognizing that there is no current leather traceability system to track the origins of leather with 100 percent confidence, we have released a policy which requires our suppliers to establish a traceability system over the coming year.”