This Nike Collaboration Was Released in an Unusual Place — and Every Single Pair Is Customized
Nike has a new sneaker collaboration with Berlin-based electronic record label PAN which uses a classic retro runner as its canvas and is receiving a first-of-its-kind release method.
Centered around the Berlin-favorite Nike Air 180 model (which is sometimes called the Air Max 180), PAN’s collaboration includes two colorways: a stealthy black iteration and a second pair in yellow.
Both versions add new elements to the Air 180, including removing the model’s signature Swoosh branding and replacing it with miniature versions on both the lateral and medial sides. Designed with a worn-in aesthetic as if the shoes had been broken in through repeated bouts of clubbing, the Air 180 also features the addition of a rubberized shroud which is described as giving the model a “shrink-wrapped look.” And at the heel, a 3D-printed heel clip was added to mimic the look of ancient stone tools.
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Named “NIX” after a newly launched research and development studio led by PAN founder Bill Kouligas, the PAN x Nike Air 180 is adorned with “NIX” branding throughout the shoe.
But the most interesting aspect of the PAN x Nike Air 180 collaboration is arguably how the yellow style is being released. Available exclusively on Bandcamp — the first Nike sneaker to launch on the music distribution platform — each pair of the yellow PAN x Nike Air 180 will be individually customized during a Milan Design Week workshop held by consultancy/clothing brand Rayon Vert. Teasers have shown sneakers receiving laser printing, distressing and more.
Communication around the launch of the PAN x Nike Air 180 has been unusual. Nike has not formally acknowledged the yellow colorway and the U.S. SNKRS page for the black style did not include a mention of the PAN connection until it was recently updated.
The yellow PAN x Nike Air 180 is available now from Bandcamp for 149.99 euros, which converts to roughly $168 as of publishing. Many sizes have already sold out, but select ranges are still available. Meanwhile, the black colorway will receive a wider release through Nike’s SNKRS platform on April 12 at 10 a.m. ET. Retail pricing is set at $150.
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