Nike Salutes Wrestling Culture With Its Newest "Lucha Libre" Collection
Featuring colorful takes of the Air Force 1, Air Max 90 and the Nike Blazer Mid alongside matching apparel.
Nike has a tendency of honoring certain cultures and practices when it comes special footwear collections. In years past we’ve seen them take on projects that pay homage to Nigeria with its “Naija” capsule as well as Korea with its Seoul-inspired Dunks, and for September 2021, the Swoosh is choosing to salute wrestling culture — a major piece of Mexican culture — with its new “Lucha Libre” footwear and apparel collection.
“We see sharing cultural expressions as a way of creating relationships,” says Carlos Hernández, Mexico City Merchandising Director for Geo Express Lane. “When you’re deeply invested in a culture, you share its passions and interests. By paying close attention to Lucha Libre tradition, we get to use footwear and apparel to share a piece of Mexican culture with the world in places like Seoul, Tokyo, Brazil and more. With a number of Mexico GEL collections releasing soon, we’re creating the product with that same imaginative focus on cultural detail.”
In the footwear department, the Oregon-based imprint has lined up three cultural takes of the Nike Blazer Mid, Air Max 90 and the Air Force 1 Low. The Blazers are formatted with a forest green satin upper and come adorned with faux snakeskin panels and shoe strings that channel the look of the back of a wrestling mask. The Air Max 90 offering bears black and white color-blocking and nods to the famous “Los Técnicos vs. Los Rudos” rivalries — which in English translates to “Good vs. Evil.” Lastly, the Air Force 1 Low is treated to a metallic leather upper and comes graced with oversized shrouds that act as removable masks. Colorful hues of green, blue and red come together on this accessory to really express its Lucha Libre essence.
Alongside the kicks is a range of matching apparel. Silhouettes include pullover hoodies and tees that feature luchador-friendly embellishments.
The collection is slated to drop September 11 via SNKRS in Mexico, September 14 on the Nike App in Mexico, and globally on September 17.
For other Nike-related news, CLOT and sacai have unveiled details for the CLOTsacaiTHEHOME pop-up experience.
