‘Stranger Things’ is Coming to a Sneaker Retailer Near You
Season 3 of Stranger Things isn’t far off. In fact, Netflix has officially announced the third season of the hit series will premier on the Fourth of July. In the leadup to the big season reveal, brands have jumped on board and are promoting the show heavily. Baskin-Robbins, the ice cream shop known for their flavor combinations, has released a few signature flavors to celebrate Season 3. While that’s cool and all, there is one collaboration that has fans absolutely salivating, and it has nothing to do with food. Nike has joined forces with Stranger Things to drop a collaboration that is sure to take fans straight back to the 1980s.
What is included in the Nike x Stranger Things collaboration?
This six-pack collaboration is allegedly going to be released in two installments, according to Sneaker News. The first drop will center around a Hawkins-inspired color pattern. The first release will include a Nike Cortez sneaker done up in classic white, with green and orange accents. The Nike Tailwind addition to the collaboration is brighter than its counterparts, featuring a bright green upper with an orange swoosh and white sole. Finally, the Blazer will drop on the same date. The classic hightop is outfitted in a white leather upper, with green accents on the tongue and heel. An orange swoosh rounds out the Hawkins-inspired sneaker.
The second installment of the collaboration has been dubbed the “OG” pack. It will also include a Nike Tailwind, a Nike Blazer and a Nike Cortez sneaker. The Cortez in this particular installment is done up in bright red with white accents. The Blazer gets a bright, true blue paint job with white accents and the Tailwind will feature a white upper with blue and red accents.
Why does the Nike x Stranger Things collaboration feature old styles?
Some people call them old; some people call them classics. Regardless of what you consider the Nike Cortez, Nike Tailwind, and Nike Blazer, the company had a good reason for picking those styles to features in this particular collaboration. All three styles were available through Nike in the Summer of 1985. Summer 1985 just so happens to be the period that Stranger Things Season 3 is set in.
The Nike Cortez, for example, was first released in 1972 and remained a popular style through the 1980s. They fell somewhat out of favor during the 1990s, but Bruno Mars brought the shoe back into style when he rocked them during his 24K Magic tour. He also appeared on several award shows donning the signature track shoe, according to Footwear News.
The Nike Tailwind was released in 1978, just ahead of a marathon. It was the first Nike shoe to feature the company’s signature Air technology. Since its first release, the Tailwind has gone through several makeovers, but for this collaboration, the company that brought runners comfort, is going back to basics. The Tailwind released in the Nike x Stranger Things collaboration looks like the first pair ever released, and it’s got the vintage feel that sneakerheads and Stranger Things fans can appreciate.
The Blazer, unlike the other two shoes in the collection, is a basketball sneaker. First released in 1973, the show was worn by George Gervin. While the sneaker no longer graces the courts, it’s a retro style that fits in perfectly with this collaboration.
When does the Nike x Stranger Things collaboration drop?
According to Esquire, fans should be on the lookout for the sneakers starting on June 27. The shoes will likely release at 10 am, but only the first three styles will be available on that date. The second installment will release on July 1, also at 10 am eastern time.
The shoes will be available on Nike’s official website, as well as in traditional retailers. While the sneakers aren’t expected to sell out as quickly as, say the Yeezy 350v2 did last week, there is still a lot of hype surrounding the release, so supplies will likely be limited.
