Nike SB x Polar Skate Co.

The fresh collaboration between Polar Skate Co and Nike SB revives an eighties classic, Tinker Hatfield’s Air Trainer 1, released alongside a Blazer Low GT.

The Air Trainer 1 was originally intended ‘For Total Sports Coverage’ as their 1987 ad campaign stated. It was the answer for athletic enthusiasts that needed something lightweight for running, while equally being sturdy enough to lift weights. The versatility of this model instantly lent itself towards a myriad of sports, including skateboarding, which resulted it being seen on the feet of the likes of John McEnroe as well as some NBA players. The popularity was due to several cutting edge design updates; which included the adjustable strap for a snug fit, padded collar for improved support and a full-length Nike Air unit for improved impact cushioning.

This iteration has predominantly been constructed from leather, in contrasting tones of royal blue and white, with black suede overlays around the toe box and heel - hinting at the traditional colourways of Polar products. Collaborative branding includes a Polar spellout over the iconic strap at the base of the lacing unit and a woven tongue label featuring a mash-up of the stroke and swoosh logos. The upper rests on a gum outsole, while the white midsole parallels the upper.

The classic Blazer Low GT was an obvious choice for this campaign, with it already having been the face of several collaborations since its inception. The traditional style of Swedish minimalism is certainly conveyed in this model, with an off-white suede upper cut through by a navy leather swoosh that decorates the lateral panels. A similar co-branded logo sits at the top of the tongue, while Polar embroidery rounds off the heel tab. The tonal upper is harmonised through a white midsole.

The Blazer has its roots in a similar era of its counterpart, originally released as a high-top basketball sneaker in 1972, however in 2005 Lance Mountain announced it as the newest SB silhouette. In addition to its existing suede stress guard (which prevents wear near the front of the shoe) and herringbone tread pattern, a Zoom Air unit was added to make each step as cushioned as the last.

In the first collaboration between arguably the leading two brands in skatewear at the moment, it shows a promising relationship that’s sure to blend the worlds of function and style as seamlessly as they have here.

Available for sale Monday 10th June at 8am (BST).

Shop all Nike SB at Flatspot here.