Pro skater Alexis Sablone will serve as the focal point of a collaboration between Nike SB and Converse.
The Converse skater will see her own AS-1 Pro model release alongside an SB Dunk Low, the and getting your own version of the latter often serves a benchmark for professional shredders. Both sneakers are united by a scaly texture, wear-away upper and the same shade of purple — all of which are inspired by a chameleon.
Sablone teased the collaboration in April before Nike announced the sneaker in a press release along with the Paris Olympic skateboarding uniforms designed by her. In the release, Sablone said she looked toward chameleons “for the simple reason that skateboarders can look any number of ways.”
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The Nike SB Dunk Low starts with a white leather base and features green suede overlays with a fairly large scale treatment than can be worn away to reveal a purple shade underneath. Both shoes also get a “chameleon camo” insole.
The accompanying AS-1 Pro is more white forward for its leather upper, which also takes on less extreme proportions in its scales, but can be worn away to reveal purple underneath. Purple suede is also used for Converse’s Chevron logo and small paneling near the heel.
Nike SB previously linked up with another Nike subsidiary last year, as the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green” was one of the most hyped sneakers of 2023.
Sablone, who has a masters degree in architecture from MIT, was more involved in the design of the AS-1 Pro than usual for an athlete’s signature shoe. Gender never crossed her mind throughout the process, and the genderless sneaker has been a hit since launching nearly a year ago. In addition to her own sneaker, she was tapped to work on the skateboarding uniforms for the American Japanese teams at the Paris Olympics.
Alexis Sablone‘s Nike SB Dunk Low and Converse AS-1 Pro will release August 22 exclusively as a single pack featuring both sneakers and limited to just 500 boxes. They’ll then be sold individually August 29 through the Snkrs app, Converse website and select local skate shops.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
