Done in a Sail, Mineral Teal and White color scheme, this colorway is set to be the second rendition of the Nike PG 4 PCG. For those that may not know, PCG stands for Paul Condition Gear, which is a play on words for ACG, Nike’s All Condition Gear line. Being that Paul George loves the outdoors (especially fishing), Nike and Paul thought it’s be dope to drop a few colorways paying homage to the ACG line.

This Nike PG 4 PCG starts of with a Beige transparent upper complimented by the White Swooshes on the sides and Teal contrasting accents found throughout. Paying homage to the ACG line is the “PCG” branding on the heels that uses the same ACG emblem/badge. A White midsole and Off-White rubber outsole round out the main features of the shoe.

A great look for the Summer, the Nike PG 4 PCG drops on August 15th at select retailers and Nike.com for the retail price of $115. Speaking of great Summer looks, take a look at the recently released Reigning Champ x Asics Gel-Nimbus 22.

Images: Nike

Making its debut back in 1972, the Nike Cortez was designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman. Bowerman, an Olympic-class track coach designed the Cortez in an effort to create a running shoe for his athletes that was more comfortable and durable for both distance training and road running. Released at the peak of the 1972 Olympics, the “modern” running shoe gained a strong cult following from the general public right out the gate.

With all that being said, there is so much more to the Nike Cortez that happened way before 1972. Let us break it down for you.

So before Bowerman designed and released the Cortez in 1972, he was working on another shoe known as the TG-24 alongside the Japanese footwear company Onitsuka Tiger, better known as Asics. Bowerman ordered 300 pairs of the TG-24 in 1966 to be distributed in the U.S.. The shoe did great and ended up being one of the best new runners of the year. Blue Ribbon Sports (the name of Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman’s company before they decided to change it to “Nike”,) was the company that imported the TG-24 from Japan to the U.S.

After a successful first year run, Bowerman decided to change the name of the TG-24 shoe into something more appealing, he opted to go with “Mexico,” which was derived from the 1968 Summer Olympic Games, which were held in Mexico. Once the Olympic Games came to an end, another name change on the shoe occured, this time looking for something more catchy.

They decided on the name Aztec, but that didn’t last long since adidas took legal action to stop the name from happening since it was too similar to their own Azteca Gold track shoe. Soon thereafter they decided on the name “Cortez”, which pays tribute to Hernan Cortés, the Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.The Cortez ended up being the best selling running sneakers in both Blue Ribbon Sports and Onitsuka Tiger history.

Like most things in life, all good things must come to an end. In 1971, Bowerman and Knight changed the name of their company to ‘Nike’. They began releasing their very own shoes, one of them being (you guessed it) the Nike Cortez. This was the beginning of a legal battle between Nike and Onitsuka Tiger over who gets the right for the “Cortez” moniker. By 1974, the court ruled in favor of Nike, resulting in them owning and keeping the name “Cortez”.

Now that the name Cortez was rightfully owned by Nike, they began modifying it. One change they did was to make some pairs of the Cortez constructed out of nylon, thus dubbing that version “the lightest running shoe ever made.”

Check out also: The Untold Story about the Nike Cortez Kenny Moore

Although originally made for running and track work, the Nike Cortez gained a lot of fans outside the track during the 1980s. From breakdancers in the East coast, to gang culture and the hip-hop world in the West coast. The Cortez wasn’t all about the streets either, as the Nike running shoes was also placed center stage in Hollywood when it was worn by Tom Hanks in the movie “Forrest Gump” (1994).

The year 2022 will mark 50 years since the Nike Cortez silhouette  made its initial debut. What was originally known as a running/track shoe has managed to effortlessly transcend to a streetwear icon. No matter your style, background, ethnicity or tax bracket, it seems like the Nike Cortez is a perfect fit for anyone and everyone who is into sneakers.

Much like the Nike Air Force 1, the Nike Cortez has released in a countless amount of colorways and iterations. From collaborating with Kendrick Lamar on more than one occasion, to rocking Jewel Swooshes, to coming covered in mesh, leather, suede, nubuck or canvas.

There was also Mr. Cartoon for a few collaborations, to even adding a platform soles to its design courtesy of Comme des Garçons, the Nike Cortez manages to reinvent itself year after year after year. Whether you like the OG look and feel or appreciate the more modern interactions of the model, there’s always a Cortez that fits your needs.

With the Nike Cortez 50 year anniversary fast approaching, it’s safe to say that Nike will be dropping a plethora of Nike Cortez in the year 2020. The simple yet elegant silhouette has withstood the test of time.  It has managed to remain relevant for almost 50 years, there is no doubt in our mind that the Nike Cortez will continue to age like fine wine.

Check out also: The Nike Cortez Day Of The Dead Celebrates Loved Ones That Have Passed Away

During the design process of the Nike Air Safari, Tinker Hatfield knew that he wanted to design an athletic shoe that would be introducing the Safari print to the world. He wanted to create a performance-inspired shoe that also had a luxury look and feel. One look at the Nike Air Safari, and you know Tinker was thinking “premium” with the model.

The inspiration? None other than a certain couch in a window display that caught Tinker’s attention. That particular couch was covered in real ostrich skin. The moment Tinker saw that, he knew exactly what he wanted the Nike Air Safari to look like. Tinker made a mental note of the luxe material used on the couch and went on to find a faux version of that. This is the very moment that the Safari print was born and soon thereafter was utilized on the Nike Air Safari.

Air Safari: since 1987

When the Nike Air Safari released in 1987, it didn’t get much love. To put it simply, the  Nike Air Safari was way ahead of its time. Not because of the tech used on the shoe, but rather because it was way too fashionable for those times. Fashion in performance sneakers was not something common 30+ years ago. Tinker got rid of the mesh build you were used to seeing on runners and replaced it with leather. He did this because he wanted the Nike Air Safari to be running-inspired, but no longer a runner.

The Air Safari was Nike’s 1st sneaker to explore the idea of a product which is sports inspired. Fast-forward to today and the sports-inspired footwear and apparel industry is as big as it ever was. Talk about a revolutionary sneaker, eh?

Over the past few decades, not only has Nike given the Nike Air Safari the retro treatment, but they’ve also utilized the luxury couch-inspired print on some of their most beloved silhouettes. Although the Nike Safari theme/print got off to a rocky start, it now seems as if streetwear culture and fashion is finally “getting” what Tinker was trying to bless us with 30+ years ago. That said, the Safari vibes are alive and well today as they’ve been utilized on a handful of other Nike models. Here’s a list of some of our favorite silhouettes utilizing the Safari theme while also putting their own modern twist to it.

Nike Air Trainer 1 Mid PRM NRG Safari

Image via: Flight Club

This one is special because the Nike Air Trainer 1 model was also part of the Nike Air Max Pack, the very same pack the debuted the Nike Air Safari. In other words, this classic silhouette is paying homage to its counterpart. Now that’s love.

Atmos x Nike Air Max 1 Safari

Considering the mixed reviews that the Nike Air Safari started off with, who in their right mind would have though that this Atmos x Nike Air Max 1 Safari collab would end up being on lots of people’s wish list? Considered an Air Max 1 grail (both the 2002 and 2016 version), this Safari-themed Air Max 1 is designed and executed to perfection.

Atmos x Air Jordan 3

Often overlooked, (we honestly have no idea why?!) this collaborative version of the Air Jordan 3 released as a pack alongside the Atmos x Nike Air Max 1 Elephant. Atmos opted to swap out the classic Elephant print overlays in exchange for Safari print. The result was way better than anyone expected. It doesn’t look forced and it actually flows really well with the rest of the shoe.

Nike Air Presto Safari

When the Nike Presto released in 2000, it was marketed as the “t-shirt for your feet”.  Now considered a classic silhouette in its own way, Nike released this Safari-inspired iteration of the Presto back in 2016. Instead of using the Safari print as an accented overlay or as a secondary colorway, Nike opted to be bold and place it on the entire upper of the shoe.

To be quite honest, we’re in love with how loud and bold this release turned out. Now that you’ve seen some of our favorite Safari-themed kicks, what Safari-themed sneaker would you add to this list?

Nike, the biggest footwear company in the world has released thousands upon thousands of sneakers since it’s inception back in 1964, when the brand was known as Blue Ribbon Sports. The fact that Nike’s Air Max line still manages to stand out from the plethora amount of sneakers that Nike has ever released, just goes to show how iconic and timeless the Air Max line truly is. That being the case, today we will give you a quick history lesson to the origins of the Air Max line.

First things first, what exactly is “Air Max”?

Nike’s Air Cushioning Technology was introduced way back in 1979. Nike’s Air Cushioning technology is basically a technique where you embed Air Cushioning in the midsoles of sneakers. By doing so, this changed the entire landscape of the way the athlete approached and reacted to athletic performance forever.

Although Air Cushioning Technology was introduced in 1979, it was not until 1987 that Air Max was introduced to the world. During those eight years, Nike needed to figure out a way to make their latest Air Cushioning Technology even better and place it onto the limelight.

Over time, the Air component became larger which resulted in greater cushioning, comfort and reduced weight. Additionally, Nike also figured out a way to make the Air Cushioning visible. The Air Max line was born.

The first Nike Air Max sneaker to release to the public was the Nike Air Max 1. Making its debut in 1987, the running model was able to stand out thanks in large part to the Air Cushioning unit being visible on the midsole. Those small visible air bags you see on your favorite Nike Air Max models are flexible urethane pouches filled with pressurized gas.

Not only did it give the shoe a modern and trendy aesthetic (remember, this shoe released in 1987), the air bags also provided the wearer with an improved cushioned underfoot. In other words, Nike managed to combine fashion and performance on to one shoe.

Sidenote: Although many people seem to think that Tinker Hatfield created Air Max, he actually conceptualized the Air Max designs, while M. Frank Rudy was the actual man who created and patented the underlying Air Max technology.

The Air Max Line

Soon after the Air Max 1 released (1987), Nike followed it up with the Air Max 2 aka Nike Air Max Light in 1989. This model weighed less than the original by replacing the forefoot polyurethane midsole with EVA foam.

In 1990, Nike dropped their third Air Max sneaker known as the AM3, but better known as the Air Max 90. As the years went by, Nike kept dishing out fresh and new Air Max models such as the Nike Air Max 180, Nike Air Max 93, 95, 97, 98. Air Max Plus, Air Max 180. I can go on and on. Fast-forward to the present day, and Nike continues to drop new Air Max models such as the Air Max 270, Air VaporMax and Air Max 720.

Although it’s been close to 33 years since the Air Max line was created, many would argue that the Air Max line is as popular today than it ever has. Considered a staple in streetwear fashion, the Air Max line has also managed to become a sneaker that many people from all walks of life have gravitate to thanks in large part to its trendy, versatile and cool aesthetic. Which leads to our next question. What’s your favorite Air Max model of all-time?

This colorway of the Nike React Element 55 comes dressed in a Light Grey/Blue felt-like upper. The tonal base is the contrasted by the hits of Red and Tan noted on areas such as the branding, heel pull tabs, eyelets, eyestay and heel region. Below you will find a White React midsole complimented by the Tan and Black plugs creeping up from the outsole.

All that is cool and all but the sneaker’s most unique detailing are the tongue tags that are actually placed inside out exposing the sneaker’s info such as the bar code, style code, shoe size, etc. It may not be a “huge” change but it’s definitely a unique and creative one. Any one else getting “Off-White” vibes on this model with this newly designed tongue?

No word yet on when this Nike React Element 55 will drop but look for more info to begin leaking later on this Summer. Speaking of Summer, who added the Air Jordan 11 Low IE Space Jam to their Summer rotation?

images: US_11

The Nike Air Fear Of God 1 Amarillo was already previewed in the past but not until recently has it been confirmed that it would release. Utilizing the perfect color for the Summer time, this iteration of the model comes dressed in an Amarillo shade of Yellow all throughout the upper.

More of the same hue is then found on the cage overlay, laces, inner liner, and the zipper on the heel. Tonal Nike branding is spotted on the heels, while a White Swoosh can be seen on the lateral side panel. Below you will find  a White rubber sole unit with icy blue detailing.

While there is still no release date attached to the Nike Air Fear Of God 1 Amarillo, Jerry Lorenzo did announce on his Instagram that the shoe will be releasing some time in July. Retail is once again expected to be $350. Is this a cop or a pass?

If dropping $350 on a pair of basketball sneakers is too much for your blood, you can never go wrong with picking up the latest colorway of the iconic Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG in Gym Red.

Images: Nike

Opting for a minimal aesthetic and tonal finish, the Nike Zn Short Sleeve Tee comes dressed in an all-Black french terry construction done in an oversized fit. Details on the tee include the tonal matte black “CHAOS” and “BALANCE” lettering on the chest, as well as a Nike patch on the rear side. Giving the shirt some added flair are the two mesh pockets noted on the sides of the shirt.

The Long-Sleeve Tee also opts for a similar motif as it also comes in a Black colorway while being built with a stretchy Dri-FIT technology. The chest comes with a tonal matte Black text that reads “CHAOS” and “BALANCE”. A unique feature on the shirt are the hook-and-loop straps at the lower body, the zippered mesh pockets and the “C” and “B” graphics at the sleeves. Retailing for $149 (short sleeve) and $99 (long sleeve) find both tops at premium retailers such as SNS.

Where to Buy:

SNEAKERSNSTUFF

via: SNS

The Nike Air Max 1 Grey/ Thunder Grey is yet another seasonal take on an undisputed sneaker heavyweight. It’s Air Max month, folks. That special time of year. It’s making us reflect on the plight of the old-school sneaker.

Let’s be honest here, being an OG sneaker is tough these days. Jordan models know a thing or two about the struggle. It seems like it only takes about five years for the material and reputation of a shoe to take a hit. The leathers see a downgrade, the soles just aren’t the same, and that’s just to name a few!

The Air Max 1, on the other hand, is a bit different in this regard. Year after year, season after season, the quality is unquestionable. This results in some of the biggest names in the industry trying their hand at designing a special AM 1. Today, we take a look at a colorway that reminds us of when the leaves start to fall.

Your Autumn Go-To, Sorted

Don’t even worry about which sneaker you’re going to be rocking for the Fall months. This Green-heavy iteration comes with all of the visual spoils of that time of year when the Pumpkin Spice lattes and scarves start to come out.

The materials are a great addition to that profile. The base is in a breathable mesh, a standard for the AM1. However, this Nike Air Max 1 Grey/ Thunder Grey comes with layers of leather and suede. Each of those sections comes with ample stitch details as well. An Orange Swoosh completes the otherwise somber look.

OG Comfort

It’s the Air Max 1, through and through. What this means is you’re the full power of that Air tech. Normally, an older design wouldn’t be what you opt for when it comes to longer days. However, the Air Max 1 has always been an exception to that rule.

Rock them at your leisure. Don’t bother saving them for next Fall. Trust us, wearing them is a whole lot nicer than staring at them.

Where to Buy:

MAINLINE MENSWEAR

There are shoes that are part of our lives, and that is for sure the case of the Nike Air Max 95. This Nike Air Max 95 Essential Outdoor Green brings to mind just how important a sports shoe can be, whatever the season. This is the ‘Essential’ iteration of the sneaker, which basically means it is as classic as it can be.

The green tones that appear all over the upper get perfectly contrasted with additional Lichen and Sail colors. The AM95 Outdoor Green comes with a textile upper, synthetic overlays, swoosh branding appearing on the side, the necessary Max Air Cushioning, foam midsole and the rubber outsole to finish it off.

It is incredible to think that the Air Max 95 was originally designed in 1995, that is almost 25 years ago. Little did Sergio Lozano know that “his” shoe was revolutionary and unique. Fact is that the AM95 would continue to be (more than two decades later) one of the better parts of all Nike’s footwear history.

Nike Air Max 95 Essential Outdoor Green  (749766-304)

Where to Buy:

END. Clothing

The NikeLab ACG jacket features here in an insulated build. The brand’s latest accomplishment involves a re-tooling of their own wears. They don’t go without the usual focus on the functional and pragmatic. However, there is an additional sense of modular fits lately. The fit, after all, is the first and perhaps most ideal consideration of functional clothing.

To its credit, this NikeLab ACG jacket ticks a bunch of boxes. But, that’s no small wonder when you consider what Nike has been up to as far as sportswear.

ACG = Errolson

Errolson Hugh is not a new name to Nike heads. He remains one of the most influential designers in the last decade. In that time, he’s put together an impressive list of projects with the iconic Swoosh brand. Of course, most people will very easily recall his touch on the Nike Presto and Air Force 1 designs. The Prestos, in particular, were short-listed on a number of Shoe of the Year lists.

And yet, the designer’s influence goes well beyond that. Since 2014, Hugh maintains a connection with Nike that is all about technical detail. The ACRONYM founder emanates Scandinavian design principles that are at his core. He continues, to this day, to translate those into this latest NikeLab ACG Jacket.

Errolson’s work has been under the ACG umbrella with Nike. Even though we are now quite a way down the line, the latest Holiday 2018 collection proves the pair remain ahead of the curve.

The Design

This latest rendition of the Nike ACG Jacket comes to us with some familiar design inspirations. The most evident will be the exterior visual. The graphic patterns may look a bit random. But, Errolson is never random. There are technical foundations for every decision. In this case, the patterns are, simply put, to reflect the falling of snow.

Moving on to the build, we see a ripstop fabric on a 100% polyester construction. Unlike thicker leathers, polyester is a sportier and more functional material.

We also get two chest pockets, as well as a standard utility pocket. A synthetic fill keeps heat trapped in while a two-way zipper helps keep the bitter cold out.

Aside from its actual protective qualities, there are small utilitarian details. The ribbing along the hem comes with a drawstring. This helps to maximize the efficiency of the insulation. That same ribbing is found on the cuffs, making for a smooth technical finish along the sleeves.

Winter 2018 Vibes

The Nike ACG jacket continues to receive some welcome upgrades. But, it’s worth noting that these alterations don’t change things drastically. It’s still the same piece of brilliant technical design. What seems to change the most is the visual make-up.

Interestingly, that variety is a strong indicator of Errolson’s function-first ethos. He is very stubborn about focusing on pragmatism. As such, Hugh is unwilling to change practical details for the sake of something ‘new and fresh.’

But, this NikeLab jacket does take on the occasional visual shift, which makes sense. The visuals are something of a second priority for the ACRONYM founder. As such, they might even serve as a durable distraction. For the sales and marketing-minded, a changed aesthetic means something new to sell.

For Errolson and NikeLab, however, nothing on the inside gets changed without due cause. Available at END, you can get your own NikeLab ACG Insulated Jacket right now in either Yellow or Black.