If I asked you to list two or three popular sports brands, Nike would undoubtedly make the cut. It’s a name that towers above the rest, and has done so for quite some time! Founded in Oregon in the USA in 1964, Nike has become an iconic brand that has revolutionized the world of sportswear.
You’d be remiss to think of Nike as simply being a sports brand, however, it has made significant contributions to the fashion industry, too. Nike fashion shoes for men (and women) have become a staple in the wardrobe for both sports and fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Nike has pivoted from being a brand that only sports aficionados look to, to a household name, due to their high-quality design, exceptional comfort, and everyday style. Today, we will take a look at everything you need to know about Nike fashion shoes for men, from their evolution from an exclusive sports brand, to a fashion global empire. We will also look into their sustainability efforts.
Evolution of Nike Shoes
Like any brand — regardless of their industry — Nike needed to adapt, evolve and grow. This is just one of the reasons why Nike has remained at the front and centre for shoe stockists and sports stores across the world.
Nike started off as a company that focused solely on athletic shoes. However, over the years, they have expanded to include a range of shoes that are both fashionable and practical. Nike has been able to adapt to the ever-changing trends in the fashion industry — which literally switch every season and every year — which is just one of the reasons why Nike has remained relevant.
One of the most significant contributions to the fashion industry by Nike was their creation of the Air Jordan 1 in 1985. The Air Jordan 1 is a basketball shoe that was designed in collaboration with basketball superstar Michael Jordan. The shoe was comfortable, stylish, and its association with a global legend saw it quickly becoming a ‘must have,’ for sneaker and sports fans alike.
Later down the line, following the success of the Air Jordan 1, Nike released other similarly styled shoes, like the Air Force 1 and the Dunk, these too became staples in fashion culture.
Nike Fashion Shoes for Men: Product Review
When it comes to dissecting Nike fashion shoes for men, there are a few styles that stand out and absolutely must be discussed. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the popular Nike shoes for men.
Air Jordan 1
As discussed (it’s so important we had to mention it again!), the Air Jordan 1 is one of the most iconic shoes from Nike. The shoe has a high-top design and is available in various colours. It is a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a popular choice among sneakerheads.
Air Force 1
Originally released in 1982, the Air Force 1 quickly became another classic shoe from Nike. Styled like a basketball shoe, it has since become a staple in the fashion industry. It is available in low and high-top designs and is known for its comfort and durability.
Dunk
The Dunk was originally released in 1985 as a basketball shoe — the clue is in the name! However, it quickly became popular among skateboarders and has since become a fashionable shoe. It is available in various colours and has a low-top design.
After these success stories, Nike shoes became known for their quality and durability — they’re crafted using high-quality materials — and their unique design. Each of these shoes are updated and modified to this very day, with new style launches in the USA seeing eager shoppers queuing around the block to get the latest Air Force 1’s or Air Jordan 1’s!
Nike Fashion Shoes for Men: Style Guide
Nike fashion shoes for men are incredibly versatile. With some finessing, they can be styled to suit most outfit choices. Here are some outfit suggestions for wearing Nike shoes — though we could list many more!
Casual – For a casual look, pair your Nike shoes with a t-shirt and jeans. You can also wear them with shorts and a hoodie for a more relaxed look.
Athletic – Of course Nike shoes are perfect for athletic wear. Pair them with sweatpants and a hoodie for a comfortable and stylish gym look.
Formal – If you’re feeling brave, you can also wear Nike shoes with a suit or dress pants for an on-trend yet formal look. The key is to keep the outfit simple (like a solid grey suit) and let the shoes do the statement piece. This is especially true if the shoes are bright in colour.
Nike Fashion Shoes for Men: Endorsements and Collaborations
One of the reasons why Nike fashion shoes for men are so popular is because of their collaborations with influential designers and celebrities, leveraging these individuals’ stardom to reach a wider audience. Here are just a couple of their most notable collaborations.
Virgil Abloh – Virgil Abloh is a designer and the founder of the fashion brand Off-White. He has collaborated with Nike on a range of shoes, including the Air Jordan 1 and the Dunk. Virgil’s designs are best known for their unique style and flair.
Travis Scott – Travis Scott is a rapper and producer who has also collaborated with Nike on a range of shoes. His designs are known for their bold colours and unique features, such as a hidden pocket in the shoe tongue — handy!
By not only creating desirable footwear, these collaborations have helped to keep Nike fashion shoes for men both relevant and popular. Celebrity endorsements also keep Nike in the limelight and bring attention to the brand, seamlessly introducing new audiences to Nike shoes.
Nike Fashion Shoes for Men: Sustainability Efforts
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on sustainability in the fashion industry — and rightfully so. Always eager to adapt, Nike has recognized this and has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and to use more sustainable materials.
Some of the sustainability efforts by Nike include:
- Recycled materials – Nike has been using recycled materials in its products to reduce waste. Currently the company has uses recycled polyester in its shoes and apparel.
- Reducing carbon emissions – Nike has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. The company has invested in renewable energy sources to help achieve this goal.
- Water reduction – Nike has taken steps to reduce its water usage in the production process. The company has implemented technologies that use less water in the manufacturing process.
These sustainability efforts and steps towards corporate responsibility are important for the environment and the future of the fashion industry. Further, sustainability is now coveted by some shoppers, in fact, taking Gen Z for example, ‘Gen X consumers’ preference to shop sustainable brands increased by nearly 25% and their willingness to pay more for sustainable products increased by 42%’.
Updating and adapting social and environmental policies shows that Nike is committed to making a positive impact and taking responsibility for its actions.
Conclusion
Nike fashion shoes for men have become an iconic part of the fashion industry. From the Air Jordan 1 to the Dunk, you’re sure to have seen at least one of these styles of shoes on your travels either in person, or on the feet of a well-known celeb.
Relevance has been retained at Nike HQ due to their ability to adapt and update to fashions and consumer preferences. Further, Nike’s collaborations with influential designers and celebrities have also helped to keep the brand popular in the spotlight.
Additionally, Nike has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and use more sustainable materials, which is important for the environment and the future of the fashion industry.
These are just a few great reasons for you to consider Nike fashion shoes for men if you’re in need of footwear. They’re stylish, comfortable, made to last, and their sustainability policy is going from strength to strength. What more could you ask for?
