For the first time, sneaker giant Nike is teaming up with Japanese designer Nigo, the visionary behind A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and the current artistic director of Kenzo. In addition to his work in fashion, Nigo is a member of the Japanese group Teriyaki Boyz, where he has served as their in-house DJ since their debut in 2005.
Nigo will collaborate with Nike on an exclusive release of the Air Force III – "Blue Void" – a rugged sneaker that blends a rich tapestry of pop culture inspirations and references.
Rumors of NIGO’s partnership with Nike began circulating over a year ago, following his successful collaborations with adidas under his Human Made label. Speculation intensified when the designer was spotted wearing a pair of Air Force 3 Lows months later, igniting curiosity about a potential project. This was confirmed in June when Nigo appeared at his Spring/Summer 2025 Kenzo show sporting a colorful pair of collaborative Air Force 3 Lows, officially signaling the forthcoming campaign.
“When I decided to work with Nike, I went to the Nike World Headquarters and drew a lot of inspiration from the archives, the lab, and the team working there,” Nigo shared. “Everything I saw had a great influence on the project. There are still many things yet to come, so please look forward to the Nike and Nigo project. It's the beginning of a long and exciting journey,” Nigo said in a statement on Nike's official website.
Nigo will collaborate with Nike on an exclusive release of the Air Force III – "Blue Void" – a rugged sneaker that blends a rich tapestry of pop culture inspirations and references.
Rumors of NIGO’s partnership with Nike began circulating over a year ago, following his successful collaborations with adidas under his Human Made label. Speculation intensified when the designer was spotted wearing a pair of Air Force 3 Lows months later, igniting curiosity about a potential project. This was confirmed in June when Nigo appeared at his Spring/Summer 2025 Kenzo show sporting a colorful pair of collaborative Air Force 3 Lows, officially signaling the forthcoming campaign.
“When I decided to work with Nike, I went to the Nike World Headquarters and drew a lot of inspiration from the archives, the lab, and the team working there,” Nigo shared. “Everything I saw had a great influence on the project. There are still many things yet to come, so please look forward to the Nike and Nigo project. It's the beginning of a long and exciting journey,” Nigo said in a statement on Nike's official website.
The Nike x NIGO Air Force III and apparel collection will be available starting September 28 exclusively at Otsumo Plaza in Tokyo, humanmade.jp, and the "I Know Nigo 2" pop-up in New York, followed by a global release on October 4 through SNKRS and select retailers.
According to Nike, this debut collection marks the beginning of a landmark partnership years in the making. The Air Force III packaging hints at future footwear and apparel collaborations on the horizon.
According to Nike, this debut collection marks the beginning of a landmark partnership years in the making. The Air Force III packaging hints at future footwear and apparel collaborations on the horizon.