Jae Tips has left his mark on Saucony, and Nike could become the next step in his creative project.
What if Jae Tips was about to switch sides? After embodying the creative renewal of Saucony, the designer from the Bronx seems to be reaching the end of a chapter. Since 2023, it has been hard to miss his silhouettes. In just a few collaborations, he has risen to the rank of the most influential collaborator of Saucony. Ubiquitous models capable of competing with silhouettes from the biggest brands for the title of pair of the year.
From the Saucony Progrid Triumph to the Progrid Omni 9 to the Grid Jazz 9, the designer has achieved a much broader success: making Saucony's running heritage desirable to a new generation. But in the sneaker industry, nothing is eternal. Jae Tips' contract with Saucony is said to have come to an end, with no new collaboration announced on the horizon. Now, the silence surrounding his projects with Saucony raises a question: could a new partnership be looming with Nike, the Beaverton giant? The clues are subtle, but enough to fuel speculation around the Bronx and the Swoosh.
Nike, mere rumor or logical destination?
The rumor surfaced during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Present at the Foot Locker Takeover, Jae Tips was spotted wearing a pair of Nike Galaxy Foamposite. A detail perhaps, but a confirmation? Certainly not. Wearing Nikes in public does not mean signing a contract, history has proven that time and again. But in this specific case, the image makes sense. Jae Tips has never hidden his love for Nike and the Jordan Brand. An almost sentimental attachment that dates back to his beginnings when he worked at Foot Locker.
Long before Saucony, his visual universe was already filled with Nike references: Travis Scott, P-Rod Dunk, exclusive Air Force 1s, sometimes even customized in the legendary space 21 Mercer in New York. In other words, the Swoosh is not a recent whim, but a constant in his journey. If Jae Tips were to join Nike, Saucony would lose its most visible and influential collaborator. The one who managed to revive the brand's image, creating a bridge between heritage and modernity. On the other hand, the sportswear brand represents another universe: a platform capable of turning every collaboration into a phenomenon.
Photo credits: @jaetips (Instagram)
For Jae Tips, it could be a logical, almost natural choice. But one question remains: will Nike allow him the creative freedom that has been his strength at Saucony? For now, no official confirmation has been announced, the designer remains silent. One thing is certain, whatever his decision, it will be closely scrutinized and should reshape the sneaker landscape in the coming months.
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