Hey there, fellow sneaker enthusiasts and collectors in the Philippines! Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through the captivating evolution of Nike shoes – from sports gear to streetwear, icons that have left an indelible mark on fashion and popular culture.
Back in 1964, Nike took its first steps as a sports brand, dedicated to crafting exceptional athletic footwear that athletes simply adored. Think back to the iconic Nike Cortez, made famous by Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, and the legendary Air Max series. These gems earned Nike the recognition it truly deserved.
Nike didn’t stop at being just a sports brand, they raised the bar by expanding their product line and partnering with athletes and sports teams, redefining excellence in sports performance. Their shoes became synonymous with greatness, making their presence felt in over 170 countries worldwide. Oh, and did you know the origin of their slogan ‘Just Do It’ was inspired by serial killer Gary Gilmore’s last words ‘Let’s do it’ before his execution. Creepy, right?
Over the decades, Nike’s vision has transcended the realm of sports, and the brand ingeniously transitioned into the streetwear market by capitalizing on its athletic heritage and tapping into popular culture. As celebrities, musicians, and artists began embracing Nike sneakers as fashion statements, the brand’s appeal expanded beyond the sports arena.
Collaborations worth collecting
Back in 2017, Nike joined forces with the creative genius, sneaker enthusiast, and Off-White founder, Virgil Abloh, to produce an extraordinary limited series of Nike Off-White collaboration shoes known as ‘The Ten.’ This groundbreaking collection was a whirlwind project, taking approximately ten months from inception to release. Abloh’s artistic process was nothing short of revolutionary – he meticulously dissected each shoe with an X-ACTO knife, skillfully removing and transforming key elements while maintaining their fundamental silhouettes. Every shoe bore a unique print on the inside, a reflection of the creative journey and birthplace of each design.
To make his mark unmistakable, Abloh added his signature Off-White zip-tie to each shoe, displaying the collaboration’s name and date in bold white letters. The shoes also flaunted a distinctive touch with the word ‘SHOELACES’ boldly written at the end of each lace, and every pair came with multiple laces, each a different eye-catching color. The result? A captivating fusion of streetwear finesse and sneaker innovation that instantly captivated sneakerheads and fashion aficionados worldwide, making it a collector favorite.
Another widely acclaimed collaboration brings together the creative genius of Nike and the multi-talented artist, Travis Scott. This dynamic partnership kicked off with the iconic Air Force 1, a beloved model among sneaker enthusiasts. In a nod to the silhouette’s 35th anniversary, the collaborative pair reimagined the materials, swapping out the usual leather upper for a unique and rarely used canvas material. To add an extra flair, they incorporated a gum outsole – a favorite among sneaker fans – and removable lace adornments, giving the shoe an unmistakable touch. But the real showstopper was the velcro Swoosh that replaced the traditional stitched branding, allowing wearers to customize their look with different Swoosh colors. When the Travis Scott x Nike Air Force 1 Low originally hit the shelves on December 5, 2017, it came with a price tag of USD150, but today, the Travis Scott shoes sought-after gem commands a considerably higher price!
The Nike and Supreme collaboration redefined the very essence of being a sneakerhead and the extraordinary lengths enthusiasts would go to own a coveted pair. The journey began in 2002 when Supreme ingeniously transformed the newly launched Nike SB into an embodiment of the iconic Air Jordan III. By elevating the design with stuffed tongues and embedded Zoom Air insoles, this once college basketball shoe from the mid-80s found a thrilling new purpose in the skate world. At the time few people valued the aesthetic of these shoes but over time they have become a coveted addition to any collector’s kit.
These collabs have taken the sneaker market to new heights, making Nike shoes the holy grail of collectors in the Philippines! Its collaborator since 2016, John Elliott even made a collection for the king himself, LeBron James
Sneaker collecting in the Philippines
Sneaker culture has exploded in the Philippines over the past few decades, marking the 21st century as an era of unparalleled sneaker frenzy. This was driven by basketball legend Michael Jordan, whose retirement in 1998 made him a massive idol for basketball-crazed Filipinos. This sparked a wave of passionate collectors and fans, all eager to own a piece of their NBA idols in the form of iconic sneakers.
As time went on, the passion for basketball in the Philippines continued to grow, and along with it, the fervour for sneakers intensified. These kicks went beyond being just basketball gear; they evolved into a lifestyle essential for many FIlipinos, becoming an integral part of daily life.
As the sneaker culture in the Philippines thrives, Nike’s influence is palpable. Limited-edition drops send sneakerheads lining up for hours, showcasing their impressive collections in vibrant online communities.
Now, here’s a surprising tidbit for you. Sneaker reselling is a big deal, and Nike plays a major role in this game. Limited-edition Nike shoes often fetch crazy high prices in the resale market, and it’s not just collectors; people are investing in this booming market too! To put things into perspective, Nike Mags – a 2016 edition sneaker – is listed at £198,928 on StockX, a popular resale site. Fun fact: Did you know Nike’s first-ever shoe was the waffle racing flat ‘moon shoes’ from 1972, setting a world record for the most expensive sneakers ever sold at Sotheby’s 2019 auction! And guess what? The Philippines has its own sneaker reselling platforms and communities, all thanks to the growing demand for exclusive Nike releases.
Nike shoes have evolved beyond imagination, becoming not just icons in the sports world but in the fashion world too! They’ve got their finger on the pulse of innovation, creativity, and individuality, and that’s why they’re leading the sneaker industry. In the Philippines, we hold Nike shoes close to our hearts, cherishing them as symbols of style, passion, and, of course, our love for sports and self-expression.
Today, sneakerheads in the Philippines don’t just collect sneakers; they curate their collections with passion and dedication, showcasing their unique tastes and styles. Sneaker meet-ups, online communities, and special release events have become integral to the thriving sneaker culture in the country.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/message.svg")
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/facebook2.svg")
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/print-2.svg")
