Basketball Uniforms Beyond a Jersey and Short

Kevin Durant wearing Nike Vapor basketball uniform with AeroSwift technology

Pioneering Nike Vapor basketball uniforms impose a new order on the court by pairing progressive knit jerseys and shorts featuring Nike AeroSwift technology with innovative base layers to minimize game-time distractions and maximize performance.

The system is anchored by basketball-specific base layer options, including arm sleeves, padded compression gear and knee sleeves, which together wick sweat from the skin, providing a feeling of protection and compression, and keeping the players’ arms and legs warm off-court.

Designed to interact with the base layer but not cling, the lightweight, tailored jersey features stretch knit with engineered mesh as determined by extensive sweat-mapping studies.

The short also introduces a FlyVent waistband that addresses the discomfort of traditional basketball waistbands via a new manufacturing process that combines two types of knit mesh into one highly secure, breathable band. This is matched to a hybrid of engineered knit mesh in the back and a hydrophobic four-way stretch woven fabric in the front. Additionally, the front of the shorts features a mobility vent. Placed specifically where basketball players need it most, based on their five key movements, it reveals a flash of tights as athletes move. The result is a 35% more breathable kit than that worn in 2012.

Moving down the body, designers further reduced distraction with the Nike Elite Versatility basketball sock. A 360-degree ankle-support system, dynamic arch compression, anatomical design and footpad cushioning add to the comfort and locked-in feel of the sock, while Dri-FIT fabric wicks away moisture and increases breathability.

Sustainable Innovation

Nike Vapor uniforms with AeroSwift technology have been partially constructed from recycled polyester, which is rendered from plastic bottles to produce fine yarn. Since 2010, more than three billion plastic bottles have been diverted from landfills and converted into recycled polyester for Nike performance products.


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Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Exemplifies Performance Innovation

Eight years after its 2008 debut in Beijing, the Nike Hyperdunk unveils a striking technical and stylistic evolution ahead of summer competition in Rio. Combining an ultra-high Nike Flyknit upper with an enhanced, precisely positioned full-length Zoom Air unit, the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 serves the speed, lateral cutting, elevation and impact of the modern game.
The shoe’s high-cut Flyknit upper was specially crafted to provide an enhanced locked-in feel. Along with extending the collar, Nike designer Leo Chang paired targeted zones — for lockdown support, dynamic stretch and breathability, respectively — with Nike Flywire cables. Integrated into the forefoot, they provide supplemental support where it’s needed for pivots, cuts and jumps.

Working in tandem with the upper to provide natural, intuitive movement that is lightweight, supportive and comfortable, the shoe’s new Zoom Air unit runs the length of the foot. By positioning the Zoom Air unit directly under foot, a hollow core between the unit and the outsole is created, resulting in an unmatched snap-back, trampoline effect. The shoe also features advanced herringbone traction and a supportive heel counter.

The Nike Hyperdunk 2016 is available globally beginning in July in an elite Flyknit version (outlined above) as well as high- and low-top versions with engineered mesh uppers.
To become a Nike+ member and sign up for notifications about the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 go to Nike.com.


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Nike Air Zoom KD9 Reflects Basketball's Progression

Just as its namesake personifies a progressive style of play, the Nike Air Zoom KD9 represents the evolution of basketball footwear. In response to Kevin Durant’s trademark versatility and impressive court coverage (approximately four miles a game and 15 marathons a season), it offers support, comfort and responsiveness via the most advanced construction of Nike Flyknit and Zoom Air technologies to date, adapted to basketball’s specifications.

This aerial view of Durant’s in-game motion shows his versatility and sweeping range expanding the entire basketball court, which equates to approximately 15 marathons in a season.
Designed by Leo Chang, the low-cut shoe features a Flyknit upper engineered down to the pixel for maximum containment. Specifically, it features a pattern with a distinct honeycomb structure precisely knit for the multidimensional movement of basketball and Durant’s lateral quickness. Flyknit technology engineering locks down the forefoot while still allowing the foot to move naturally. Flyknit’s efficient material use also ensures the upper is lightweight, without compromising strength.

A visible, tapered Zoom Air unit runs from heel to toe, marking the evolved Air bag’s debut in basketball. Developed over three years of advanced wear testing, the new Zoom Air unit — filled with fibers that compress upon each step, then spring back for unmatched response —  is 16 millimeters thick at the heel and progressively narrows to 10 millimeters at the forefoot. This architecture is tuned to provide maximum impact protection while amplifying the bouncy feel of the Zoom Air unit.
Moreover, the midsole is minimized to enhance the responsive sensation produced by the Zoom Air unit. It also is articulated with anatomical flex groove strategically placed in the forefoot to maximize natural transitions, whereas heel notches add stability to lateral movements.

The KD9 is available globally for athletes of all ages, from toddler to adult, beginning June 20.
To become a Nike+ member and sign up for notifications about the Nike Air Zoom KD9, go to Nike.com.


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Nike and Jordan Brand Present the Ultimate All-Star Experiences

As basketball fans from around the world descend on Toronto this week, Nike and Jordan Brand will celebrate the global game by providing Nike+ members with the ultimate Nike INC. All-Star experience.

 

 

SNKRS XPRESS

SNKRS XPRESS invites Nike+ members to experience the holistic power of Nike and Jordan by offering a curated selection of footwear including the Nike Air Force 1 Flyknit, Air Jordan XXX, Jordan Cement IV, Kobe 11 Royalty and several surprise drops. To secure a seat on the SNKRS XPRESS, members can register at nike.com/snkrsxpress. 

The Toronto SNRKS XPRESS Station will be located at 277 Queen Street West in downtown Toronto and open to the public (via membership) 10am to 8pm from Thursday, February 11, to Sunday, February 14. 

In addition to Toronto, SNKRS XPRESS Stations will also pop-up in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. Appointments and sign-up are available through Nike.com/snkrsxpress.

Chicago (11AM - 8PM)
669 North Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Los Angeles (10AM - 7PM)
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

New York City (11AM - 7PM)
120 Wooster St.
Unit C
New York, NY 10012

Nike and Jordan Retail Locations
Canada’s first Jordan-only retail location, 306 Yonge (at 306 Yonge St.) provides the ultimate Jordan Brand experience in Toronto. The store will feature a premium assortment of Jordan footwear and apparel, including a rotation of product influenced by Toronto and the culture of basketball.

306 Yonge, Jordan only-retail store.

Jordan's "Best Of" Wall at 306 Yonge.

The store will also feature the Jordan Standard, an immersive experience available exclusively to Jordan members, in which participants use body tracking and ball control technology to test speed, control, agility, endurance and focus.

Located below 306 Yonge, 306 Underground serves up the ultimate VIP Jordan service experience. The lounge will offer customization, early product reservation, barber services and personal shopping. Nike+ members can sign up at Nike.com/snkrsxpress to reserve their spot.

Both spaces will officially open on Friday, February 12 at 6:23am EST and close on Monday, February 15 at 6:23pm.

NIKEiD Loft

Write a custom court story with NIKEiD, which invites you to personalize Nike's best signature hoops shoes with iconic graphics, All-Star color schemes, color-shift material options and more, at 548 Richmond Street West: Tuesday, February 9, 12pm-9pm; Wednesday, February 10, 12pm-5pm; Thursday, February 11, 12pm-6pm; Friday, February 12, 2pm -6pm; Saturday, February 13, 12pm-6pm; and Sunday, February 14, 11am-6pm.

On The Court

Throughout the weekend, Mattamy Centre, located at 50 Carlton St., will be the premiere Jordan performance location, featuring the Air Jordan XXX. Elite basketball athletes and Jordan members will have the opportunity to participate in Jordan Training sessions and learn from Jordan Brand athletes at exclusive player appearances.

On Thursday, Jordan Brand will look to bring elite talent from the United States up north to compete in the inaugural Jordan Brand Invitational, hosted at Mattamy Centre. Canada’s own Father Henry Carr and Orangeville Prep will face off against U.S. powerhouses Redondo Union and Oak Hill Prep beginning at 6pm. Admission is free for Jordan members. Visit Jordan.com/JBI to become a member and secure your spot at the game.

Tune into Nike.com/snkrsxpress throughout the week and follow @nikebasketball, @Jumpman23 and @NikeSportswear on Twitter for more information.

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The Story Behind Air Force 1 Ultra Flyknit, The Lightest Air Force 1 Ever

Thirty-four years after its launch and 2,000 iterations later, the Air Force 1 — an iconic shoe with roots in basketball and legend status in street culture — remains one of Nike’s most recognizable silhouettes. As a foundational design, it also presents an opportunity to reimagine new visions of classics.
To usher the icon into the future, while taking its legacy, use and symbolism into consideration, Nike designers tasked themselves with marrying the original silhouette and Nike’s breathable, lightweight Flyknit material. But the application process wasn’t wholly intuitive.

It started with Nike Sportswear designers taking steamy 12-hour inspiration strolls around Paris in the summer, which led to the conviction that they could make the shoe lighter and more flexible while enhancing fit and reducing creasing on the toe vamp.
The designers knew that they needed a solution that preserved the essence of the original Air Force 1. Taking a hands-on approach, Nike Footwear Design Director Jonathan Johnsongriffin bonded a dark grey Flyknit upper to a 3D-printed prototype of an Air Force 1 sole, then used a black marker to color in the Swoosh and eye soles.

Johnsongriffin’s frankensteined model instantly clicked, as it maintained the integrity of the traditional shoe, with the added comfort of the Nike Roshe One. The design team next made a sample using multicolor Flyknit material. The development of the lightest Air Force 1 ever was officially underway, shepherded by a collaborative team of footwear engineers, developers, last engineers, Flyknit programmers, 3D designers and product line managers.

From the beginning, the team insisted on keeping the concentric circles of the archetype sole’s shoe pivots, in addition to its AIR lettering and tooling. They decided to deboss instead of emboss the lettering and use injected unit rubber tooling instead of polyurethane tooling to make the shoe even lighter. They also insisted on keeping the 52 stars on the rubber toe piece.
When applying Flyknit, the teams collaborated to engineer the exact structures and textures necessary to maintain the shape and paneling of the original Air Force 1. They focused on keeping the original stance of the tip, saddle, foxing and vamp, as well as the perforations in the vamp, by programming thicker, firmer yarn on the raised tip and undulating eye stay. Flyknit technology enabled the design team to precisely micro-engineer every stitch to create the featherweight upper for maximum comfort and minimal weight, while it also reduced manufacturing waste and the amount of material used. The shoe became not only the lightest Air Force 1 ever made, approximately half the weight of the original, but also the first Flyknit shoe to include a leather Swoosh logo.

Half the weight of the original Air Force 1
The Air Force 1 Ultra Flyknit debuts in Flyknit favorite, multicolor, and University Red for Nike Sportswear, plus a classic all-white Air Force 1 colorway for NikeLab. The Air Force 1 Ultra Flyknit is available now on www.Nike.com/Techbook, Nike's interactive and shoppable lookbook, and January 28 on Nike.com and retailers worldwide.

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Nike Brings LeBron James Back to Inspire Filipino Youth

Nike is bringing back two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP LeBron James to Manila to mentor the Rise players.  James will also announce members of the final Rise team on August 20 and will continue to inspire the young athletes to leave their comfort zone and get better in the game like never before.

LeBron’s #RISE Story

LeBron James broke into the scene during his formative years in high school, growing up with a drive for greatness like no other.  His relentless desire paired with numerous hours in the gym spent practicing and honing his skills, paved the way to basketball superstardom.

In 2003, he was drafted in the professional league and has since lived up to the hype with numerous accolades under his belt, including two championship rings, four MVP Awards, two Finals MVP Awards, and two All-Star MVP Awards. On a global scale, he was the centerpiece of two Olympic Gold Medal runs in 2008 and 2012. In the past year, he faced more scrutiny and criticism than any other basketball player in the league even as he powered his team through the finals against numerous trials and challenges. He showed that no matter what adversities one faces, one should go all the way and do his best and know that he can rise above it all. LeBron’s tour in Manila will inspire the Filipino youths and aspiring basketball players to fight through obstacles to realize their true basketball potential.

Fans are welcome to personally see LeBron James and hear how he inspires all to “Rise Beyond Belief” with the LeBron James Rise Tour on August 20th at the Mall of Asia of Arena. Gates open at 6:00PM. Tickets for the evening can be obtained by registering on http://gonike.me/LebronJamesRiseTour started last 9:00AM on August 14 until 11:59PM of the same day. Fans who successfully register will need to bring their confirmation email and valid ID on the designated times and dates at Nike stores from August 15 to 18 to pick up their tickets. Fans can enjoy a custom “Rise Beyond Belief” photo booth exclusively at Nike Park Fort in Taguig and be part of a special LeBron James photo mosaic.

Catch Episodes 1 to 5 of Nike Rise airing all Sundays of August at 6PM on TV5.

For more information on #RISE and LeBron James’ visit, follow Nike Philippines on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nikebasketball) and Twitter via @NikePH.



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Nike Brings Paul George to Manila to Inspire and Enable #RisePlayers

Manila, Philippines, July 20 2015 – Nike basketball athlete, Paul George, was in Manila to be the first mentor to the 24 players from #Rise, Nike’s first ever reality documentary and basketball development program.

George arrived on Sunday, July 19, and dropped in on local kids playing basketball at a tenement court, getting his first immersion into Pinoy streetball. On July 20 George opened the House of Rise, the main training ground for Rise players, and introduced the 24 Rise players. The Rise players have embarked on a six-week journey of high-level basketball training from professional coaches led by former Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and former national player now Talk ‘N Text team manager Jimmy Alapag.

Since July 15, the Rise players have been living like a Nike athlete – professional training every day consisting of skills drills and strength and conditioning workouts.  Training is conducted by Nike Rise coaching staff led by Coach Chot. They will be aided by elevated training tools that will help them analyze their game and get better at it, raise their level through speed, shooting and defensive exercises, and be motivated by athletes who will share their own Rise stories.

The Rise players have been equipped with the best Nike Basketball product innovations that include both training apparel and footwear. For supporters and fans, the Nike Rise collection of tees and signature athlete shoes will be available at selected Nike stores beginning July 2015.

“There is no lack of basketball talent in the Philippines. But there may be a lack of opportunity. Every basketball player wants to reach new heights in his game so he can bring his game out there and reach his or her basketball dream. Nike wants to help them get out of their comfort zone so they can make that next step that will make them rise to the top of their game. By providing them with a professionally run basketball program and product innovations to support them, they can hopefully make their dreams come true,”said Patrick Reyes, Country Marketing Manager of Nike Philippines.

The audience can follow the 24 kids on their Rise journey until the final 12 players that comprise the Rise Team are chosen over TV5, every Sunday starting July. For behind-the-scenes and additional training content, go to Nike.com.  Keep track of online content through #Rise.

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About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com

About Rise

Rise is Nike’s first-ever reality documentary basketball program in the Philippines, bringing the best in innovation and training to enable athletes to rise beyond their limits. Rise is to inspire young Filipinos to discover that the ability to rise is in everyone, to raise and game and realise their true basketball potential. Through a nation-wide search, 24 Rise players will be enabled by professional training and coaching, and Nike Basketball product innovations. Training will be conducted in the House of Rise. The journey will be broadcasted on TV5 every Sunday starting July. For behind-the-scenes and additional training content, go to Nike.com. Keep track of online content through #Rise.