Matt Varga Nike’s own history always plays a major role in their commemorative storytelling, reaching back into their archives to spotlight major innovators that walked the halls in Beaverton. Arguably no one has a larger influence on their bonafide athletic wear than Bill Bowerman, driver of performance footwear since the company’s inception. Jump nearly 60 years ahead and he’s still cropping up in the company’s latest & greatest product, again doing so with the Nike Zoom GT Jump 2 “Safari.”
If you’ll remember, the Nike showcase in Paris already tipped off the Bowerman prototype collection, using his name to spotlight the latest innovations set be on Olympians’ feet in short order. With USA basketball again eyeing a gold medal, roping in the toolsy GT Jump 2 is a no brainer. Bill’s actual handwriting even makes an appearance, spelling Nike on the tongue, while the bright colorway that introduced past shoes arrives via vivid orange accents.
The animal print that lends these their name is has the most impact visually, covering the upper from heel to toe and bleeding onto the midsole. That presents another narrative callback, tying this in to other commemorative shoes like the Nike SB PS8 “Paris Olympics,” Nike GT Cut 3 “Safari,” Nike SB Dunk Low “Olympic.”
Logically, we’re expecting the Nike Zoom GT Jump 2 “Safari” to land this Summer, in close proximity to those other Olympic colorways and the actual opening ceremony. A $195 retail price is confirmed- catch official stills and on-foot shots just ahead.
Elsewhere on the basketball shoes side, we got a look at a handful of new Nike Kobe 8 colorways, including the Kobe 8 “Champagne Gold” and Kobe 8 “Orange.”
