This year, the Swoosh brand has plenty of surprises in store, starting with the return of a duo as promising as it is unexpected: Nike SB x Air Jordan.
Over time, the Nike SB label established itself as a division that shaped the future of skateboarding, while the Air Jordan branch brilliantly left its mark on basketball culture.
In 2022, Nike floated the idea that an Air Jordan 4 could bridge these two cultures, or even elevate them. It's now a reality! The announcement of this collaboration sparked plenty of reactions within the sneaker community, as both lines share a commitment to performance, cushioning, and durability. Straight from the archives, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4, enhanced by a "Pine Green" colorblocking, is gearing up for release, raising one question: will it be the best Nike pair of 2023?
When skateboarding meets basketball
Originally, Air Jordan silhouettes were not designed for skateboarding. However, in the 1980s, skaters sought sneakers with better cushioning, high collars, and bold colors. Icons such as Lance Mountain, Mickey Reyes, and Bryce Kanights quickly adopted the Air Jordan 1 High for its durable leather, solid ankle support, and technology.
In 2014, the paths of both cultures crossed when artist Craig Stecyk took on the silhouette that marked the beginning of the Air Jordan line's success. He drew inspiration from his own installation called "Northwest Passage", which featured bronze and spray paint, and translated his work onto the pair.
Photo Credits: Nike
Shortly after, Nike SB and Jordan reunited for two new exclusive editions of the Air Jordan 1 High. This time, skateboarding legend Lance Mountain added his touch to the silhouette, inspired by his personal relationship with the Air Jordan 1 as a skater.
In that spirit, Mountain chose to highlight a tradition among skaters who mismatched and painted Air Jordan pairs in the 1980s to add a customized look, an identity to the shoe that most people still associated with basketball. The first silhouette features a white leather base contrasted by red details on the right side and blue on the left. The second follows a similar concept, but this time on a black base.
Photo Credits: WhenToCop?
Five years later, the Air Jordan 1 High OG reconnected with skateboarding for a similar concept. From Chicago to Los Angeles, through New York and Paris, two new versions paid tribute to locations significant to both Jordan and skateboarding. Both pairs were designed to age beautifully and reveal a different underlayer.
Photo Credits: WhenToCop?
The classic Air Jordan 4 by Nike SB
The spring season couldn't have started better, as in 2023, Nike SB and Jordan will continue writing history through Tinker Hatfield's silhouette. By combining their expertise, both divisions deliver a special edition modified for optimal grip and a flawless heel flick.
Flexible plastic details are added to provide extra flexibility during long skate sessions. A brown gumsole, reminiscent of Nike SB line pairs, puts the finishing touch on the hybrid sneaker. To appeal to both skaters and sneaker enthusiasts, this exclusive version features a particularly bold colorway, nodding to the classic 1989 model.
Photo Credits: @winonakicks (Instagram)
Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 SP "Pine Green"
View on the calendarIf you want to know all the raffles and retailers offering the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 SP "Pine Green", download our WhenToCop? app! We gather the list of retailers and links to sign up for the various draws and increase your chances of copping your pair. Join us!