As breakdancing steps onto the global stage as an official sport in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Nike is set to revolutionize how athletes slide, spin, and freeze with the introduction of the Nike Jam. This innovative sneaker is explicitly designed for the rigors of breakdancing, a sport that demands as much from its performers' footwear as from their bodies. With breakdancing's roots deeply embedded in the dynamic street culture of the '70s, Nike aims to mesh this rich heritage with cutting-edge technology, marking a new era for b-boy and b-girl athletes worldwide.
The Nike Jam, unveiled at the Nike on Air event in Paris, results from extensive research and collaboration with top breakdancers. Developed in the Nike Sports Research Lab (NSRL) over six years, this sneaker is tailored to the unique needs of breakdancing. The design incorporates a versatile mix of mesh for breathability, suede for durability, and leather for a snug fit, ensuring that every move is supported. The standout feature of the Nike Jam is its upside-down Swoosh on the sole unit, a creative nod to the often inverted maneuvers of dancers, which appears right-side-up during headspins and other iconic moves. The foam cushioning is also supported by a drop-in cushioning setup, allowing for a low-to-the-ground feeling.
Two colorways are offered at launch. One pair takes on a clean Black Gum color palette, which nods to the equipment used by DJs and MCs, while the Dark Driftwood represents the cardboard used by breakers.
The Nike Jam is available in the two debut colorways through Nike. Shop below for the two pairs, and look out for the upcoming Futura collaboration in the next few weeks.
Nike Jam Black Gum (W)
Nike Jam Dark Driftwood (W)
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
