Andrew Rizzo From his unforgettable Air Jordan ads to the eventual release of a signature model in the Jordan Spiz’ike, Spike Lee has long been a part of the Nike Inc. fabric. Given Spike’s relationship with the Beaverton company is almost four decades old, there are naturally a number of lost projects that never made it to shelves. Nike reseller @onebowermandr just shared a rare one; an Air Safari “Spike Lee” sample allegedly created in 2009.
Black leather sets the stage on the quarter, but the real highlight is a bright red toe box and matching sock liner. Custom tongue tags feature glasses graphics, tying in with Spike Lee’s portrayal of Mars Blackmon in She’s Gotta Have It (and Air Jordan ads in the late 1980s). Breathing even more life to the design, this “Spike Lee” sample features yellow contrast stitching throughout.
The Air Safari debuted in 1987 and is essentially supposed to be a “luxury” version of the Air Max 1, distinguished by a different midsole with no visible Air bubble. Tinker Hatfield took inspiration from ostrich skin couches when deciding on the sneaker’s materials, a choice that accounts for the spotted grey/black panels over the toe and heel.
Nike reseller @onebowermandr is letting go of his deadstock size 9 pair for $300, which is quite a deal if you ask us. Enjoy detailed images of this lost piece of sneaker history below.
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- Nike Air Safari “Spike Lee” Sample (2009) onebowermandr/IG
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- Nike Air Safari “Spike Lee” Sample (2009) onebowermandr/IG
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- Nike Air Safari “Spike Lee” Sample (2009) onebowermandr/IG
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- Nike Air Safari “Spike Lee” Sample (2009) onebowermandr/IG
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- Nike Air Safari “Spike Lee” Sample (2009) onebowermandr/IG
