Ever since .SWOOSH, Nike’s web3 division, launched its first IRL Air Max sneaker with the pre-order of the Air Max 1 Low Poly; we’ve seen the label work on a handful of different Air Max designs. This included the Low Poly Adventure Tomb Raider colorway, inspired by Lara Croft and the original Tomb Raider video games from the late ‘90s, and the Big Head Origins Air Max 1, taking its color scheme from Donkey Kong. For the newest video game-inspired colorway, .SWOOSH is looking at the classic Nintendo 64 game GoldenEye 007.
Titled Big Head Mode, the pair is inspired by a cheat code found in multiple games, including GoldenEye, Rainbow Six: Vegas, Gears of War 3, and Rise of The Tomb Raider, that made character's proportions equivalent to Donkey Kong characters, enlarging their heads and arms. Occasionally, it can be referred to as DK Mode, the original name given to the cheat in GoldenEye. These first looks at the pair come courtesy of Fortnite’s item shop, as the sneakers are available for in-game use as part of the Kicks program.
The low poly inspiration is present on the upper, similar to the Tomb Raider pair, as we see 8-bit shaded hues on the mesh toebox and jagged, low poly edges on the mudguard, Swoosh, and midfoot panel. Black hues coat most of the suede paneling, while we see a light grey and white used for the base. In a nod to the GoldenEye instruction booklet included with the game, we see a golden hue on the tongue, a mini Swoosh, and a lace set. The Nike Air logos on the tongue and heel finish the sneaker, each with a warped finish.
The .SWOOSH x Nike Air Max 1 Big Head Mode GoldenEye 007 will release in Summer 2025, though exactly how it will be released is a mystery. It could have a standard drop on the SNKRS App similar to the upcoming Big Head Origins colorway or be tied to a .SWOOSH quest like the Tomb Raider pair. Coming in men's sizing, retail is $160. We’ll update you on release info for this pair and more in the sneaker and streetwear world through the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Images via Fortnite
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
