To celebrate Pride Month 2022, Nike is launching its Be True collection on June 13th. Although the capsule’s main products are pairs of the Nike SB Dunk Low and Nike Cortez, the real headliner is the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Historically overlooked in sports, the community has played a pivotal role in the fight for gender identity, sexual expression and more, all while pushing the boundaries of what can be expected from an athlete. In addition to two multi-colored Nike Sportswear offerings, 2022’s Be True lineup includes t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and shorts informed by the fluidity of the rainbow.
The Nike N7 initiative began in 2009 with the purpose of bettering the lives of indigenous youth across the United States of America. Over the last 13 years, the fund has awarded more than $8 million USD in grants to more than 270 communities and organizations at the frontlines of the fight for the financial, emotional and other support of a historically-overlooked and disenfranchised group of peoples. For 2022’s N7 footwear and apparel collection, the Oregon-based conglomerate has drawn inspiration from “Rez Ball,” the cultural basketball tradition of several Native peoples in northern territories of the U.S. Shoe offerings include the Free Crater Trail Moc, Air Max 95 and Kyrie 5 Low, while clothing comprises of shorts, t-shirts and more.
If you’re from East Harlem, Humboldt Park or any other metropolitan area with large Puerto Rican diaspora, you’re likely well-aware of how proud Boricuas are of their heritage. To celebrate Puerto Rican pride, the Swoosh has prepped two pairs of the Air Force 1 Low inspired by “La Isla del Encanto.” Dominos, a favorite pastime of the folks on the island, take center stage on both styles of Bruce Kilgore’s 40-year-old sneaker. Call outs to specific locales with large Puerto Rican communities land on each shoes’ sock-liners, with color schemes offering a palette as diverse as the people, sounds, food and other cultural touch-points from the native land of the coqui.
