Leo Baker's Genderless Nike SB React Leo Debuts September 15th

Updated on September 12, 2023•Published February 21, 2023

Nike SB has been a leader in creative expression and inclusivity over at The Swoosh for quite some time as those of every creed and color have had the opportunity to create sneakers and colorways that offer more than a cool on-foot look like FroSkate and Why So Sad? in recent memory. Now, one of the team riders for Nike SB - Leo Baker - is getting their own genderless signature silhouette dubbed the Nike SB React Leo.

Leo, one of Nike SBs only transgender skaters, has always used their platform as a professional in the skating world to champion the LGBTQIA community they proudly represent. Aside from their work in the skating world, Leo has also worked in the creative world by starring in a Netflix special “Stay On Board” and working on zines as well as other endeavors in this space. For their first signature sneaker, the goal of the design was simple: "Never compromise." Leo’s silhouette features one of SB’s favorite cushioning systems - React - in the sole unit. As for the upper, we see a combination of leather and suede in a mid-top cut. Nike branding is visible thanks to the Swoosh logo while Leo Baker's name is placed atop the tongue tag and on the insole. Partially hidden is more Leo Baker branding with "Leo" spelled out on the textile portion of the quarter panel. Rubberized overlays along the edge of the sole and upper add to the durability of the sneaker. The five launch colorways, “White Black,” “Cacao Wow,” “Black White,” “Black Electro Orange,” and “White Midnight Navy,” will release throughout 2023.

As part of Nike SB's official announcement, Leo Baker had this to say about the Nike SB React Leo, "I wanted the shoe to be utilitarian with elevated moments and fashion-y vibes but ultimately to be a great skate shoe,” says Leo. “The overlays with the toe cap create three layers, so it takes a long time to wear through. The triple stitching on the toe really helps with the durability. I wanted it to last long but skate well out of the box, so this new vulc-cup combo is perfect for that. It’s everything I could have ever dreamed of in a shoe. I’m really proud of it.” With five launch colorways set, it is clear that Nike Skateboarding is equally excited about the upcoming sneaker.

The Nike SB React Leo will release on September 15th, 2023 through Nike SB skate shops and via Nike online with the “White Black” and “Cacao Wow” colorways. For the holiday season, we’ll see the “Black White,” “Black Electro Orange,” and a premium “White Midnight Navy” release. Following this, spring 2024 will host another two colorways. Coming in traditional Nike SB sizing, the GR versions will retail for $95 while the premium renditions will be priced at $100. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Images via Nike