Nike SB Blue Flame Pack
A collection that runs parallel to the recently released nation-inspired Tokyo Rawthentic instalment, Nike SB’s latest Blue Flame pack is one filled with high-heat trims and subtle references to its Olympic Torch muse. Honouring skateboarding’s timely appointment as an Olympic-recognised sport at the now-postponed Tokyo 2020 Games, this blue-hued release sparks attention by mirroring the Rawthentic collection with three brand-new colourways across famed profiles such as the new-for-2020 Bruin React and both Shane O’Neill and Nyjah Huston’s respective signature sneakers.
Paired with the slogan ‘the blue flame is the hottest’ and paying homage to lingering flames with its intensive use of smouldering colourings such as dark-navy, ash grey and dusty white, the Nike SB Blue Flame pack strikes right at the centre of sporting heritage and athletic culture. Symbolizing the fire gifted to mankind from Prometheus in Greek mythology, the Olympic torch continues to stand as an icon for sportwear legacy, whilst the brand’s ‘Goddess of Victory’ namesake aptly seals the collection in ode to its award-winning stature and powerful presence. This wouldn’t be the first time that sportswear powerhouse Nike turn to the elements for abstract inspiration, with their 2018 released ‘Shock Orange’ Air Max 97’s decorated with fiery, flame-inspired trims and their 2014 released ‘Barely Blue’ Air Max 90 Ice adopting a frosted exterior for crisp and clean-lined finish.
A design that honours the double-up trend seen across the Nike Sacai, the Nike Air Max Plus and an array of other SS20 staples, these dark obsidian Nike SB Bruin Reacts pair statement decals with game-changing React technology to deliver a highly sought-after profile that continues to take the market by storm. Ranking alongside other React silhouettes such as the Pegasus 37, these re-imagined skate shoes remain loyal to their courtside roots yet their contemporary character and passion for all-round comfort doesn’t go unnoticed. Padded fabric and smooth-suede constructs the uppers for a streamlined and well-contoured appearance, whilst Nike’s React foam insole delivers exemplary cushioned comfort from first wear. A re-engineered cupsole revolutionises the design in line with contemporary desire, whilst its zonal herringbone-traction outsole and its multi-directional grip supplies award-winning responsiveness and boardfeel. An icy, dark-blue rubberised trim around the outsole mimics that of a slow-burning flame, with pops of crisp-white against dark obsidian helping the layered shadow and block-tone Swooshes stand out in style. The exposed-foam ‘Nike SB Bruin React’ branded tongue is fastened securely against the arch of the foot through the 7-eyelet lacing system, whilst the ombre-effect ‘Nike’ debossed ankle collar delivers reinforced support in line with the design’s blue-flame muse.
A unique colourway that lands itself with firm footing next to its recently dropped summit white, smoke grey and Rawthentic counterparts, USA National team-rider Nyjah Huston’s latest Blue Flame Nyjah Free 2 remains ever-loyal to their signature styling, whilst complementing shades of hyper-jade, white and dark obsidian tie them neatly to their Olympic-grade stature. Inspired by the ‘97 Nike Air Zoom Spiridon with its caged aesthetic and rubberised uppers, these low-profile skate shoes pair past with present through their innovative design and contour-controlled all-rubber outsole. An internal sock-like bootie revolutionises the design to deliver a secure slip-on vibe when paired with the old-school ‘Nyjah’ branded ghillie loop lacing system, while the breathable mesh upper-panellening, behind the outlined exterior Swoosh and block-tone interior Swoosh ensures a premium level of circulation across the entirety of the foot. Ombre blue and washed-teal tones can be seen across the padded ankle collar and exposed lower heel-brace, while the colour-matched ‘II’ embroidered heel-tab and the playful turquoise-toned insoles pay homage to its gas-lit stimulus.
Mirroring SLS ‘9 Club’ skater Shane O’Neill’s low-burning energy and his quick-footed tempo, the latest Blue Flame Nike SB Shane is designed to deliver the very best in boardfeel and amplified responsiveness. Soft yet durable suede and reinforced canvas-fabric composes the streamlined uppers to maintain its iconic profile, whilst the crisp-white rubber outsole, pre-built Zoom Air Unit and its performance-minded foam sockliner deliver cushioned comfort and full-force impact protection from the get-go. Matching fellow National team member Nyjah Huston’s dark obsidian colourway, these minimalist skate shoes follow in the footsteps of similar styles such as the Nike SB Janoski to deliver a refined sense of character wrapped with all-skate purpose. Perforated decals decorate the dual-function lacing system beneath the earthy ‘Shane’ tongue crest, whilst the shadow and block-tone exterior and interior Swooshes pair neatly with the single miniature Swoosh printed in stark-white across the left-shoe’s padded tongue. Intense shades of ombre blue and teal match the custom ‘Shane O’Neill x Nike SB’ insoles to the padded, cut-down fabric ankle collar, while the design’s iconic semi-translucent outsole crest on the rear signs the design with a certified stamp of approval
Brought forward from its originally scheduled 2021 debut due to rising demand, Nike SB’s Blue Flame collection arrives at Flatspot to join its highly popular Tokyo Rawthentic counterpart. With both instalments inspired by culture, heritage and sporting legacy, Nike once again demonstrates its undying commitment to upholding its Olympic-grade stature.
Shop all Nike SB at Flatspot.
