Michael Le Ever since the 1972 games in Munich, which saw the debut of the Cortez running shoe, Nike has used the world stage to debut their most innovative product. And for this year’s Winter Games in Beijing, the brand is continuing to push the envelope, incorporating in their offering both inclusive design principles and the feedback from the disabled community.
“As a winter athlete, I love the thought put into designing for the elements and for where it is going to be used,” said Oksana Masters, a 10-time Paralympic medalist. “Not only is the apparel thoughtful in design, but it is also thoughtful in execution. I am thankful to have been given the chance to be a thought partner with Nike in this process.”
The Metal Stand apparel, specifically, takes the DNA of FlyEase footwear and applies it to jackets, pants, and the like, all of which feature improved adjustability and easy “on/off/open/close.” On their feet, the athletes don the Nike ACG Gaiadome, which has been made exclusively for the team and will not be sold at retail. In terms of its utility, the shoe is just as accessible as the aforementioned pieces, implementing a zippered back entry and no-tie, toggle lacing system. This is all affixed atop a GORE-TEX upgraded upper, whose grey, red, and blue colorway seemingly emulates the gear of astronauts.
For a closer look at the collection, take a peek below. The Team USA Medal Stand apparel, unlike the Gaiadome, will release through Nike.com and select retailers likely later this year.
