This iteration of the SB Dunk Low features a colorway much different than its peers. The rich blue color, inspired by Japanese bathhouses, weaves underneath a series of textured overlays. Metallic Swooshes, yellow lining, and crispy white midsoles are also seen across the pair’s profile. FTC branding on the tongue and heel finish off the collaborative design.

Look for the FTC Skateboarding x Nike SB Dunk Low to release just in time for the Tokyo Olympics, dropping on July 21st through select skate shops and Nike.com. The price is set at $110 USD. Until then, be sure to check out official photos below.

In other Cult Edge news, be sure to check out this article about the history of the Air Max 1.

When thinking of NBA superstars with a signature sneaker, all eyes typically point toward Michael Jordan. Chicago’s messiah, Jordan’s long list of accomplishments, like the making of his own signature sneaker brand, have helped to blend basketball and lifestyle together. However, Jordan’s own path wouldn’t have been possible without “Clyde” Frazier’s impact ten years prior.

Frazier, the New York Knick and Cleveland Cavalier point guard, played in the NBA for thirteen seasons. The first ten played in the Big Apple, Frazier dominated the courts with his visionary playstyle and received massive fanfare for his off-court fashion and high-taste in cars. The 1987 Hall of Famer ended his professional basketball career with career averages of 18.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.

During Frazier’s era, NBA signature athletes received complimentary sneakers from the top footwear brands: adidas and Converse. Underneath them, various other footwear companies wrestled for larger market shares. With the debate about stylish, yet comfortable and functional sneakers escalating with each passing year, such companies continued to struggle with how to penetrate the lucrative market. That was when player signatures were finally developed.

1973 was the year that Puma Clyde history was made. Frazier had just succeeded in winning his first NBA title in 1970 and was on the cusp of winning yet another championship three years later. At the same time, German-based athletic brand Puma had expanded into sport footwear, looking to capture a larger share of the basketball pie. Rather than gift athletes an all-purpose team shoe, PUMA decided to pick Frazier, the NBA’s fashion icon, as their flagship sponsor.

In an interview with One37Pm, the HoF point guard explained how he was pitched his idea: “It was a friend of mine. He just approached me and said Puma would be interested in using me like a spokesman. They’d pay me some money and they’d give me [shoes].”

For Frazier, this was a monumental moment: a moment that had to be executed perfectly. Previously, like other NBA athletes, he had worn Converse high-tops with an orange lace in one shoe and a blue lace in the other. However, with his impending Puma deal signifying Frazier to wear their signature sneaker, the creation of a new footwear product was likely. Puma’s existing basketball silhouette was heavy, clunky, and of most importance, not stylish.

Initially, Puma and Frazier agreed on a re-created Puma Suede. The Suede was light and cushioned enough for his quick movements. As he wore the Suede, the duo was in the process of creating a new sneaker that would transform hoops footwear. The “Clyde,” a newly revised version of the classic Puma silhouette, would go on to be one of the most historic footwear pieces in all of the NBA.

From there on, the Puma Clyde would be rocked for various athletes across the league. Additionally, off-court sales to public consumers would skyrocket Puma’s revenue. The Clyde became a shoe for the masses, particularly for the youth in New York City. While success on-court was exceptional, the Clyde did best with its stylish function on the street.

In the same interview with one37Pm, Frazier exclaimed “You had to sacrifice like it was something special. If you got a pair of Clydes, you were taking the money out of your savings to get those shoes. A lot of people tell me that today.”

In 2018, Frazier signed a lifetime deal with Puma, building upon the precedent the two set in the past. This has become more and more relevant today, as the Clyde signature name continues to be built upon both in New York, the domestic United States, and around the globe.

Today, multiple forms of the Puma Clyde have developed. From the original, modern modifications including Puma Clyde Court, the Puma Clyde All-Pro, and Clyde Court All-Pro Kuzma have been invented. In fact, the Clyde All-Pro has become one of the most worn signature sneakers on-court, worn by players like LaMelo Ball and Kyle Kuzma. Going forward, it’s clear that Puma Basketball has made it a priority to expand their line of business.

The Puma Clyde maintains a historical significance among basketball shoes. While it didn’t flourish on the court as much as Puma would have liked, it did become an icon in the world of hip-hop, break dancing, skateboarding, and entertainment. Most importantly, it paved the way for future signature deals to happen, all the while making basketball more relevant and global.

From the past, we’re able to understand the development that has led to present time. The year is 1987 – an incredible year for culture, entertainment, and of course sneakers. Michael Jackson had just released his hit single BAD, The Simpsons animated cartoon had just made its television debut, and Nike had just dropped what would become the most iconic Air Max of all-time: the Air Max 1.

Tinker Hatfield: the mastermind of the Nike Air Max 1

When recalling the history of the Air Max 1, the story cannot be told without Tinker Hatfield. Tinker Hatfield, the legendary footwear designer that played roles in blueprinting the Air Jordan 1 and others, would go on to design the infamous Air Max pair. Initially, Hatfield was hired in 1981 by Nike as a corporate architect to design their Oregon campus. Fast forward to 1985, the designer transitioned over to sneaker design to help the struggling Nike compete with growing competitors. Out of his designs came the very first Air Max sneaker.

The early ’80s were a strong transitional period for Nike. Nike had ascended to a main competitor, quickly out-pacing brands like adidas, Onitsuka Tiger, and Puma. The formerly dubbed Blue Ribbon Sports company had established partnerships with various athletes, released iconic sneakers like the Nike Cortez and Nike Waffle Racer, and became the fastest growing footwear brand in the domestic United States.

During this time, Nike would takeover 50% of the U.S. athletic shoe market share, while also racing to become a one billion dollar company. Come 1985 however, Nike’s footwear sales began declining due to rising competition. Viewing this as a potential opportunity for much-needed innovation, Tinker Hatfield began developing the Air Max 1.

Nike’s Air technology takes flight

Nike’s proprietary Air technology wasn’t a new found innovation, rather it had already been in the works for years. Frank Rudy, a former NASA employee, discovered how to place gas inside the soles of sneakers. Air technology debuted in the 1978 Air Tailwind. Air was a revelation for cushioning systems, replacing the age-old molded EVA soles with gas pumped urethane pouches. Runners loved the light, bouncy cushioning. However, the general consensus was that people had decided that the soles were better suited unseen. Hatfield was set to change that.

It wasn’t as if Hatfield had magically sprung up with the visible Air solution. Rather, it was his time in Paris that inspired the design. Specifically, it was a controversial building named the Centre Georges Pompidou, one that scored an abundance of eye rolls and verbal disdain. “I don’t know if I was thinking, well now I’m going to design a shoe based off of this,” Hatfield said in the documentary series Respect the Architects. “I just remember being super influenced by it and having my architectural senses turned upside down.”

Hatfield is referring to the building’s nontraditional build, with all of its functional and structural elements placed on the outside for external viewership. Had he not seen the building, perhaps he would have never known to make the Air unit visible: “I thought let’s make the bag a little bit wider, make sure it’s stable, but then let’s go ahead and remove part of the midsole so we can actually see it.”

While Hatfield developed his idea into creation, Nike had begun to look elsewhere. The sportswear brand had become adamant on shrinking the Air technology due to fears that a visible unit would be structurally fragile or easily punctured. In a future documentary entitled Abstract: The Art of Design, Hatfield proclaimed that Nike was looking to fire his design team. Luckily, Hatfield was backed by Director of Cushioning Innovation David Forland. Hatfield’s confidence in his designs was sky-high, but even he couldn’t have predicted the incredible impact the Air Max 1 would have on sneaker history and culture.

1987: the year it all began

On March 26, 1987, Nike released their first visible Air unit sneaker: the “Infrared” Air Max 1. In succession, the Air Max 1 was debuted on Nike’s first ever television advertisement. The Air Pack, which also featured silhouettes like the Air Trainer 1, Air Sock, Air Safari, and Air Revolution. Around the time of release, Forland was visiting an airport and recalled seeing someone wearing the Air Max 1. “Somebody bought them. I see the Air-Sole going up and down!’ It was a big risk, but bigger reward.”

Today, the Nike Air Max 1 is known as one of the most significant sneakers to release. We continue to see new Air Max iterations come to life, including past iterations like the Air Max 90, Air Max 95, Air Max 97, VaporMax, Air Max Plus, and Air Max 2090. However, no Air Max will ever have the symbolism and importance that the “Infrared” Air Max 1 has had. Homage pairs, including a Nike Air Max 1 “Sketch To Shelf University Red”, pay tribute to Hatfield’s original sketches. Easy to wear, versatile for any setting, the Air Max 1 has become special in its own right.

Since inception, the Nike Air Max 1 has released in many prominent colorways. The original “Infrared” scheme sticks out as a popular winner, along with its OG “Sport Blue” brother. Additionally, the 2006 CLOT x Nike Air Max 1 “Kiss of Death” pushed the boundaries of sneaker design. Details surrounding the ancient Chinese art of pressure points made way across the silhouette. Additional Chinese symbolism and a controversial clear toebox elevated the CLOT collaboration to Air Max Hall of Fame status.

Following up their 2006 product, the Air Max 1 was tagged by Japanese brand ATMOs for an iconic “Elephant” makeover. One of the first non Air Jordan 3 sneakers to use the pattern, it perfectly contrasted the white leathers, teal accents, and black suedes with the popular animal print. Many recall this Air Max to be the best of all time.

In 2009, the silhouette was tapped by Dutch brand Patta for a bright “Chlorophyll” colorway. While the collaborative effort didn’t sell as well as predicted, the limey green color used and OG colorblocking distinguished the sneaker from its peers. Other great pairs include the “Forest Green” iteration and “Obsidian” iteration.

The Nike Air Max 1 continues to receive incredible love today. Without a doubt, the silhouette has ascended to an all-time Nike great along with pairs like the Air Jordan 1 and Air Force 1. Some could even refer to the sneaker as the one that started it all, spawning the now vast Air Max catalog. Luckily for Air Max fans, the annual Air Max day provides Nike with an opportunity to release coveted silhouettes and consumers with an opportunity to purchase them.

If interested in copping a pair, head on over the Nike.com.

In their second collaborative effort, the duo looked for inspiration across the world. After their search, they settled on the brightly colored European doors and textiles as their main muse. The texture-rich sneaker features an olive green suede upper, complimented by patches of premium meshes. Colorful pink leathers construct the “S” branding and other overlays around the heel. The design sits atop a white midsole and gum rubber outsole. As if that wasn’t enough, the sneaker arrives with four different lace options, passport-like tissue paper, and a high-quality mesh shoe bag.

Look for the Up There x Saucony Shadow 6000 “Doors to the World” to drop exclusively on Up There’s web-store this June 4th. Take a look at official photos below.

In other sneaker news, Matthew M Williams and Nike are dropping a new MMW 4. Read more here.

Displayed on Janthony Oliveras’ feet, the Forum Buckle Low revives the same beloved characteristics of the previous iterations. Aside from its all-black makeup, reflective rope laces with yellow aglets, Bad Bunny’s third eye branding, and translucent outsole construct the collaborative effort. For those that have been waiting to cop one of the artist’s sneakers, this looks to be the best opportunity yet.

Look for the Bad Bunny x adidas Forum Buckle Low to drop in the near future on the adidas CONFIRMED app for $160. What do you think about Bad Bunny’s latest sneaker?

In other sneaker news, the New Balance 550 is dropping in a colorful “Oak Tree Leaf” colorway. Read more here.

This iteration of the 550 features an upper like many of its predecessors, constructed in white leathers that embody retro hoops silhouettes. Where it differs however, is in the various other colors that are seen along the heel. Green, navy, yellow, and red touches are seen there, along with a red “N” branding and yellow “550” branding. The same color pallet appears on the sole, contrasting the white midsole that features “NB” and “New Balance” logos.

Luckily for New Balance fans, the New Balance 550 “Oak Leaf Green” is available now on newbalance.com for $110. How do you feel about the 550 silhouette and where does it rank among the Boston-based brand’s new silhouettes? Stay tuned to Cult Edge for all of your sneaker news.

In other release date information, Matthew M Williams and Nike are dropping another MMW 4 this week. Read more here.

Inspired by utilitarian designs, the Zoom MMW 4 was designed with a multitude of significant details. The next-level runner features a rust colored mesh upper and stacked mid-sole with a Nike Zoom Air forefoot. Reds transition to oranges and blacks, all with accents of gold to finish off the spectacular gradient color scheme.  Williams has placed his MW branding on both insoles.

Look for the Matthew M Williams x Nike Zoom MMW 4 “Rust Factor” to release on May 27 via select retailers and Nike.com for $450. Take a look at official photos below as we await the release drop. Be sure to stay tuned to Cult Edge for all of your sneaker news.

In other sneaker news, the Air Jordan 1 Low is being redone with Crater mid-soles. Read more here.

From first glance, the low profile sneaker has received an extensive makeover. Recycled black meshes curate the upper, while grey overlays and black laces sit above. Nike’s new Grind material is seen across the Swooshes, with blue stitching attaching the branding to the heel. The Wings logo is found in black. A Crater mid sole, formulated with recycled materials, finishes off the design.

Look for the Air Jordan 1 Low “Crater” to arrive sometime this year for an unknown price on Nike.com. How do you feel about the low-cut silhouette? Let us know here at Cult Edge.

In other sneaker news, the Reebok Instapump Fury “Chalk” is available now.

Reebok has decided to keep this iteration simple, designing the Instapump with a pallet worthy of summer-time goodness. White mesh uppers, navy leather overlays, and bright yellow accents found on the heel and tongue tabs makeup the sneaker’s design. Reebok branding is found directly on the heel. The sneaker’s design is finished off with a bright white button on the tongue, placed in classic fashion.

The Reebok Instapump Fury “Chalk” is available now through select retailers on like Footpatrol for £140 EUR (approximately $171 USD). In the future, perhaps there will be a global release later in the summer. Until then, be sure to take a look at official photos below.

This iteration of the Air Tuned Max features a “Midnight Navy” makeup, with white accents appearing on the upper and midsole. Hues of red and grey appear on the tongue and heel, while also appearing inside of the Air unit found underfoot. White laces complete the design.

The Nike Air Tuned Max “Midnight Navy” is out for release right now through select retailers like Solebox for 142.86 €. Take a look at official photos below.

Be sure to keep it locked to Cult Edge for all of your sneaker updates.

In other sneaker news, the adidas Y-3 Hicho is out now.